Wax Figures

selected works by Kendall Devine

Asymmetric Magazine: Tell us about your collection of work.
Kendall Devine: My work emerged from a desire to shift the perspective of people. I had a collection a few years back titled Ambiguous Bodies that depicted people by highlighting their strongest characteristics, and while it was received by some, there were others that couldn't understand why I didn't paint the bodies a color to match their skin tone. I was upset at the thought, that even though I added so many features, lyrics, quotes and color all over the board, people could still only focus on the color or lack there of. Out of frustration, I said, Screw this I'm going to paint green, blue, red, and gold people. I don't want to focus on the physical attributes of humans. I want people to feel the energy of one another. After all, that's where the heart of the matter is, in our energy.

AM: What is your biggest inspiration?
KD: My biggest inspiration is life (the delicate cycle of beginnings and endings), love (the way we give love and receive it, the way it motivates us) and connections (why do we believe that our differences are so great that they must divide us?).

AM: We love your use of candle wax. How did you begin using it, and what's your process?
KD: I started using candle wax because I wanted to add another dimension to my work. I liked the idea of having a vision, holding onto it and having faith to see it through to the end but not actually seeing the bigger picture until the end. I like the way a candle burns and lights the area for itself and those near to it, and in doing so, it changes and takes on another form–different than how it began. As far as my process, I use melted wax, and I patiently drip the wax directly onto the board. I paint the entire picture with wax, then I add an actual layer of paint on top of the wax so that the images come to life.

AM: What role does Los Angeles play in your work?
KD: I was born in a small town in Texas, and my Mom moved my family to California when I was in junior high school. Over the years, I have lived in many other states, but I always come back to LA. There is a magic here that is unlike any other place I've lived. I'm mesmerized by the lights and the energy of the people. There are so many different types of energies here. There is a place for everyone–you can make your home anywhere and anyway you want it to be. That's what I want my art to reflect: that we are all here trying to feel our way through this thing called life, wanting to find a place to call home and be ourselves.

I don't want to focus on the physical attributes of humans.
I want people to feel the energy of one another.

AM: What themes do you typically pursue in your work?
KD: I tend to lean towards themes of freedom and tapping into your inner strength, finding peace within, breaking barriers, and loving yourself so fiercely that you have no choice but to reflect love out into the world.

AM: What music is currently inspiring you?
KD: Oh wow, I could be here all day! My range is pretty eclectic, but I'll just give you the last ten artists I was listening to according to my iTunes playlist: Frankie Beverly and Maze, Kat Graham, Erykah Badu, Marian Hill, Prince, Solfeggio frequencies ( tibétain singing bowls), The Black Keys, Damian Marley, Bucket Head, and Bruno Mars.

AM: What can we expect to see from you next?
KD: You can expect to see me take over the world! Just kidding! I have a project in the works that I'm so excited about, but I'm just giving it all the time it needs to develop properly. It will combine art as well as music and really bring people in. I want this next project to make art come to life! 

Kendall Devine is an LA-based painter and candle wax artist. You can find more of her work at kidevine.com.