Kiki Elice is a Seattle-based painter whose work caught my eye through the notorious instagram algorithm earlier this year. I’ve been intrigued ever since. Kiki uses oil paint to depict deep Black and Brown skin tones, striking features, and soft portraits of women, often adorned in lush see-through robes or completely nude. It’s seductive on the surface but the romance of her pieces tell more than one story. I spoke to Kiki Elice about her current body of work and the stories she’s hoping to tell through her paintings.
How did you get started as an artist?
I got started as an artist at a very young age. I remember being no older than 6 watching Bob Ross in my grandparents’ basement, trying to draw what he painted. I would draw mostly still life and landscapes when I was a kid. As I got older, I started to do more figurative drawings, and then as a teenager I was only interested in fashion design. After graduating from Parsons with a BFA in fashion design, I worked in the industry for a while, but I started to do more figurative painting in my spare time. I eventually decided to quit designing clothes and focus on painting, realizing it was my true passion.
What influences your work the most?
I have always been inspired by nature. Moving from NYC back to Washington [State] has changed my work for the better. I’m constantly surrounded by trees, wild animals, and exotic plants. Even though I’m not working in the fashion industry, it’s still a heavy influence in my work. I don’t really like to tell people, but most of the time I’m my own muse. I used to ask my friends for nude reference photos, but now I only use myself. I feel like I have more control that way.
Why have women and femmes been the primary center of your pieces?
I think women and femmes have been my primary focus because I’ve always disliked drawing men. I don’t even know why, I just don’t enjoy it and I don’t get excited or inspired by the male physique when it comes to my art.
Who has been the most inspirational person for you as a person and as an artist?
The most inspirational person to me as a person and as an artist would have to be my 13 year old daughter. I don’t know too many people who work so hard at their craft just for the love of it. She is constantly drawing, sketching, painting and learning about art daily, and it's not for instagram likes or money! She inspires me to keep going and to keep learning.
Whose work are you most excited about right now?
I’m mostly excited about the work of Naudline Cluvie Pierre. She is my favorite artist right now!
What are some of your goals and aspirations for your career in the near future?
A couple of my goals and aspirations for my career in the near future would be to expand my studio so that I can produce and package the prints I sell myself. I want to invest in beautiful packaging for my prints. I would also like to be featured in more galleries so that I’m able to reach a wider audience and sell canvases more frequently.
What advice would you give to someone looking to begin their career as a painter or illustrative artist?
My advice would be to study in a school for the arts, visit lots and lots of museums and galleries, and give yourself time to develop, like years. It takes so much time to find your signature style. Don’t ever compare yourself or your work to anyone!
