Interview

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was completely captivated by creative shows like Mr. Squiggle and Art Attack. I’d spend hours sketching, painting, and letting my imagination run wild - art was my happy place, a space where I felt truly myself. However, during high school, I struggled with self-confidence and, sadly, stopped choosing art as a subject. Looking back, that’s one of my biggest regrets. Even though I wasn’t formally studying it anymore, I never truly let it go - I continued drawing and creating in my spare time because it brought me a sense of peace, purpose, and joy that nothing else could.
After graduating, I realized that my passion for art had never faded - it had only grown stronger. That led me to pursue a Bachelor of Education, majoring in Visual Arts. Studying art at university was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. It helped me reconnect with my creative self and gave me a solid foundation in both traditional and contemporary art practices. I went on to teach secondary school visual arts, which was a deeply meaningful chapter of my life. I loved being able to encourage young people to express themselves creatively, especially knowing firsthand how easy it is to lose confidence in your artistic voice. Eventually, though, I felt a strong pull to return to my own creative practice and begin sharing my personal vision through art. Becoming an artist has been both a leap of faith and a homecoming.”

What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?

“My work aims to inspire and empower women to see themselves as strong, capable, and powerful beings. I portray women as warriors, guardians, and divine figures - not just in imagined worlds, but as a reflection of the strength they hold in reality. While my work doesn’t directly reference specific political events, it does respond to ongoing societal issues - particularly the way women are often undervalued, objectified, or expected to conform to limiting roles. In a world where many women are still fighting for bodily autonomy, equal representation, and safety, I believe that reclaiming the narrative of feminine power is deeply important. By creating images that celebrate strength, resilience, and complexity in women, I hope to offer a counter-narrative to the societal pressures that tell women to shrink themselves. My work is an invitation for women to see themselves as the main character in their own story - limitless, unwavering, and fierce.”

Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?

“I’m definitely a planner in all areas of my life, and I find that having everything meticulously planned out gives me confidence and clarity. However, I've learned that art has a way of surprising you. There are moments when things don't go as planned or aren't working the way I envisioned. In those times, allowing myself to experiment and improvise can often lead to some of my best and most unexpected creations. It's in these moments of experimentation that I've done some of my best learning, honing my craft and teaching myself new skills. The process is always evolving, and I’m constantly learning - whether it’s mastering a new technique or gaining deeper insights into my own creative voice. It’s a balance of structure and spontaneity that keeps the process exciting and dynamic.”

“My work aims to inspire and empower women to see themselves as strong, capable, and powerful beings.”

Are there any art world trends you are following?

“One of the biggest trends I’ve been following - and actively embracing - is the shift from traditional mediums to digital art. As a digital artist, I’m fascinated by how technology is opening up new creative possibilities, allowing artists to explore and express ideas in ways that weren’t possible before. While my foundation is in traditional art practices, transitioning into digital has given me a renewed sense of freedom and excitement in my work. It’s a medium that’s constantly evolving, and I love how accessible and dynamic it is - not just in how art is made, but also in how it’s shared and experienced globally. This shift reflects a larger movement in the art world, where digital art is gaining more recognition, value, and space within galleries, online platforms, and even collector communities.”

What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?

“I create my artwork digitally using a program called Procreate. While my current work is digital, I draw heavily on my background in traditional art - skills in drawing, painting, and composition that I developed through years of study and teaching. This foundation has been invaluable in helping me transition to digital, allowing me to bring depth, texture, and intentionality to my work. I approach each piece much like I would a traditional painting, layering, refining, and carefully considering every detail. Digital tools offer incredible flexibility, but it’s my experience with traditional media that truly shapes the way I use them.”

What does your art mean to you?

“Art, to me, is more than just a creative outlet - it’s a constant presence in life and in the world around us. Inspiration is everywhere: in nature, moments with friends and family, the movement of theatre, the emotion of books, the storytelling of anime, video games, and film. Creating art has brought me confidence and a sense of purpose. It allows me to express ideas and emotions that often feel too big for words, and has become a powerful way to connect with others. Through my work, I aim to uplift and empower women - to reflect their strength, resilience, and complexity. Art is my way of capturing the magic I see in everyday moments and translating it into something that can inspire others to see the beauty and power within themselves.”

What’s your favourite artwork and why?

“My favourite artwork so far is Leo from my Zodiac series. She embodies everything I strive to express through my art - fierce presence, inner strength, and unapologetic power. There’s a raw, commanding energy in the way she holds herself, a boldness in her gaze that speaks to the resilience and fire within women. Leo represents more than just a zodiac sign - she’s a symbol of the strength that women carry every day, whether it’s quiet endurance or fearless leadership. When I look at her, I see the message that drives my entire practice: that women are powerful, complex, and worthy of being seen as forces of nature. She captures the essence of what I want every woman to feel when they see my work - that they, too, are strong, radiant, and unstoppable.”

Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?

“Throughout my studies at university, I held exhibitions at Spectrum Project Space, which gave me valuable experience in presenting my work publicly. As I've only recently started my professional artist career within the last year, I have not yet exhibited my latest artworks. However, I’m excited for what the future holds and look forward to exploring opportunities to share my work through exhibitions and creative collaborations.”

Website: kaylalorenartworks.com.au

Instagram: @kayla.loren.artworks

Other links: www.tiktok.com/@kayla.loren.artworks