The following is the complete transcript of my correspondence with Katerina Valentine, an artist from Australia who wrote to me to ask to be featured on my blog. The convo started over e-mail and moved to Instant Messenger.

See Katerina’s site – click here

KV: Hello Sean,
I’m a freelancing artist and designer located in Sydney, Australia & I came across your site and simply love what you’re doing!
I was wondering if you would be interested in featuring my work or perhaps a short interview?
Below is my link for you to have a look at
www.katerinavalentine.com
Look forward to hearing from you.
KATERINA VALENTINE

SW: Looks awesome!  You wanna do a little introductory Q&A?

KV: I would love to –  that would be fabulous!!

SW: I’m trying to get motivated about coming up with questions but I think we might to better with the spontaneity of a ‘live’ interview over MSN or Skype.  Do you use either of those?

KV: Yes I am true believer of MSN! haha
Name the time and we will work something out!!!

SW: Look for me, I’m (withheld). I’ll leave it open. Come find me!

KV: Well hello Sir Ward!! Great to be in touch!

SW: For Sure, likewise. So are you down to do this right now?

KV: Yeah for sure!

SW: Awesome.

KV: <:o)

SW: Hell Yeah! So first thing’s first: Tell us who you are and what you do. Introduce yourself!

KV: Okay – As you know, Im Katerina Valentine and im a designer and artist based here in Sydney, Australia. I am a jack of all trades – I have been working on a lot of illustration at the moment – working on a series. And I tend to do squiggles on the outside of almost every drawing – what reason i dont know….my hand has a mind of its own!!! arggh! hahaha

SW: What kind of series?

KV: Its a bit of a mish-mash – Influentual icons, wether it be Madonna or a gorgeous old school image of my aunty dressed to the nines! No matter what image, they all have this squiggle i mentioned – perhaps the squiggle is the electrifying aurora of magnificent which ties them together – its a work in progress. haha

SW: I dig it. That’s awesome.

KV: oh thanks!!
I love that

SW: that’s kind of how I draw my cartoons. The thicker outer lines are more like shapes, filled in black, you know what I mean?

KV: Yes totally! Your drawings are really something!

SW: It’s like when I’m drawing it, the effect of drawing the two sets of lines to make that shape is like what you’re talking about.

KV: yes its not a conscious thought! its a process of movement almost.

SW: So Where you think you got your style from? What have been some big life influences?

KV: When it comes to illustration, to be honest I couldn’t pin point one artist that I draw inspiration from, no pun intended. However, there is one artist that when i first ever started drawing that id check out constantly.

SW: And who is that?

KV: This artist Sam, who runs a website called explodingdog.com

SW: I’m looking right now.

KV: i just loved his use of wording as well. All these witty and cynical phrases that would tie in so well with his lanky stick like figures. I havent looked at that site in a couple of years now!!! hahaa see i get trapped in my own world!

SW: For people reading this, the concept is that people send him titles. and he draws based on those suggestions. It’s great stuff.

KV: yeah i love the concept.

SW: One of those ideas I wish I’d have thought of first. I love drawing stuff unique to the person like that.

KV: personalised art!! haha

SW: It’s funny that you mention that site, since his and your styles are quite different.

KV: Yes I know! I was going to say, I used to draw little weedy yet very cute type figures. i have one on my website called cpu overload

SW: Oh yes, I’ve seen that. That’s in your older style?

KV: Yeah, I have books full of these people
haha
even little avacado people
hahaha

SW: I keep coming back to your drawing of the two pink zebras.

KV: ohh really? they are lovers!

KV: different from the rest of the zebras. they are pink. You know when you’re in love and you are the power couple and every other couple sucks??? Yeah well those zebras are the power couple! hahaha

SW: oh wicked. Have you ever been in the power couple?

KV: Of course. When you’re in love you rule the world!!

SW: We’ve friended each other on Facebook and you look like your fashion sense is kind of like mine. Are you into 60s and Retro stuff?

KV: I love nothing more than a slick mod dress and a tight beehive and bangs.

SW: OK, we’re singing the same song then.

KV: I am obsessed with the PSA flight attendents uniforms from the 60/70s
you know the ones??
pink/red/orange – clash of the amazing colours!~!

SW: I didn’t know about it until you told me… I’m on the other side of the world from you!

KV: its an American airline Sean!
hahaha

SW: Whatevs! I saw Pacific and immediately thought Asia.
I swear I’m not prejudiced.

KV: hahahaha!!!
love it
oh and one of my favourites pieces is “love” by Robert Indiana!

SW: Anyways, the point I was making was that they look like Marmalade dresses.
Marmalade is an awesome fashion line from Canada.

KV: Oh really!! ill have to check that out

SW: http://www.marmalade-shop.com/

KV: I was wanting to try and make my own!
PSA dress that is!

SW: I googled it just to get the link and what do I see? Magda’s got a whole new line. Good news for the ladies.

KV: oh fabulous!!

