Artist Brandi Milne, from Southern California says she grew up surrounded by a wealth of inspiration – classic cartoons, crayons and colouring books, Sid and Marty Kroft creations, toys, candies and the kitschy fabrics and notions of the times.

Her work speaks predominately of love, loss, pain and heartbreak in the first person but with a definite wink to humour. She’s currently one of the featured artists for Hurley whilst also working on new clothing designs, collaborating with a high profile rock star couple and of course gracing benevolently the A8 Interview for INDIGITS.

1. What would you say is the most important theme in your work?
The most important theme in my work would have to be love. I hate to sound corny, or even too girly, but there are so many different avenues of love and I find it working itself into each of my pieces. Whether it’s a protective love of something, or love of cake, it’s the most important theme.

2. What’s most inspiring to your working process?
I would have to say music. The way a song might make me feel, or a lyric that stands out to me. Music is a huge inspiration and without it I would suffer greatly – in my work and in my life.

3. Have you any strange talents that influence the work you produce or the way you produce it?
Um….strange talents? It’s not really a strange talent per se, but the way I think is a little odd at times (which might be true for a lot of creative people), and that aids in making my work a little different. I wish I had a strange talent though, I wish I could bend in half and smoke with my foot.

4. Which artist of the past would you resurrect to collaborate with and why?
I would chose Andy Warhol – even though I’m not his biggest fan. I think I would love the ridiculousness of his scene and antics, and I could learn a few things about marketing from him as well. Plus I love a man in a white wig.

5. Do you think your work is understood or misinterpreted and why?
For the most part, I feel my work is probably misinterpreted, because of it’s happy sugary appearance. My work is emotionally driven, it can be very dark and sad in my approach, but it kind of hides itself behind my characters – strawberries, ice creams, candies and such. So in that way, it might be misinterpreted. It’s a huge compliment to me, when someone see’s passed the smiley rabbits and see’s the true me.

6. If you could decorate one place in the world what would it be and how would you do it?
Dang, at this point in my life, I’d like to decorate a home for my family and myself to live in. To paint and incorporate weird things and make it warm and liveable and unique. I know that isn’t very impressive or artistically grand, but my body’s itching for it!!! I love those decorating magazines, my favourite was Home Companion before it was cancelled.

7. What to date has been your ‘cherry on the cake’ moment and what was it that got you there?
A “cherry on the cake moment”…hmmm. I have to say all of it. My life at this point. Having solo shows, having a book, people supporting me, asking me if I’m ‘Brandi Milne’. It’s an unbelievable life, one I never really thought I’d achieve. My work is my blessing, and I can’t thank people enough for their love and kindness supporting it.

8. What we ask everyone! Does your artistic style influence your underwear?
Yessss!!! This is a wonderful question, thanks for asking! Cute underwear is kinda hard to find, but I will hunt for it throughout the land if I have to!!! Polka dots, stripes, candy colours, lace, print, fabric, cut – it all has to come together in perfection for me. I love it! That’s one of my favourite questions, good job!

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More info: www.brandimilne.com

Images in order of appearance
Sweetheart Holds It Together acrylic and ink on wood panel
Darkness Keeps A Steady Hold acrylic and ink on wood panel
Fill Our Cups graphite on paper
Master Magician acrylic and ink on antique book