Artist Interview: Kezleigh

Amy Merritt, better known as Kezleigh in the art world, is a new media artist based in Ontario. She prints her digital art on acrylic glass with UV-printed ink to carry her creations to the tangible world.

“At the core of every human, a soul is processing what the conscious mind is living.”

Her art finds expression through her dreams and memories, and is heavily influenced by her background in design and her interest in nostalgia. Kezleigh exhibited work in international and Canada-based galleries such as the Arta Gallery, Hazelton Fine Art Galleries, The Propeller Art Gallery, and Gallery 1313.

We asked Kezleigh about her art, creative process, and inspirations.

*Digital Art by Kezleigh: Don’t let them hurt you, baby*

Can you tell us about your background as a digital artist?

My background is actually in design. I went to the very first Integrated Design course at the Haliburton School of Art + Design back in 2017. There I learned that design is integrated into everything. It helped me realize that presentation and form are critical when coming up with a concept. It also cemented key design principles that impacted my work greatly. I learned colour theory and the difference between CMYK and RGB and how to use them. Other than a few 3D computer design courses, I am a self-taught digital artist.

*Digital Art by Kezleigh: Have we made it yet*

How did you get started in this field?

I got into the digital art world simply out of necessity, and then out of passion. I bought an iPad a year into the pandemic because I was going insane. Like everyone else, I was stuck in one place, lonely with no creative outlet. I found apps that I could digitally paint. It was a revolution. When an artist has unlimited time, a complicated world outlook, and an outlet, it can become an obsessive thing. I had time to think about the past, present, and what the future might become. My dreams were wild things and I yearned for my childhood where things were simple. I combined those aspects and made them tangible. I spent the next few years developing my voice. I was so hungry to find a style I liked and to this day, it’s still evolving.

What inspires your art? Are there any particular themes or subjects that you enjoy exploring through your artwork?

I grew up in the rocky bushes of Muskoka Ontario, with snakes, bugs, and critters. So naturally nature has always had an influence. I often add the texture of rock or the silkiness of water to my work.

I hang out with my shadow a lot. If you’ve ever heard the term Shadow Work, that's what I do when I’m creating. It’s working with my unconscious mind to uncover parts of myself that I’ve covered up or repressed. I’m also interested in dreams, memories, and nostalgic feelings which almost always overlap. Subconsciously, I may think these are undesirable or negative. From what I’ve learned so far is that emotions are just that, emotions. Neither negative nor positive. Colour is also a huge element in my work as well as a need for natural or organic shape. It’s all very instinctual.

What is an event that you consider a milestone in your digital art career?

I’ve had the pleasure of showcasing my artwork at my very first art show in 2023, The Artist Project, which is held in Toronto, Ontario, every year. Over 250 independent artists participate in the show with thousands of artwork available. Additionally, I’ve had several publications of my work in magazines like Create! Magazine, Yolk Literacy, and an article in Project High Art. I’m also honoured to have the Creatively Thinking podcast feature me in their 10th episode.

Can you tell us about an upcoming project?

I’m currently preparing a project to thermoform my work. Thermoforming is a manufacturing process used to shape thermoplastic sheets into specific forms. It involves heating a sheet of thermoplastic material until it becomes pliable, then placing it over a mold and using vacuum pressure or mechanical force to shape it into the desired form. Once the material cools and solidifies, it retains the shape of the mold.

Thermoforming isn’t anything new, but the inks used to print an image and then mold it are. At least in Canada. The ink must possess the flexibility to withstand the stretching and deformation of the thermoplastic material as it is shaped into the desired form without cracking or flaking.

With this technique, I’m very excited to say, that my work becomes a 3D sculpture on the wall! It’s special because it’s become a unique niche that I haven’t seen other artists explore before.

Can you tell us about bringing digital art to a tangible world – how does the dialogue between the printed material and the artwork impact your creativity?

The two worlds are so different. For instance, if you remember the dream you had upon waking, not only is it already slipping away, but it loses its grip more and more as you go about your day. Working in dreams is a constant chase and mostly I’m piecing together what my subconscious mind can understand from it. As for memories, memories are so fickle and can be perceived differently by each person that was there. Was it cake or pie that I had for my 19th birthday? My sister says cake, but I distinctly remember the taste of strawberries. All of this can change my work. My job as an artist for me is to bring the subconscious world to light. Into something someone can see and feel. I try to make that as clear as possible.

What does your creative process look like? How do you approach brainstorming and conceptualizing ideas?

I keep a dream journal and write down memories that I have. I listen to music and go for long thinking walks. I write what I call, brain vomit. It’s a technique of writing where you start writing whatever word, phrase or image comes to you in the moment. You keep doing that until either you and your brain become exhausted or magically, and it’s only happened to me once, it becomes silent.

I then try to conceptualize those aspects into things like colour, form, and texture. It’s all done on my iPad. It never works out exactly as planned, but that's how life is. I then prepare the work for printing, I send it off to be UV laser inked onto the back of acrylic glass. Each one is unique and the original. I only ever print a piece once.

Are there any artists or creative influences that have had a significant impact on your work? How have they shaped your artistic style or approach?

I’ve always been fond of creatives like David Bowie and Bring Me The Horizon, Mother Earth herself and the cosmos are so inspiring, and Xochi Solis, who I adore for her layering of patterns. Of course, I have to mention the figures in my memories and dreams.

What is a profound childhood memory?

I worked in a fine dining kitchen in my teens. A demanding job. One night, as I was plating a table of twenty, I stood up from my stooped position. I took a drink of water and instantly felt sick. I ended up passing out. My blood pressure dropped suddenly to a dangerous level. My teammates couldn’t rouse me, my lips turned blue. An ambulance was called and I recovered in the hospital.

What was happening in my world while I was away from my body was so enlightening. I was sitting on a bench with this kind, elderly man. We talked about all the fascinating things in the universe. Every question I had, he had an answer to it. I felt so incredibly at peace. Warm and without stress and pain. It felt like he was there keeping me company.