Q&A with Kristy Milliken

Kristy Milliken is a Melbourne artist. She is inspired by the conceptions of excess, greed and ambition and how they relate to everyday people. Her unique viewpoint has been shaped by her experience as a photographer in the amateur porn industry. Kristy’s work has been showcased in Arkitip, Curvy and Faesthetic, she is also a founding editor of Mess+Noise magazine.

How long have you been using water colour as a medium?
Actually its ink, but i use it like watercolour. I’ve been working with it for about 2 years now.

Who inspires / influences you?
The news, people in the line at the supermarket. When things stop being exciting and new and start becoming normal and dull. I self impose a ban on looking at other artists work while i’m working on my latest series. Now the work for this show is complete, I’m looking forward to checking out all the Anthony Lister, Kill Pixie, Marcel Dzama and Tim Hussey work I’ve missed in the last couple of months.

What compels you to paint really fat people?
Its a weird time for fat. Fat is both confronting and can be the most normal thing in the world, its the context thats important. Plus I’m sick of all the pictures of skinny girls that seem to be everywhere.

Have fat people always been your thing, or is it the current trend in your work?
No, it’s a fairly recent thing.

Is there a hidden meaning/ message that you are trying to communicate in your work?
Theres a few reoccurring themes i get hooked on. Greed, beauty, the fact that it’s ok to be average.

What was it like working in the amateur porn industry and how has it affected the way you see the world?
It’s great to be exposed to that much nudity from an artistic point of view. Being saturated with beautiful girls everyday can take its toll, nowadays the things I find attractive are the imperfections.

Do you like spaghetti?
Love it!