ABOUT ME- THE ARTIST/PARADOX
Hey,
I’m Ang Kernick a Ballarat (Aussie) based Multidisciplinary Artist & Surface Designer and the face behind the trading name: Antayjo Art. (Although it is sometimes obscured as I am torn between wanting to be seen and hiding away.)
This is evident in the reoccurring themes in my artwork (Masking: fans & other objects obscuring faces, eyes representing perception, duality, contrasted with statement patterned clothing that stands out & flowers signifying growth) and is just one of the reasons I have always referred to myself as “…basically a paradox.” even prior to being late diagnosed Autistic & Combined ADHD. I always knew exactly who I was but because it was so contradictory at times I questioned my own authenticity.
You could say I am obsessed with details in both life and in my art with them being central to everything and anything creative that I explore, which is why my multidisciplinary approach has become more about mixin’ up media. Adding as many details as I can is therapeutic: a way to regulate (Art & Design for me is an escape from the circus that is my brain so when I am hyper focused on being creative I feel somewhat peaceful/in a zone & it is one of the only times in life when I am not overthinking) as well as representative of me in that you can hide your perceived flaws when there is a lot going on to distract the eye as well as being symbolic of being a complex individual. Overall the subjects I dedicate time to are those I can literally draw the most detail out of, whatever that may be.
I work across- drawing, painting, collage, embroidery, appliqué & digital design often linking my surface design back to my artworks in the form of fabric embellishments.
I am also a lover of fashion and share this part of me through my work in various ways. (literally creating artwork that is fashion themed and often depicting the me I would like to present as more of the time.) I design patterns that can be used on fashion and more, OOAK DIY as well as artwork with deeper feelings (as noted above) linked to the themes of self expression, authenticity, Identity & admiration.
Although this is where I find myself now, I didn’t follow an art path early on in life despite dreaming of it: waking up early to draw cartoons from the tv as a kid, & drawing directly onto my Levi 501’s as a teen. At that time “art” was not a career choice, which meant I left it behind and substituted fashion as a way to understand myself, be creative & have a voice, donning slogan t’s like it was nobodies business.
Then…..I had my own kids & seeing their love for art grow (and telling them that they could be artists when they grew up) I realised I could have been an artist too and that I didn’t have to leave it behind.
I created a tagline for my work right there and then without putting much thought into it….(how contradictory, a paradox I tell you! Ha, ha)
“Uniquely detailed art to quirk up your life”
and this must have been me giving myself permission to embrace my true self before I ever felt like I could. I hope my art awakens that in you too!
Since I found my way back to art I am proud to say that although there have been lots of ups and downs and I still have lots of big dreams to achieve I have so far loved:
NOTE- You can read more about these across various dedicated pages on my website.
To the here and now:
I am almost definitely being a little bit Woo, Woo and 100% delulu trying to workout how a barely known, Non Archibald prize winning artist & surface designer (me) could get a gig collaborating with “Romance was Born.” (I will be shouting from the rooftops if this dream ever comes true and will keep you all updated!) X
A FEW MORE THINGS ABOUT ME- (If I still have your attention.)