Kezia Albores

DESCRIPTION //

Decomposing is a part of a growing series of illustrations inspired by the journey of beauty within the cycle of life and death in nature entitled “Decay”.

This artwork not only reflects the fragility and uncertainty in nature but also in human life. The laborious stippled style is reminiscent of the journey taken through life - seemingly random, unpredictable events that in the end, create a life full of purpose and beauty.

I am ever amazed at the fractal based lines and shapes that are repeated throughout all of nature, these same mathematical properties are seen everywhere. To me, this speaks volumes about the world around us.

DESIGN PROCESS //

I first look for my inspiration in nature photography and macro images - I am intrigued by intricate detail and I highlight this detail by magnifying and inflating the subject.

In my “Decay” series I start off creating the basic outline using light graphite on white canvas paper, this may be very quick. Afterwards comes the laborious stippling and filling in black fine liners. The black on white creates a silhouette effect which further suggests the line, shape and pattern, despite there being no lines and having only used a stippled technique. Lastly, I bring my artwork into Adobe Photoshop to refine it.

How would you describe your style?

As an artist and designer born with roots in the technical world I feel I am both a creative and a realist. I think this has resulted in a very particular way of looking at things and expressing myself where I focus on balancing the organized and the apparently chaotic.

What are your influences?

I am inspired by many things around me, foremost, the natural world. In fact I feel there is no greater beauty than that which is found in nature. I was also bought up as an avid reader and gardener and as a child I was always fascinated at the level of detail in both botanical drawings and in stippled drawings in old bibles, classical literature, and old horticulture books. When I got a little older I enjoyed the whimsical, smooth brush strokes of J.M.W. Turner, and the textures and beautiful colours of Claude Monet. I continue to be influenced by many modern artists I follow today.

If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?

A (free range) silkie chicken. These girls are carefree, they live their days taking sand baths in the sun, eating almost half their body weight in food, they can fly - just a little, they’re always up to mischief and I think they are super cute. What’s not to love?

If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

“Blood” by The Middle East. It’s the most hauntingly beautiful song I know.

ILLUSTRATOR | PERTH, WA

AGE | 23

INSTAGRAM | @albores_art FACEBOOK | @Keziaalbores SOCIETY6 | @keziaalbores

TOOLS | Adobe Photoshop, Fineliner