{ Pakayla Rae Biehn
www.youshouldtakecare.com
Double exposure series, Oil and acrylic on canvas. 36” x 25” 2010
Q:What form of art do you specialize in? What is your artistic background? A:I like to fancy myself a renaissance woman. I’m enamored with painting, woodwork, metal arts, sewing and fashion, printmaking, photography, ceramics and neon/illuminated sculpture. I was previously a Mathematics major so most of my work tends to be meticulous, intricate, repetitious and equation based. I prefer to use photograph references for this reason. Photography references allow me to see the end product and then I can easily navigate the image, the equation, and take strategic artistic liberties with it. Q:What medium do you use or prefer? A:I’m unflinchingly faithful to oil and acrylics on canvas. But more recently, I’ve had a love affair with paper installations and wood working/furniture building. Q:Who or what are your inspirations? A:My incredibly graceful and unshakable friends. Gottfried Helnwein. Vegetarianism. My poor vision. Justin Vernon. The lust for living the unlikely life. Eric Fischl. Eva Hesse. A certain tender-hearted wizard man. Without doubt, my ma and paw and their unconditional love. And lastly, Gerhard Richter, eternally and durably.
Q:What do you think of the New Contemporary art movement at the moment? A:I am a great admirer of the new photorealism paintings that are being released into the art world. It really inspirational to see all of the beautiful images that are being created. Although I was not supportive at first, I am beginning to like the integration of technology into art. Still painting and drawing organically, but using technology to aid the process resulting in a clearer theme or intention. Q:What advice would you give to the Next Generation of UK artists that what to succeed in this art genre? A:Never stop working hard to get what you want. You are the only person who can keep your dreams from coming true. Authenticity is key.