Kendra Miskolczi - Artist Interview
April 2021
' My favourite part is when you're not sure
how a painting is working out, you just trust
in the process enough to keep working away at it
and the moment it starts to take shape, is a great feeling.'
~ Kendra Miskolczi
Q: Please tell us a bit about yourself. Anything you'd like to share, perhaps where you live, where you were born?
A: I was born and raised around Grande Prairie. It is home and I love the community of people here. Other than that, I've lived in Calgary for two years during the fall and winter to finish my degree in painting in 2017. I have a dog named Tobi, who makes an excellent studio assistant.
Q: When did you first realize that you enjoyed creating art? Is there a particular person who supported your decision to pursue your goals? If so, in what way did you feel supported?
A: Since I was quite young. I've always liked drawing and making things. I remember drawing and painting with my mom and brothers at the kitchen table when we were younger. Just on paper or once in awhile a ceramic house for something fun to do. Also, my grandma was probably pretty influential. We’d spend part of the summer with her in Saskatchewan as kids, she did a lot of painting on stones for people and we’d often get to paint rocks with her too.
Later on, I’d have to say my instructors and many classmates at GPRC and ACAD. The most being, Tina Martel. She has always been a huge supporter of her students. I’ve always appreciated her guidance and encouragement over the years. Sure many of these peoples influence have stuck with me as “voices” in my art process.
Q: What is your motivation for creating art?
A: The process of creating and reflecting on my subject. My favourite part is when you're not sure how a painting is working out, you just trust in the process enough to keep working away at it and the moments it starts to take shape is a great feeling.
Q: Do you have a favorite medium and if so, why?
A: Yes! Acrylic paint on canvas or panel. I like to work on paper too but it can be more difficult to frame, so I try to just use it for studies. I love the process of working with colors, mixing them up. Really enjoy trying to capture my subjects likeness while still keeping some of the qualities of the medium. Acrylic paint also drys a lot quicker than oils, allowing one to achieve more in a period of time and there’s always acrylic mediums you can mix in if you want to affect that too. I still enjoy experimenting with other mediums, but so far I’ve always come back to acrylic as my favourite.
I also consider keeping a sketchbook as a sort of medium, one I use collect thoughts, ideas, andsketches so they don’t float away so easy. I like that It’s form, and way it used can change from person to person. I usually prefer a book but at times it has even just been loose pieces of paper taped to the studio wall.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about some of your artworks and what they mean to you?
Allsorts
16x16 inches
Acrylic on paper.
- one of my first candy paintings, and what got me started in the direction my current work.
The assortment of colors in this piece ive found very inspiring.
I’ve also found that candy is a pretty accessible subject and I’ve enjoyed hearing the different way people have made their own connections to it.
Integration
36 x 36inches
Acrylic on canvas. - my newest of my candy paintings.
With this painting I feel I was able to tie together some of my reflections, on the psychological aspects of candy, and some of its history.
It’s been fun to paint too.
Q: When you create art do you listen to calming music, are you thinking of anything in particular or have any emotions at all?
A: I’m always listen to music when making art. I find I’m more productive/ less distracted that way. I’ve got a playlist of songs I turn on. Its comprised of country, pop and rock songs, most have a fair bit of energy in them. I try to channel a positive, you can do it attitude when working.
Q: In our busy world, time can be an issue. Do you have any tips or tricks to find time for your art?
A: I try my best to make time when I can. Sometimes this means some late nights or waking up earlier to do it, but I do believe if you consciously choose to make it a priority, it’s more likely you’ll find the time.
There’s days where working on my art is not the first thing I want to do, but I know I need too. So even if it’s just for a little bit, like 20 minutes, I feel a lot better about it and end up working on it longer than I originally planned.
Q: Is creating art your main profession?
A: No. I work full time at a local automotive parts store in town. I do really enjoy it, it keeps me busy and the people there are pretty great.
The way I work in studio, I don’t think I’d be as productive or focused if art was my full time career but who knows maybe one day.
Q: Can you tell us about any awards or exhibitions that have made an impact on your life?
A: Currently part of a Independent class at GPRC that has a show up at the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie. So far covid regulations have affected the gallery being open to the public. However, we had a great opportunity to work with the gallery staff to hang our work and learn more about the installation process of a exhibitions. It was a great experience.
I just got accepted into an upcoming show in Vancouver in June with the Federation of Canadian Artists. It’ll be my first show with the Federation since joining and I’m really looking forward to it.
Q: Do you have any major goals for your art career?
A: The biggest being I want to keep pushing myself to make and exhibit my art. I’d like to keep improving my technical skills and working on my concepts. I also want to make more time to experiment and play in other mediums.
Q: What inspires you to be the best artist that you can be?
A: hmmm. The medium I’m using challenges me to do my best, when working from life. Especially realistic painting from still-life’s. There’s already a likeness that the painting wants to resemble in front of you, and it’s having a conversation with you while you try to capture it.
All my other art peeps! I’m grateful to be surrounded by so many amazing artists and friends following their own passions, art related and not. It’s inspiring to see people working towards their goals and doing the things they love.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about your art journey or inspiration so far to inspire others?
A: Do your best, be your silly weird self and have fun with it.
Thank you so much Kendra for sharing your journey with us!