Usually interviews and reviews are done after an artist has produced a new body of work… but there is something about the photographer Kat Alyst we just cannot get enough of. You may agree if you spoke to the magnetic artist one on one too. For now, please read more about our conversation with this vibrant personality we were lucky enough to get on a Zoom Call to see what’s up in her world…
Good Evening Kat, how are you? Is this a good time to chat? Yeah, I just took a break from sketching anyway.
Do you draw as well photograph? I was just sketching some ideas for a photo idea and in more of a gesture style of drawing, so not super detailed.
Oh fun! Anyway you can give us a preview of what the idea is about? Sure, it wouldn’t give too much away I don’t think… There’ll be either color blocking or monochromatic color schemes, and a toilet so far. I can’t say more at the moment.
We can’t imagine where that will go, and can’t wait to see. Speaking of… when can we see that creation? It’s going to be ready next year sometime. I have the pieces ready, now I have to build the environment.
Do you build all of your sets? Actually no, but I always wanted to. I would usually use locations that were already made, and work around them, but now it’s just time to really focus in on that part of the shoots. I let budgets and myself hold me back, but I’m really looking forward to doing the work for this.
Wow, well we can’t wait to see! Can you give any advice to photographers on what to do when they’re just starting out? Just start. Use what you have, see what your style wants you to say and use, and build up from there. I don’t believe you have to start with perfect everything. You find creativity by learning to improvise and think outside the box to create desired results until you know what you want to use and why. But don’t get me wrong, a dream equipment setup would be amazing.
What is a situation you had to improvise in? Were you beginning your career or was it last week? We want to know! I haven’t been doing a lot of photo work for other people too much since the pandemic, just graphic design for my day job. There was one time that sticks out though. The nerves I had to work through still come back to me super clearly. I was shooting a commercial job, in a studio space we were renting for it, and in mid shoot the electricity goes out. Just completely out, and we were laughing at first, thinking surely there was a generator and they would come back on in a second, but they didn’t. We all just sort of stood there for a second like quiet. I called the person who had hired me, and they were like just get the job done, it has to get done, I’m not sure what else to say, but make it work. So I grabbed a tripod and asked if everyone had their phones. Luckily a team of like eight people and me, we had our phones, and more or less to sum this up, I did the longest exposure shots you can imagine. It turned out being really dramatic lighting, but it fit the brief, and the client was happy.
That is very motivational… you are a ‘no excuses’ type of person, we can tell. How do you stay motivated and what seems from the internet, unstoppable? Oh, you are really kind, haha. I have my lack of motivation all the time. I really have to give myself hard deadlines, or otherwise I will drown in overthinking and laying in bed, never start, and regret ever pursuing a creative field… little bit of a slippery slope. But no really, that’s true, but I also finally made sure to surround myself with the right people and interactions. Ok, and I’m not sure if I ever said this in an interview, but when I really need a boost, I listen to motivational speeches on YouTube, and I also feel like people who speak their dreams in the universe should be ready for responsibilities that come with them.
Wow. We really love how much you are not afraid to be real and raw. So much of your work shows a seemingly still and nostalgic perspective. Do you think you will be incorporating more of a raw feeling to more work, or do you have some like that? So, that’s a really good question. I definitely have a lot to say, but also realized lately, I don’t say a lot too. To answer you, yes, I will be aiming for more of a in your face, vulnerable and raw message for some works. I’m definitely ready to share-all.
We cannot wait. You have an art show coming up in Los Angeles before your projected show, Someone is Trying to Tell You Something, correct? Oh wow, you guys are on it haha. Yes, a group show with Las Laguna Gallery – Contemporary and Fine Art, in Laguna Beach. The show is in December, and it seems like it’ll be alongside a lot of talented artists. I’m really honored to be apart of it.
We will definitely be tuning in. What piece will be featured and what does it mean to you? It will be one I have previewed in October, and apart of my larger show, but I think it’s going to be good to show that one and the other one more so where possible. It’s called bed rest., and it depicts mental health/illness and struggles I experienced along the last three years mostly. My ‘bed’ became my safe space, but also my not so safe space. I didn’t have a bed until last April, but always kept a plethora of comforters with me, and the last one I got made me feel like I was on a cloud. I tried to create an obviously on the bed image, with my cloud tapestry in the background, wearing angel wings…
Is that a knife you’re holding in the picture? We had to see this one, and wow it’s really striking. Your attire has angels on it? Yes there are cherubs and yeah, it’s a switchblade I’m holding. I wanted to use a knife in the image to share the contrast of dark thoughts with my posture as a bit defeated. I stayed in bed so much between working the last few years, and when I didn’t have a house as an option, I would be in my car in parking lots, just really unable to move too much. It got really bad. But I want to share that! My overall message is no one is alone with their struggles. I’m glad 2020 has been more on the wave of ‘togetherness’ than I think we have seen loudly in a while (not just on depression and support), but as people just really coming together and showing up for each other.
Yes, it has been a very intense year! Are you pertaining to the protests and equality marches, and political movements of that sort? No worries to get too political, unless you feel like it! Yeah, definitely. I think there’s so much to work on, and equality should be the top priority. It’s long overdue. Racism has been woven so deeply into the systems from: education, criminal justice, housing on buying and renting ends, healthcare and way more… The work white people need to do is overflowing. I think dismantling it both in ourselves is step number one, and out in the world and so on.
Well said. We love your spirit. It seems like you really care about others and are passionate to keep fighting the good fight. Yeah for sure.
So does Kat Alyst have any hobbies or secret talents we should know about? I read one of your interviews recently that there is not a real record of how old you are… this is a bit enduring. Would you tell us? Haha, so since I only work for fun and study for fun, I can’t say I have many hobbies. My work is my passion both on the photographic side and design part. I’m really lame with tv and movie shows, can’t quote what I just watched, so hmm… I can take my index finger and bend it backward until it touches the top of my hand? And no, there is no record so far that proves my age. I think it’s more fun that way.
Ok, pause, you can bend your finger back and touch the top of your hand?! That sounds intense. Nice party trick though— oh wait, no parties due to the pandemic. Haha, yes. I can prove it if need be.
No! That is ok! We believe you though.
Wow, Kat, so it has been AMAZING speaking with you! Thank you for the call and your time. We are going to follow you on social media right now! Where all can we find you online? You guys are great. Yeah, so, I’m always updating to my website and posting on mostly really just Instagram. I do some posting on TikTok, but all of my social media is under the same thing.
We will Follow you now! If the audience wants to keep up with Kat and her adventures, you can when you visit www.mynameiskat.com, and find her on social media when you search @katinthecloudz!