Ignitions From the Unknown: Interview with Artist KH No 7

Nov 03, 2010 | Comments 14

Tearing up the streets KH No 7 brings a welcome energy to the street with her iconic spark plugs and other works throughout the Los Angeles area. KH No 7 agreed to an interview but not only in words, but how she likes to best express herself..in visuals.

Where did the name KH no. 7 come from?

KH No 7

What are the three most impactful events that have molded you into who you are today as an artist?

KH No 7

If you could have dinner with any five living or dead people… who would they be and why?
Both sets of grandparents and David Lynch. Why? Well, I think they would really get along.

KH No 7

If you were asked to speak to a group of kids as a “street artist” on career day at the local junior high school, what advice would you give them?

First off, I would be terrified to speak to a group of kids about anything. So, besides the basics (comfortable footwear, tie your shoelaces, etc.) I would stress that they shouldn’t just look at what everyone else is doing. Pay attention to it, respect it, but really focus on what you like to do. Because, chances are, you’re doing something pretty damn amazing.

Would you rather be a happy simpleton, or a tortured genius? Why?
This completely depends on which day of the week it is. I love being creative and constantly struggling to perfect my craft and keep my imagery fresh, but it’s truly exhausting. There are times when I just need to feel nothing and expect nothing from myself. I feel that my happy simpleton helps starve and recharge my tortured artist.

KH No 7

The spark plug is a great metaphor. Could you tell me a little more about it?

KH No 7

Could you tell me a little more about the baby face with the tire and nail hat? Where did this imagery come from?
The baby head is a small portion of a larger piece focusing on the men in my life. When I created the image, I had no idea what it meant. All I knew was, I was attracted to the imagery I created when I combined the boy’s head and the nail-pierced tire. Since I’ve put it up I’ve had some interesting input. I love that about what I do! I’d be happy to know that something I put out on the street caught someone’s eye long enough for them to assign their own meaning to it. I leave a lot of my pieces very open because of this.

KH No 7

Are there any Los Angeles Street Artists you would like to collaborate with?
Oh yes. I’ve already had the pleasure of collaborating with Dog Byte and I loved the experience. There are a lot of great artists right now in Los Angeles putting out some genuinely ripe work and I’m really digging a good chunk of what I see out there. I am completely open to working with any of my peers. Specifically though, I would love to collab with another female artist. There are few and I’d like to find more.

The President has just announced that a meteor will destroy the world in ten days… What would you do and how different is it from what you’re doing now?
And of course, spend the time with the people I love most.