Meet Katie Bright originally from Swindon, who moved to LA on a O1 a month ago to pursue visual arts. Graduating with a BA (Hons) in Fashion at Kingston University 2001, Bright moved to Treviso Italy, where she worked as a designer at the United Colours of Benetton. In 2002 she relocated to Sydney, Australia for 10 years: freelancing for fashion designer including as Akira Isogawa.
In 2011 Bright embarked onto the art scene, screen printing alternative fairytale narratives onto glass. In 2012 Sydney’s aMBUSH gallery hosted the first of many solo exhibitions where a thousand people attended opening night. The preview night was an extravaganza with dwarves dressed as Cupid, three bands, two pole dancers, a contortionist, female bartenders dressed as green fairies and topless male waiters handing out love potions made from absinthe cocktails mixed in a cauldron.
Bright moved to Hollywood in 2015 where today she lives in a magical cupboard and works as a visual artist.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
After moving around from country to country, never quite finding my feet, I finally sought advice from an astrologer as to where I could be happy. She did my natal chart and suggested I would be happier living on the West Coast of America. It just so happened that because of my art practice, for the last 18 months images of Hollywood were on my vision board. I immediately booked a flight to LA. I arrived March 2015 not knowing anyone but it didn’t take long to fit in.
What do you miss most from home?
People running on time, Rich Tea Fingers, banking without cheques and Pickled Onion Monster Munch.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since? If so why?
I fell in love with LA my first morning here. My first Airbnb host lived right behind the Ivy and I haven’t moved out of West Hollywood since. LA is a magical place where energy runs high, its the vibration of the best creatives in the world from all fields pursuing their talent. How can that not influence you and make you better at your craft? The white witch was right I’m happy and LA is my true home.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus London?
In LA people are happy or at least pretending to be. Everyone talks to you and will offer you a helping hand.
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
Lucky Strike Live; Soundcheck a Ferlazzo production, Wednesdays 9pm. It’s a brilliant night from leading musicians and performers who collaborate and jam. I refused to make any other plans Wednesdays is all about being in a place where the talent is extrodinary.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
Do it! Book a flight and never look back. Get to Cecconi’s on Tuesdays at 10am for the British Breakfast, make friends, say yes to everything people invite you to and bring Bernard (our breakfast host) some Dairy Milk.
Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
I have made many friends through the Brits in LA group who I would consider my LA family. Everyone of them has shared wisdom and tips. The most recent pearl of wisdom was study for your DMV test. There is no such thing as winging that one like you can when your names not on a guest list.
Lastly, how can we find out more about you? Are you working on anything at the moment?
I have just launched a website with my fairy tale custom wallpaper. Welcome to the Brightside Wallpaper illustrates unique fairy tales created specifically for each client’s brief. I use storytelling to narrate the artwork. Thus the story is as equally important as the art. Each fairy tale artwork has its own moral tale. My artist intent is for the viewer to listen to the narration of the fairy tale, whilst observing the artwork. This is to physically draw the viewer into the work, utilising both senses of sight and sound. My latest fairy tale mural and wallpaper installation based on Red Riding Hood can be found at the Farmers Daughters Hotel at The Grove. Check out my website for more information.
www.welcometothebrightsidewallpaper.com