SW: And good news for the men looking at those ladies,

KV: haha Ohh la la love it!
Oh my! these dresses are V cute!!!
i hope the deliver to Australia!

SW: Hell yeah.
So what about the 60s style do you think filtered down into your art?

KV: Definately I would say the use of certain colours that could go against “the book”
I have a piece “lucy loves gum” which isnt currntly online, however ive used this bubblegum blue with a red and then a soft pink
I could imagine that combo on a flight attendants dress!!!
i think as well as filtering down into my work, im a strong believer in walking in it too. Almost like self promotion even when your walking to get a coffee.
its also something that just is part of your lifestyle when you are so into what you do. I never even have to think twice about putting on liquid eyeliner or lipstick when I step outside the house! haha

SW: Did you see my gum-themed piece from a little bit ago?

KV: oh no i didnt!

SW: http://www.seanward.net/1831-abc-gum

KV: ABC gum! Love it!

SW: Thank you!

KV: i love that skyline view as your background by the way! haha

SW: Thank you. I took that photo myself from the Griffith Observatory, looking out over Los Angeles.

KV: wow it looks amazing. I cant wait to come to LA

SW: LA is bad ass. You’ve got to check it out.

KV: I’m hoping to next year someime!
http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y128/Lucy0/?action=view&current=lucysgum.jpg

SW: Was that link the gum piece of yours that you were talking about?

KV: yes!!
Can you see or is it private? oops!

SW: I see a real progression in your style from then to now.

KV: I like that it has evolved. I can say my style of work is very different to say that of 4 or 5 years ago. And I like that. I would get bored if everything stayed the same!!

SW: Your style now is more of a hand-done thing, but still can tell that it’s the same mind at work.

KV: oh really, thank you

SW: Stylistically you take a lot from that Retro Space Age style, but what about philosophically?
Tell us about your philosophy of art.

KV: I believe in creating what it is thats current in my space. my space being events, people, life in general. And never ever ever to listen to anyone. If someone says i hate that, I take it as a compliment.
Because afterall, art is about creating a reaction
its like the band i used to be in
We were very loud and noisy and a lot of people couldnt handle the squeels!! – We just loved that we were getting a reaction to what we did. People talk wether its good or bad! And thats got to be good for promo haha
I believe in creating what is current in my space
not to be confused with the network MySpace hahaha

SW: Oh yeah, you’ve got to get people talking. That’s Step One! But do you think that it’s enough to get them talking no matter what it’s about? Or do you want them to talk about something particular?

KV: I think its good to have a balance. Of course it’s always good to have more positive than negative.
People can talk about anything they like!!! Freedom of speech!! Because i know i myself have a lot to say – very opinionated! haha
So how is it in LA today?

SW: Awesome. I had a big day today. Two successes and a big idea, all today. It was pretty kick-ass. Plus I had lunch with a friend from back home in Toronto, Canada who I only get to see here cuz she moved here like two years ago.

KV: oh that must be nice!!! Lovely!

SW: So what’s next for you? What’s coming down the pike?
By the way, I’m totally surfing all your Facebook pics while we’re chatting here. You look like you guys do it right in Sydney.

KV: Well, in the coming week I start doing some intern work for Stupidkrap! which is an artist-run website here in Sydney that promotes underground artists. I also have a few projects in the works that I’m excited about. I’m really focused on having an exhibition next year.

SW: You should have an exhibition in Los Angeles.

KV: You know what?

SW: what?

KV: i think you just blew my mind

SW: I do that.

KV: hahah
i never thought of that…

SW: Or have an exhibition in Toronto.
Toronto’s poppin’.

SW: What is the art and design scene like there?

SW: it’s poppin’.

KV: bangin’
i like to try and pop n lock
ahahah

SW: So how about you make a video of you pop lockin’, post it to youtube, and I’ll blog it with this interview?

KV: hahahaha!!!!
Oh my!!!!

SW: I really like the early-20s kids in Toronto right now, the 20-22 year olds who are taking the scene over the last two years or so and made everything colorful. People hate on ‘em, but I think they’re great. Not the hipsters, mind you. I’m talking about the stylish artsy kids.

KV: I dont like the haters!

SW: A lot of them used to buy comic books from me on the street back on the day when they were teenagers and it’s fun to see the kind of people they’ve grown up into.

KV: how much would you sell your comic for?

SW: Comics are anywhere from $5 up to $20 or more.
You like the pop lockin’ idea?

KV: I need to master the art of pop
ahaha
yes i love it!!

KV: i used to dance for yearsssss

SW: Well let’s see something!

KV: When i master it i will show you hahaha
for now, I am more than happy to give you some imagery haha

SW: Wicked. I’m sure all of the readers would love to see that.
So what pictures should I include with this interview when I blog it?

KV: Can I have a look tonight and send some through to you? is that cool?

SW: Sure.

KV: Will you be editing this?

SW: Yes, I’ll do some minor edits as far as typos or that kind of thing. But otherwise I’m just going to post the whole thing.

KV: hahah ok!! Are you able to fix up that edit section? haha!!

