The street art scene as a whole has the amazing ability of attracting artists from different backgrounds and essentially appropriating them into the craft. While not inclusive as such, it does open its doors to artists who like the immediate impact of the streets and whose work has an affinity with the unique and interesting characters who adorn it. Jodee Knowles is one such artist.
While traditionally not a street artist, Knowles work appears in prominent public places, such as The Western Power Street Art Gallery #1 on the corner of Roe and Milligan in Northbridge. Here one of her world weary characters sits wearing a black bunny playsuit, overseeing the bustle of Perth’s entertainment precinct.
Her work belies a melancholia, an abject sadness. There’s a regality in the poise of her characters, an emotional aloofness, but one which their eyes belie. Knowles’ work hints at the turmoil within… and sometimes the turmoil without. It also smacks with fashion and stance.
It’s a style which has proven popular by art collectors and pop stars alike. In fact, Pink has several of Knowles’ work and they feature in the background of her Please Don’t Leave Me film clip. It’s success such as this which makes Knowles work so popular, it’s drama and intrigue taking on a whole new level of meaning once transferred to the cold hard streets of our city.
How long have you been doing art for? Over six years now.
How did Stormie help your career along? I worked at Magenta, an awesome PR and Marketing firm and he happened to be the director there which was a coincidence as I had been a massive fan for some time. I showed him my art and an opportunity came up where he was curating an Australian exhibition in America. He asked if I would be part of it. That was the highlight of my life! He took me to LA for a group show and asked me to paint a large mural in the gallery. I was SO scared but once completed I was overwhelmed with the endless possibilities of self. And on my return I immersed myself into art and made the decision to do this as a full time practice. Stormie helped me so much!
What’s your primary tool for creating art? Ink and the trusty BIC pens. I use water colour a lot now in my new works and Copex markers too. But my main weapon is definitely ink on paper or board.
Can you describe your style? My new collection entitled ‘In the World of Things Without Weight’ the style has matured from quirky character work to more abstract portraits with lots of symbolism. My style is dark and very much portrait work now.
What are your characters involved in / doing in your pictures? My works are a result of my own existence, where extreme experiences, fear and obsession collide. I am always hungry for emotional experience and am addicted to the chaotic environment of them. Each work represents and displays my connection with individuals who are involved in my life emotionally, and whose existence causes me to constantly question my own.
What do you think of the street art scene here in Perth? It’s getting bigger and better, I see new murals going up daily and its making Perth a more inspiring place. Last Chance Studios really shows Perth’s street talent, they are all talented and have a great work ethic. Same with Keith and Lottie, they are always trying to move forward within Perth and push its narrow boundaries.
Jodee Knowles will be appearing at Friends of Leon Gallery in Surry Hills from February 25 until March 18 with her solo exhibition In The World of Things Without Weight. Works can be viewed online at www.friendsofleon.com.
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
