Dj, musician, exhibition producer
Kamal makes medicine music, and he produces exhibitions. Weaving rich tribal electro-medicine- journeys whilst honoring the elements & inspiring healing, through the sounds of nature for dance meditations and healing experiences. fuse the organic elements of tribal traditions with modern production techniques in order to create an entrancing journey for both relaxed listeners and those eager to move their bodies.
Can you share a brief overview of your creative journey, from when you first started pursuing your creative career to where you are now?
I started out in life as a visual artist, went to art school in the USA and got a job working as an assistant in a small art gallery, whilst trying to get work as a book and CD cover illustrator. I went to New York thinking that this is where one has to go and quickly found out that one does not go there until called. While spending my time looking for work and getting the odd graphic design job, I found that I was good at working in a gallery and that it enabled me to celebrate art regularly. After 3 years of curating shows, I took a Museums and Cultural Heritage course at Auckland University and chased short-term contracts trying to get my foot in the door. I ended up bouncing around from Auckland Museum, Archives NZ, MOTAT, Lopdell House Gallery, Te Uru Gallery, and have contracted at several more around the country. The wealth of experience of chasing my passion for producing art exhibitions and events has been much richer than settling for a steady income. Along the way, I got into music production and DJing, which was always a side hobby. Today I have the opportunity to be an exhibition maker at several venues in the region as well as a DJ.
What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you decide to pursue it as a career?
People often say things like ‘It is all I ever did from a young age’ and ‘I had no other option’, both are true
How do you balance your creative pursuits with the practical aspects of being an artist, such as marketing, networking, and financial management?
Finding balance with anything in life is difficult, at any age. Learning to juggle takes time and soon you will drop some balls that are not as important, and that is ok. You may pick them up again later in life, and that is ok. Sometimes marketing and social aspects will take importance, sometimes studio time will be the most important thing, follow the energy. These days I have a 3-day exhibition/finance days and 2-day music schedule. Setting these boundaries for myself is an act of self-love.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a creative person?
Sometimes being a creative soul can feel like a burden like we are disadvantaged in a structured corporate world. The most rewarding aspect is birthing something beautiful and gifting it to the world, making it more beautiful
What keeps you motivated and passionate about your craft?
Feeling how what I offer is appreciated by the community
What advice would you give to young artists who are just starting out and considering a creative career?
Be prepared to play the long game, and celebrate the small achievements towards the big picture. Get involved with the creative community and connect with like-minded souls; put yourself out there and have a 1-liner prepared on ‘what you do’. you may just find that everyone spends a lot of time in their studio as well, not just you.
How important is it for artists to find their unique style or voice?
In life, each human is struggling to find their unique style or voice, as an artist you are using tools and visual language to communicate this.
How did you discover and develop your own artistic identity?
It may sound contradictory, but get out there and experience what everyone else is doing and saying. Then go back to your studio and meditate on what YOU want to add to the conversation, and HOW you are going to express it
Can you talk about the role of failure and perseverance in the life of an artist?
I have only succeeded because I have failed, miserably at times.
How do you navigate the art industry and find opportunities to showcase your work or collaborate with others?
Get into the mindset of celebrating your peers, self-expression is not a competition. Having produced several art competitions, the most well-respected artists are the ones who are not competing with the other entrants. Festivals and events are welcoming collaborations more and more these days. Subscribe to as many newsletters as you can to catch calls for entries. Like any industry, there is a dirty underbelly in the arts industries, and yes it is all money driven, or we can say artists and galleries are scrambling for ‘social credit’. You can smile and play that game when your career reaches a certain point.
How do you stay connected with other artists and the larger creative community?
Going to openings, talks, festivals, and events. For less socially demanding situations, invite yourself over for a studio visit
Can you share any tips for artists to market and promote their work effectively in today’s digital age?
Don’t polish your image over polishing your craft
How do you approach self-criticism and growth as an artist?
my mentor told me: Don’t read your own reviews. and that has helped me stay true to my vision. In the world of likes and re-posts, I can only imagine the same to still be true.
What strategies do you use to continually improve your craft?
Give yourself the gift of studio time. Even if you don’t know what you want to get out of it, sit down and start something without the expectation of it being good.
Have you ever experienced creative blocks or periods of low inspiration? If so, how did you overcome them?
There are two approaches for me;
1) go with the flow, the inspiration will come back.
2) yet, as a creative professional with no option but to smash out creativity for a deadline, I have to have strict boundaries and not expend creative juices elsewhere and find ways to jump-start creativity when needed, such as putting on a musical playlist and dancing like a fool
Do you believe it’s necessary to have a degree in art to succeed?
It can open doors, It can get you in front of the right crowd, it can give you the background on the conversations that have happened and that are happening now, it can give you the tools to communicate in your creative lexicon succinctly.
Can you share any memorable experiences or achievements in your artistic career that have had a significant impact on your journey?
Every music festival I DJ at holds a special place in my memory, every art exhibition I open holds a memory. Life is but a series of memories. I remember curating exhibitions in dirty dark basements as well as producing the Portage Ceramic Awards for 8 years. Working with artists that became close friends has got to be a highlight.
Is there anything else you would like to share with young artists aspiring to pursue a creative career?
Don’t do it for the ‘likes’
You can find Kamal at: MixCloud & Soundcloud
