Interview with Escapist Karley Feaver

Written by Emma Whitlock

Karley Feaver is a self taught artist living in Auckland, born in New Plymouth.  Karley works across a broad range of disciplines including painting, sculpture and taxidermy. Karley’s works are held in private collections in the UK, Russia and throughout New Zealand.

Her recent project 'Interviews with Escapists' explores escapism, in particular humanity’s relationship to nature and its tendencies towards escapism.  Through a series of interviews, Karley has explored people’s personal experiences and opinions on escapism. Karley has then translated the interviews into bold abstract art works. Each art work tells a story intended to evoke emotions through imagery and through the use of colour.

This latest work will be exhibited at the Depot Artspace Main Gallery from July 10th-July 22nd.  Click here for further details.

Borrowing a question directly from Karley’s own ‘Interviews with Escapists’ research; “what does the word Escapism mean to you?”

When I started this project, this is one of the questions I asked myself.  To me escapism is not defined by the behaviour itself but the motivation behind it.  It is both a negative and positive thing that all humans practise in many different ways.  Escapism can be a healthy form of shaking off the effects of daily stress and retreating to an imaginary world.  However there are also unhealthy forms of escapism and when it starts to affect ourselves, and others, is when people need to re-examine their habits.  I think escapism, in moderation, may actually make us more effective participants in the world ie. if we allow ourselves to take mental breaks that reduce our stress.

I read Yi-Fu Tan’s book on escapism and the part that resonated with me is when he says “there is nothing wrong with escapism as such.  What makes it suspect is the goal, which can be quite unreal.  And what is wrong with the unreal?  Nothing, I would say, so long as it remains a passing mood, a temporary escape, a brief mental experiment with possibility”.

How did the idea for ‘Interviews with Escapists’ materialise?

The idea for this project started more than three years ago when I was going through a tough time in my life.  Through this I started to recognise my own thoughts about escapism.  I started to question how other people view or experience escapism.  Are they aware of their own escapism? Are they addicted to their form of escapism?  Why do we do it and is it practised by everyone?

I wanted to know about other people’s experiences through interviewing them and then to interpret each interview into a piece of art.  I wanted to reflect on their experiences and find out about parts of their lives they don't really share with anyone.  I guess interviewing them was an escape from my world into someone else's.

Since starting the project I have acquired quite a bit of research about escapism and its many forms. My next step is to explore some of the topics associated with escapism, such as consumption and consumerism, and how it affects our lives.

Who did you interview for this project and why?

I interviewed a wide range of individuals from all areas of society in the hope I would get some interesting stories. Some of the people I know personally, some were introduced to me and others were strangers on the street.  These people included a managing director (who has had many hurdles to get through in her life including abuse), two homeless people, a solo stay-at-home mother who was sexually abused as a child, a barrister, an artist, a waitress (who is an ex drug addict), a musician, a banker, and the list goes on.  I have written about each person on my blog and also produced a booklet with the stories, which will be for sale at the exhibition.  I wanted people to be able to read the story behind the painting and not just look at the work and wonder what it meant.

I found it incredibly interesting how open people were with me.  I thought I would find it hard getting useable material but this was not the case.  The people I didn’t know were more open with me than those I know.  Maybe people find it easier talking to a stranger than someone who is close to them?

Can you explain your creative process of turning the interviews into art works?

After I had conducted the interviews I translated the conversations into stories. I focused on key elements that stood out to me for each particular person. I then started to sketch ideas and work on colour combinations. I wanted to focus on the emotion, the feeling and the place the interviewee desires to escape to.  My interpretation looks almost like a fantasy place, a colourful world of apparent happiness, however, sometimes that place is shadowed with darkness.  My use of colour isn’t to confuse the viewer but to embellish the sometimes dark topic and the way it can be interpreted.

Are you inspired by a particular artist or art movement and why?

Because I work in two different mediums – painting and taxidermy - I am inspired by a range of artists. I particularly like Polly Morgan, Takashi Murakami and Fiona Rae.  I have also just discovered Elaine Bradford’s work, which I love to bits. 

In terms of your accomplishments, which do you consider to be most significant?

It depends whether you are talking about my artistic career or my personal life. In my personal life that would have to be leaving a destructive relationship three years ago.  I don’t have any regrets; however leaving someone you have been with for eight years is not easy.  In my artistic career, securing a solo show at the Depot Artspace is pretty amazing. Not all artists get the opportunity to show their work in galleries, so I feel like this is a step in the right direction.

How would you describe your practice? Is it a profession, a passion, a calling?

I would have to say it’s all three of those. I have a massive passion for art and consider it my profession. I wouldn’t be me if I couldn’t be creative in some way or another. I’m always thinking about things to make or paint and constantly writing ideas down in my note pad.

What are your resources, and who is it that keeps you supported?

My resources are my inspiration, knowledge and techniques.  I also make sure I go to gallery openings, artists’ talks and forums to ensure I am up to date with what is happening in the art community.  I have a lot of support from my friends and family  and in particular, my partner who is very supportive, challenges my thinking and always asks me to talk about my art to him.  I find this is good practice for when I need to explain my art to anyone else.

I also have a ’day job‘ which is one of my other resources. I work as an Executive Assistant to a GM of Human Resources.  The job requires me to be very organized. I am lucky they support my art profession and give me time to focus on my art.  There are creative elements to my role but I also love the business side of my job, it helps me translate those skills into my art profession.  It’s great being able to work with others and not be confined to my studio, isolated from human contact.  And it provides another avenue of exposure as I am able to share my art with those I work with.

How do you find the arts scene in NZ; what are its strengths and weaknesses?

I love NZ’s art scene and culture. There are a lot of very passionate followers of art - enthusiasts and collectors - who are supporting us. I have noticed a bigger focus around the emerging artists’ scene too.  There are more forums and opportunities for emerging artists to get recognised and to network with one another.  I think many artists can tend to be quite isolated and a little shy when it comes to networking, I know I am.  I am still quite new to the arts scene, so I couldn’t really comment on any weaknesses just now.  I think you would see a different side to the arts scene as an emerging artist compared to beingrepresented by a dealer gallery. 

What is your vision for your career?

I was taught last year (by the ladies at Artsbiz) that a vision and a five year goal is really important. I’m always tweaking my business plan,, however my vision is to become a known artist within the arts community in Auckland and New Zealand by producing top quality, fine art that is engaging, creative and thought provoking.  I want to keep exploring my ideas, refining them and possibly to collaborate with another artist in the not too distant future