Kayla Anley: An Exploration of Life and Mortality
Kayla Anley’s illustrative, black and white drawings perfectly capture the exquisite fragility of nature. Her delicate line work in combination with stunning contrast allows her woodland subjects to leap off the page, while enticing the viewer to look closer and experience the intimate beauty of the natural world.
How did your creative journey begin?
My creative journey took root in the heart of Oklahoma, a place abundant with natural beauty and wildlife. The landscapes of my upbringing, from the blackberry farm of my family to the expansive horizons of tall grass, nurtured a profound connection to the environment that became the bedrock of my artistic exploration.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
My wellspring of inspiration flows from diverse perspectives that enrich my understanding of the world. Furthermore, my intimate exploration of life and mortality, sparked by personal loss and the revelations found in Caitlin Doughty’s “From Here to Eternity,” fuels the thematic depth of my art.
How has your work evolved over the last few years?
The evolution of my artwork mirrors my journey of growth and understanding. From being an emotional refuge during times of grief, it has blossomed into a dynamic visual narrative that explores the intricate relationships between existence and vulnerability. My creations now resonate with the call for environmental consciousness, highlighting life’s fragility and our shared responsibility to protect it.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you, and how has your art practice grown or changed?
I’m fortunate to have two studio spaces, one in the comfort of my home and the other immersed at Oxley Nature Center where I’m completing an artist residency. If the weather permits, I will go hike the trails at Oxley and take notice to anything that inspires me. My favorite’s are birds, since my residency started in March, I have become an avid bird watcher and enthusiast. I pull out my General’s Charcoal and Mars Lumograph pencils, along with my erasers, sharpener, sandpaper & headphones to start working. Taking the inspiration with me back into the studio from my hike, I start out my drawings with a small gestural sketch to figure out the composition of my next piece. I will do multiple of these sketches before landing on the final composition. I always work on paper, usually when my paper is large I have to fasten my piece to a wood board with clips, tiny pieces of paper and multiple clear tacks, this is how I work on an easel without ripping my paper with tape. Previously, before I had my home & Oxley studios, I created drawings at local coffee shops or while sitting on the living room floor of my mother-in-law’s house. After college, it took us awhile before finding a house of our own.
Which experiences have impacted your work as an artist?
Losing loved ones, my residency at Oxley Nature Center, my friends who have taken the time to teach me what they know about nature and art, my parents & my wife have all shaped me as an artist.
How has social media impacted your work?
Social media has encouraged me to stay consistent with my work, however, if it didn’t exist, I wouldn’t be too upset about it.
How does your medium inform your work?
Charcoal and graphite, beyond being mediums, are conduits for storytelling. The authenticity and rawness of charcoal mirror the elemental forces of nature itself. This medium allows me to depict life and death, growth and decay, in visceral strokes. The monochromatic palette brings forth an intimate connection with my subject matter, beckoning viewers to contemplate our intricate place within the grandeur of the natural world.
Instagram: @kaylaanleyart
Website: https://www.kaylaanleyart.com/