Our February 2014 cover artist Mel Kadel is having a solo exhibit at Subliminal Projects next week, titled Thought Pattern, showcasing new paintings, a limited edition print, custom furniture, and more. Kadel is a favorite at the Juxtapoz office, so we couldn't pass up an opportunity to chat with her and hear about this new show, and what's been happening in sunny Southern California.
In your Juxtapoz interview from February 2014, you mentioned how it takes a minute to find your place in LA. Do you think you've found your particular place in LA? Has that changed over the course of your time there?
Everything in LA is very spread out and tucked away. You have to really carve out and design your own way of life. So, every year that goes by, I think I get a little better at living here. I started out with one foot out the door, but now I love it more than ever.
Do you think your work has changed to with your surroundings and climate? Do you ever miss the snow?
I believe our surroundings have a strong influence on the work we do. It wasn’t long after moving to LA that I began to notice a burst of color in my work, along with dense gardens and floral patterns. Most importantly, the year long sunshine here inspired my most consistent tool which is staining my paper with coffee and letting it soak in the sun. But yes, I miss the snow! I’m one of the few people complaining about 80 degree temps in February.
What's one daily ritual that you try to never miss? Besides the survival stuff like eating and drinking
The first thing I do when I wake up is take a long walk with my dog. The last thing I do before I go to bed is take a shower. They are like predictable bookends for an unpredictable daily schedule that I make up as I go along.
Are there any bands you try to see every time they're in town? Do you listen to any bands that you never thought you'd like?
I try to see Kurt Vile whenever he’s in town. In my semi-jaded 60’s and 70’s rock n’ roll taste, I was surprised to find myself buying (and loving) a Justin Timberlake album.
Do you have any pets? If so, what's one thing you love about them?
1 cat and 1 dog. I think what I love about them is that food and love is their whole existence. It’s a great daily reminder of what’s really important.
What was the last thing you saw or heard that gave you hope for the future?
Just a few days ago was the the March For Our Lives demonstration. The young students of Stoneman Douglas High School give me hope.
Be sure to check out Mel's show Thought Pattern at Subliminal Projects on April 7th, 2018.
