Karlee Mong
Artist Statement
My art comes from my experiences and what I enjoy as an individual, there is a mix of cute and fun work, along with more conceptual pieces that dig deeper into complex concepts. I have been connected with food and animals since I was young and wanted to draw them, but I didn't know how to draw animals in a realistic rendering, so I avoided it until my third year of my BFA. Looking back at my previous work, I was taught only to draw in a certain way and steered away from cute or anime style. Now that I am older and want to fulfill my younger self's dreams, I began drawing in a cuter style by using softer colours and edges for my stickers.
Growing up, I was inspired by all the Ghibli films and animes I watched, and I continue to rewatch them to bring back inspiration for newer work. Music plays a big role in what I decide to create. My playlist is huge with various genres and some people may find it funny, but it helps me get into my creative zone.
I think it is important for me that other Asian artists and individuals can relate to my work or connect with it. Their experience may not be like mine, but I hope my work can impact them. I did not grow up around others like me, and I struggled with my Asian identity, so creating work that explores my culture and background gives me hope and strength in myself and hopefully for someone else.
Creator’s Club
What kind of art do you create?
I mainly create digital art now since I got my iPad during the pandemic, but I still enjoy making traditional pieces with acrylic and graphite. I recently started producing stickers and prints and selling them within the city and through student markets at the University.
How did you get started in your artistic journey?
It's kind of a funny story: my mom put me into piano and art lessons simultaneously because I couldn't sit still as a child. It was hard for me to focus in class, and sometimes, I would get up in the middle of class to bother my friends. I attended both classes every week, and I wouldn't listen to my piano teacher. I hated having someone sit beside me all the time. I wanted to have freedom, freedom to express myself without any constraints. So, in the end, I quit piano lessons and decided to colour away. My art teachers and grandpa were my mentors and supported me through the beginning stages of my artistic journey. And here I am, pursuing my creative career while my piano collects dust in my parent's living room—sorry Mom.
Describe how your art reflects your Asian Identity.
Creating pieces that reflect my childhood and current life shows my Asian identity the most. I use food imagery in many of my works because that was how my family showed me love, while food can bring people together. I also enjoy creating portraiture because I feel there is a lack of Asian representation in the art world, specifically in Western culture.
How did you develop your creative identity?
My grandpa and dad made a significant impact on my creative identity. Both had a background in photography and let me play with the camera as a child; even during summer camps, I would ask to use the camera to “help” capture moments during our field trips. I started drawing “anime style” throughout junior high because that was what I grew up watching, but it was frowned upon in art academia. I changed my “style” by focusing on traditional artworks until my last year of my BFA, where I could research and create anything.
What is one piece of creative advice you’d like to share?
It’s okay to feel like you're not creative or “good” enough, comparing yourself with other creatives is easier said than done, but you are in your own way and it will shine through. Everyone’s styles and progress differ, and even if you think nobody notices, the ones who care and support you will.
About the Artist
My art comes from my experiences and what I enjoy as an individual, there is a mix of cute and fun work, along with more conceptual pieces that dig deeper into complex concepts. I have been connected with food and animals since I was young and wanted to draw them, but I didn't know how to draw animals in a realistic rendering, so I avoided it until my third year of my BFA. Looking back at my previous work, I was taught only to draw in a certain way and steered away from cute or anime style. Now that I am older and want to fulfill my younger self's dreams, I began drawing in a cuter style by using softer colours and edges for my stickers.
Growing up, I was inspired by all the Ghibli films and animes I watched, and I continue to rewatch them to bring back inspiration for newer work. Music plays a big role in what I decide to create. My playlist is huge with various genres and some people may find it funny, but it helps me get into my creative zone.
I think it is important for me that other Asian artists and individuals can relate to my work or connect with it. Their experience may not be like mine, but I hope my work can impact them. I did not grow up around others like me, and I struggled with my Asian identity, so creating work that explores my culture and background gives me hope and strength in myself and hopefully for someone else.
Contact
Instagram: @kmongart