1) Tell us a little bit about your label (art) and what you do?
My name is Kim Siew and I work under the name of Akisiew (A-Kiss-U), a mash of my first and last name. I’m a Sydney illustrator, muralist and maker. As well as making stationary, I paint large scale walls which can be seen around the Inner West, and I also create art work on scrap bits of plywood. On my smaller artworks I usually work with collaged paper, pencil and ink and my work tends to have a narrative element to it.
2) What inspires your work?
People I see in my wanders. The never ending beauty to life both in sadness and hope. And all the little moments.
3) What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
A newspaper delivery person, waitress, kitchen hand, personal assistant, folder-er of clothes at David Jones, an English teacher in Vietnam, florist, landscaper, house painter, muralist, Motel house keeper, what do you call it when you serve at a petrol station? – (that too)…
4) What memorable responses have you had to your work?
All of them! I appreciate every single person who has ever connected with my work in any way. I still think, ‘really?’
5) One thing you can’t live without?
Family. And coffee. Is it wrong if they are on equal par?
6) What gets you up in the morning?
Pigeons landing on my tin roof.
7) How would your best friend describe you in 3 words?
The Shorter Bestie.
8) What is the next skill you want to learn?
Printing – screen printing, letterpress, woodblock…at least a couple of the many ways!
9) What is your dream project?
Collaborating with Mel Kadel.
10) Favourite or most inspirational place in Sydney?
Maroubra’s Ocean Pool.
11) What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Keep on keeping on.
12) What advice would you give to new, aspiring Makers?
What you do is important and it should be shared!
13) And most importantly, what would your ultimate karaoke song be?
4PM’s version of ‘Sukiyaki’ sung with my brother.
