Artist Profile: Kass Hall

Kass Hall is an Australian mixed-media artist and writer. She has worked in the arts fields in Australia and Canada, and has published articles in magazines and newspapers in various countries. Her first book, Zentangled® Untangled, was published by North Light Books in 2012. Her second book, The Zentangle® Untangled Workbook was published in July 2013. Visit Kass at her website, www.KassHall.com.

What kind of art are you known for?

Zentangle® and art journalling

What is on your workspace right now?

A lot of Dylusions inks! Usually my journal is out, pens and paints of different sorts, and stencils.

Why do you make art?

It’s my sanity. I need the mental break from study and the outlet to express how I am feeling. Although my work isn’t deeply personal, I can tell by looking at a page what kind of headspace I was in when I created it (even if no-one else can!).

What’s your current favorite, can’t-live-without-it tool, supply, material, or junkyard find?

The stencils and inks. It has rejuvenated my love of art journaling in a BIG way, and encouraged me to think about how I can use Zentangle in new ways, too.

What is your least favorite technique that you still use anyway?

I don’t have one. If I don’t enjoy it, I don’t do it.

What’s your favorite tool or material?

A simple black or white pen is still my go-to tool–so much can be achieved with just one pen.

What do you listen to when you create?

It’s a mood thing but Justin Timberlake’s new album is on high rotation lately.

What’s the best book you’ve read lately?

I’ll take a guess and say law text books don’t count, right? OK, so I have recently been learning (and trying to practice) Sketchnotes. Not sure how it’s going but I keep trying it where I can. I’ve been reading The Nine about the US Supreme Court (I know this increases my nerd factor significantly) and I just got the new John Robison book, Raising Cubby about his life raising his son (both have Asperger’s). Reading is very important to me–as much as art!

What’s the most inspiring trip you’ve ever taken or adventure you’ve ever had?

Tough question–I have travelled a lot. New York always inspires me in new and wonderful ways.

What’s the last thing you cooked?

Ha! I am famous for being a terrible cook. A grilled cheese sandwich is about as good as I get in the kitchen!

If you could surround yourself with only one color, what would it be?

That would be red. My studio wall is red and it’s my go-to colour for everything.

Do you have a talisman/power garment/magical thing you wear?

A lot of days I am struggling to wear my underwear the right way out (I do that more often than I care to confess) so really being dressed is an achievement for me.

What’s your favorite place in all the world?

Snuggled up in bed with Elvis, my pug. That is my happy place and he loves being cuddled.

What one thing do you want to do that you haven’t done yet?

See Machu Pichu with my own eyes.

What’s the best day you’ve ever had?

Being in NYC with my hubby (his first ever visit there) and him buying me an eternity ring from Tiffany Fifth Avenue, then walking through the fall leaves of Central Park together. It was sublime being in my favourite city with my favourite person, just being there together. His presence is always enough for me–the Tiffany ring was just an awesome bonus!

What’s today’s Word to Live By?

Perseverance!

What is your guilty pleasure?

Long, hot showers.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

The ability to stay awake longer!

With whom would you love to spend one day making art?

Teesha Moore.

When is your favorite time of day?

Afternoons.

What is your earliest memory?

My third birthday party. I had a pink-iced cake with Mickey Mouse on the top.