I caught up with LA based artist Adrianna Kinal who has a background in fashion. She talks about how her life in fashion influences her art

Tell us how you came to be an artist.

I live and work in the greater Los Angeles area and I became an artist through a series of events - definitely not planned! I have a degree in Fashion Design, and my original career choice was to work in the apparel industry as a designer. But instead, my journey into art started to form around 2011. I worked as a social media creator at an LA clothing company called Scrapbook Originals. It was the early days of the social media boom, and I was curious about starting a personal blog showcasing the latest fashion trends. To differentiate myself from other bloggers, I digitally created collaged characters wearing the newest bag, shoes, jewelry, etc. They essentially became part graphic design, part digital collaged artsy fashion characters. Whenever I posted them, people messaged me, asking if I would create custom ones. It led me to commercial work for fashion brands as well as a couple of books.

Around 2017 I started exploring painting and using techniques I learned from working in the fashion industry and employing hand embroideries, screen printing, appliqués, and beading into my portraits. For the past few years, I've accepted both private and commercial commissions as well as an art licensing deal with an NYC-based clothing company called Proof of Concept.

What are you working on at the moment?

Currently, I'm working on my first body of work based on beauty.

During quarantine, I came across a fascinating book (Max Factor and Hollywood a Glamourous History by Erika Thomas) on makeup artist Max Factor. He arrived in Hollywood in 1906 as a wigmaker and quickly gained prominence as the makeup artist to the stars. Single handly changed young actresses into glamourous movie stars with his innovative products and unique beauty techniques. Max Factor's story inspired me to create my latest series.

It's been nearly 100 years since the invention of modern-day cosmetics. Not only have makeup products evolved, but so have beauty standards. Through my work, I'm exploring what modern beauty is.

Can you elaborate on your process?

My process starts with research. I spend days, sometimes weeks, deep-diving into a topic. For my current series, part of my research is looking out for the latest makeup trends and techniques, celebrity makeup artists, and cosmetics. The most exciting part is experimenting with new beauty products! Each time a package arrives, it's super thrilling to see the latest colors and textures. I get excited by the colors and finishes of makeup—the vibrant shades of lipstick, the iridescent eyeshadows palettes, or the high-shine surface of lipgloss. Meantime my husband Gary keeps asking why there are so many beauty brand charges on the credit card - he wants to know where I'm going! Haha.

A new technique in my work is using makeup as a painting medium. It's been fascinating figuring out the different processes of applying lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushes and sealing in the colors while preserving the finish. I'm using mixed media such as photography that I sublimate on fabric or print on paper. I also paint with acrylics and embellish with textural elements.

I started the series by painting iconic movie stars from the Hollywood Golden Era who were the original beauty influencers. Throughout the series, I will also paint current beauty influencers, to show how beauty standards have shifted. The series tagline is "From the Silver Screen to the Digital Screen".

I usually paint two or three portraits at a time, which gives me the time and space to go back and forth with a fresh eye.

How has your work evolved?

My work has evolved from digital collage to physical artwork. I've developed a signature look that is very much my own. The white cut-out outline around my work is a nod to when I would digitally "cut-out" my subjects from different photographs. My latest artwork now consists of collaged mixed media, including photography, paint, and hand-created textures.

Do you have a favourite quote?

I recently came across a quote that resonated with me because I'm such an over-thinker and procrastinator, and it goes - "The more work you do, the more work gets done".

What do you do when you’re not making art?

My favorite thing to do outside of the studio is getting out and exploring. My husband and I love going out to dinner with friends and traveling, which have been difficult lately, and I can't wait to get back to it soon. We're both vegan, so finding a cool vegan restaurant becomes an adventure in itself. We also love antique shopping - there are some great shops in Pasadena and Palm Springs. We love to check out museums, gardens, and new art exhibits. When I'm at home, I love experimenting in the kitchen, trying my hand at cooking authentic Polish dishes - not easy! (my family is Polish, I'm a first-generation Canadian now living in California). I enjoy reading books, taking online French classes, and I also like a good Netflix binge!

Which 3 artists do you love at the moment?

I currently love three artists: Mickalene Thomas, Kelly Beeman, and Daniel Roseberry - the artistic director of Schiaparelli.

What are you working towards in 2021?

At the end of this year, the goal is to finish my "Beauty" series and have an exhibition with potential beauty company collaborations. Fingers crossed.

See more : @adriannakinal
www.adriannakinal.com

Adrianna Kinal

John Cowen

Meera Palia