Kress Lagudi - Artist, Teacher, Mother
I have always created something; starting when I was very young, painting the glass with watercolour with my mum fast forward to electing textiles at high school and following along this path at university. From there I became an art teacher and began playing with paint and other 2D materials.
I have most recently started using textiles again and can’t wait to see how this evolves.
The subject matter of my art changes but it can reference, nature, pop culture, my experience as a female and a mother.
I create artwork that evokes joy through colour, pattern and texture, these creations are bright and energetic through the use of these elements.
Women throughout history and culture adorn themselves with jewellery and patterned cloth. Colour, pattern and texture become a celebration of life!
My artworks are inspired by my background and love for textiles and the strong women who surround me.
My grandmother’s house was full of house plants in pots, she had a small green velvet sofa, a golden cat statue that sat up tall with flower patterns painted onto it, her wardrobe brimming with patterned shirts and a bright yellow 2 piece… And somehow it all just worked, it didn’t feel cluttered, it flowed from one room to the next. Your eye met the paintings on the wall to the photo frames on the chest of drawers.
Her daughters (4) all have their nuances of colour, fabric, pattern.
Creating art has been a life practice, making art with my mum when I was very young as she encouraged mess and creativity has now filtered through to my own children.
EDUCATION & WORK HISTORY
2005-2007 ANU Bachelor of Visual Arts (Textiles)
2010 - UOW Diploma of Education
2010-2015 High School Teaching in the Macarthur & Southern Highlands
2019 - 2020 Pinot & Picasso Camden
2020 - 2024 Pinot & Picasso South Coast (Studio Owner)
VISUAL ART AWARDS & SHOWS
2008 - Canberra Contemporary Art Space Residency & Show
2017, 2024 - Solo Show Camden Library
2019, 2020, 2022 - Fisher’s Ghost Art Prize
2020 - Creative Legacy Program
2022, 2023, 2024 - Incognito Art Show
2024 - The Social Cafe, Picton