ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE
VIVIEN KISS
SELF-TAUGHT AND PASSIONATE ABOUT THE ART OF REALISM AND PERSONAL PORTRAITS , VIVIEN KISS CREATES EYE-CATCHING DRAWINGS THAT CLEVERLY SPARK EMOTION AND INTRIGUE WITH EVERY TOUCHING DETAIL .
Vivien , tell us a little bit about your artist journey and background . I am a self-taught artist and have been drawing since I was a kid . Remembering back to my childhood , my mum and I spent so much time together , drawing and painting . When I started primary school , one of my subjects was art . My teacher spotted that I had an eye for drawing and she entered me to many art competitions , sometimes without me knowing it , which is how my journey started .
I had a couple of years in my early 20s where I hadn ’ t drawn for years but I started drawing again in 2019 . I always wanted to learn realism , which is what I am focusing on now . I kept thinking of how to reach the next level and something happened overnight with my drawing improving hugely . Since then , I have been focusing more on realism and am still in the process of learning new techniques to be able to reach the highest level possible ; for me , drawing is a type of meditation .
Please tell us about the process behind creating a piece . Before I start a new piece , I need inspiration and I must relate to it emotionally . Once I have my inspiration , I get a reference photo of it before planning which shades , technique and tools I will be using . The next step is to create the piece , some of which can take me up to 50 hours . Some pieces will take me months as I must have peace in my soul and balance in my life before I begin to draw . If this part is missing , it ruins my art . Detailing is my favourite part through the
whole process . I mostly use charcoal and graphite . Once the artwork is done , I reflect . I reflect on how the journey was , what I have learned , how it has affected me emotionally and what I would do differently in my next project .
You certainly depict the beauty of people in your work ; why are you so inspired by others in this way ? I am amazed and emotionally moved by people . I am absolutely obsessed with the ability the human body has . The way we move , the way we express , how just one look or a pose tells a story . My artworks show struggles , pureness , strength and the beauty of people . There is no limit .
Do you think Kent has inspired your work at all ? Since moving from London to Kent I have become more peaceful . Kent has brought peace to my soul . I have met and I am meeting with beautiful people daily - and that inspires me .
Anything else you would like our readers to know ? Anyone can learn to draw with enough practice and patience .
Where can we find and purchase your work ? I use social media sites Instagram and TikTok to share my artwork and techniques ! My social handle is @ artbyvivii , so you can follow me there .
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