SW: fo sho.

KV: you are fabulous!

SW: Well thank you! You know what it is?
I reach for the top. I dare to dream.

KV: Dare to dreammmm *sings into the night*
How many pics would you like?

SW: one hundred forty two.

KV: dammm, one more than i had intended,,,

SW: Actually just send me all of them. whatever you’ve got.
I’ll use it all.

KV: ok great!
I’ll get them off to you by tonight

SW: What time is it right now where you are? In Los Angeles, it’s coming up on two in the morning.

KV: oh really.
Its almost 9pm here

SW: So I should be getting those pictures soon, then.
Since it’s already tonight.

KV: hahah yes – you see we work on a caffeine and no sleep schedule here
ahha
you will have to visit!!

SW: I dig it. I do those sometimes.

KV: What will we do in Sydney Australia? What adventures would you take me on? If you had one night to show me YOUR Sydney, tell me how the night would go.

KV: There is SO much to do. I would create a smorgasboard of activities!!!
hahaha
ok so….

SW: surely you’ve got favorites.

KV: We would go to an art opening or two around Surry Hills, then off to a bar where we would have only the finest of wines and cocktails….

KV: mmm hmmm, sounds like a good start….

SW: then off to see some bands play down Oxford Street

KV: this is a typical night in Sydney….
Usually there are gigs that wont break your bank..at all – and everyone loves that!
And because you would be a tourist – I would of course have to take you to the Harbour! hahaha everyone loves that! I never get tired of it to be honest. Its what I love about this city, and what seperates it from the others. A huge sense of tranquillity! And thats such an awesome thing to have in such a busy city

SW: Oh yeah, totally. The dudes that I’m kickin’ it with in LA, it seems like all they go to is parties sponsored by movie companies and magazines where the drinks are free. Good people to know, that’s for sure!

KV: Oh love that. Drinks are usually free at the gallery openings here..
A lot of people just go in, get what they can, and get out..
haha!!

SW: That’s a big perk of being down with the art world, that’s for sure!

KV: haha
*turns up depeche Mode*

SW: HAHA….

KV: HEY! they are my favourite!!!!!
haha

SW: Are you down with hip hop?

KV: hell yes

SW: Who are your favorite rappers?

KV: i love it. i love old school kids like NWA, Public Enemy, Ice T, Beastie boys and then the likes of body Count which was Ice T’s punk band!!! Theyre craaazy
*turns up cop killer*
ahaha
I really like snoop too!

SW: I love Snoop. No one’s had a career like his.

KV: he has been at the top for such a long time
And his hair is always shiny
haha

SW: So before wrap up here, I’m going to ask you a series of rapid fire, either/or questions. Are you down?

KV: yeh totally!

SW: Ok, here we go
Coke or Pepsi?

KV: Coke
one of my favourite logos ever

SW: Beatles or elvis?

KV: AH both!!!

SW: no both!

KV: ok Elvis because he is always looking amazing
ahaha
razzle dazzle
y’knoooowww

SW: I totally thought you were gonna say Beatles.

KV: Well Elvis is outrageous – i love that
i mean c’mon, diamon-encrusted suits….
ahaha

SW: pinball or video games?

KV: video games!!!

SW: Betty or Veronica?

KV: Veronica
rolls off the tongue
haha

SW: black must not be your natural color.

KV: hahah what…..do…..you……mean………………..

KV: dark haired girls always say Betty, and light haired girls always say Veronica.
Works for Supergirl and Wonder Woman, too

SW: ahh see, i would definately choose Wonder Woman

SW: Star Wars or Star Trek?

KV: Star wars please!
ahh I am a typical libran! – i was going to say, “but i love star trek uniform”

SW: But the new Star Trek was rad, and Star Wars kind of got ruined by the overzealous wing of the geek conference

KV: i never saw the new Star Trek

SW: Well to hell with it then.

KV: to hell!!

SW: Mickey Mouse or Bugs bunny?

KV: Mickey mouse!
minnie mouse – what a cuuutttiieee

SW: Boxers or Briefs?

KV: briefs!! hahahahaaaaaaa
Euro!
love it

SW: Captain Kirk or Captain Picard?

KV: Captain Picard
wait, who is Picard? haha

SW: Picard is The Next Generation

KV: Oh my.

SW: Final question -
Liquor or Beer?

KV: ohhhh suspense!
liquor
lots more to choose from!

SW: nice!

KV: unlike beer it has a nice taste…
haha

SW: Wicked.

KV: yay!

SW: Well that was some fun getting to know you.

KV: Likewise!!

SW: Any last message for the children?

KV: Stay in school!!!!!!
*turns up ice T*

SW: perfect.

KV: magnifique!

SW: So I’ll email you or get you on Facebook when I post this. Sound good?

KV: Sounds fab!!! And i’ll send through some imagery very soon!

SW: Perfect. Talk to you soon!

KV: Yes thank you again! x

SW: No… thank you.

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Tags: artist, interview, link