The prodigiously talented, Bay The Artist, delves deep into her inner psyche and Polynesian heritage to deliver artworks consisting of delicate lines and vibrant colours leaving a long lasting impression. Find out more about her artistry and influence in COLLAGE’S latest Artist Spotlight.
Q: Hello! Can you please tell us a bit about yourself?
A: I’m a contemporary artist living in Adelaide, and I like to use visual art as a means of expression. Some people like to ‘talk things out’; I like to paint it out.
Q: Who are you inspired by? What inspires your art?
A: I’m inspired by people’s minds, what makes them tick and why. Of course personal experience is a big influence too. My current series “Mind Maps” is inspired by my own dealings with mental health and the influence of my Polynesian heritage.
Q: Do you have a preferred medium?
A: I love working with acrylic paints. I like the way they feel on my hands when I paint and the way the colours move and interact with one another when applied.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Entirely abstract, my works can be displayed hanging from any direction as there is no top or bottom. I leave that decision up to the viewer. The forms are very organic and I try to fill the negative spaces with strong contrasting colours so there is no focal point.
Q: Can you please describe your artistic and creative process i.e.: from lingering idea to putting it onto canvas or paper?
A: It takes me a while to start and when I do it’s kind of like a snow ball effect. I’m terrible at expressing my emotions and I bottle them up quite tightly. When I decide to open that bottle everything pours out and into whatever is in front of me. I paint with my bare hands and love the feel of the paint and seeing each individual colour grow into something brand new right in front of me. The line work I do is very therapeutic and is an important part of the process for me. In a sense I am mapping the forms and trying to navigate my way through the emotion that created them.
Q: Where do you see your art practice taking you in the next five years?
A: If I continue my practice it will take me deeper into my mind. Who knows what could be lurking in the dark depths of my imagination. I’d like to find out. I think.
Bay The Artist’s recommended artist, Clara Fialho
Q: If you could recommend one artist, who would it be?
A: I would say Clara Fialho, who I’ve recently discovered. Her works seem to project a certain calm yet curious atmosphere that I really enjoy.
Q: What is your favourite gallery?
A: I love going to the Tate Modern. It’s a multi-sensory experience of old and new art to be challenged and appreciated.
Bay The Artist’s Instagram page
Q: Where can we find more of your work?
A: Instagram! And i have a website!
Q: What was the last album you listened to?
A: Blackstar by David Bowie.RIP.
-Masya Zabidi
You can see more of her work at The Metro, Unley
Collage 
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