The first time I heard about Kandi Kasket was from my friend, Mitzi. Mitzi would speak about Kandi highly on her artwork and her burlesque performances. My first time seeing Kandi perform was probably last year during the Halloween show at Gremlin. I think it was called "Gore Whores"? I went with a couple of my friends and I'd be honest I was blown away and rather captivated by everyone's performances. After that it led me to seek out further burlesque shows with my friends! So thank you for that Kandi for introducing me to something new, a new art I've been able to witness and enjoy with others.
This interview today is with Kandi Kaste @kandi.kasket, a burlesque performer, artist, and tattoo artist. We begin this interview by asking
As an artist you create digital pieces, pieces to tattoo, you've created your own art style that is recognizable. Your name, you are an individual who is recognizable especially in the artistic burlesque realm here in the valley. If you could mesh everything together and give this embodiment of art your OWN NAME what would it be? And why? As Kandi states "Hot. And because it’s hot to be unapologetically yourself and seek no one else’s approval but your own and be true to yourself and your values. If I seeked approval from other people and I didn’t put my happiness first I wouldn’t have any of this." It's as they say (I think) that confidence is "hot." By seeking someones approval you end up even possibly changing yourself to fit the standard for someone else and as Kandi states that is certainly not "hot" and be "unapologetically yourself."
When it comes to your art it involves hmm would it be "cholo/chola-esque" but with your own twist and involvement with the valley. What is it about this art style that appeals to you? Is there something about this art style that embodies you or that you put about yourself into your work? "I’m a first generation Mexican American born and raised in the 956 from Alamo. This is my life and my culture."
How did creating artwork to tattooing come to be? What led you to be a tattoo artist? "I always knew I wanted to be a tattoo artist since I was like 8 years old that’s all that ever appealed to me." The idea of tattooing and now being an artist in the valley with a name so recognizable you're bound to recognize her art in the open. It's also one of those instances where personally you can scroll on Instagram and point out who art is whose just by style alone. Artists such as Kandi have created their own style that you won't have a second thought about the artist behind it. Is this what someone would call an "established art style" I feel like there's a word for this?
How does it feel to do a tattoo and then see your artwork when you go out? Seeing your tattoo work out in public as she exclaims "I love it! It’s so cute. It makes me really happy and humbles me to know y’all like my art enough to have it forever. Thank you I’m forever grateful." I do not have tattoos, but there are a couple of tattoo artists who's work I've contemplated getting on me. There's just so many options that It makes it hard for me to choose? Maybe I'm just overthinking the process into getting a tattoo.
When it comes to your artistic burlesque endeavors how has that been? When did it? What is it about burlesque performance that you enjoy the most? "I used to be really shy and anxious growing up but I always dreamed of being some type of dancer or performer but my insecurities held me back. When I was in college I was approached by someone who asked if I’d be interested in being a burlesque performer. I never considered it before but I decided to go for it and I loved it and haven’t stopped since. Burlesque has introduced me to so many people, history, places, and a whole new me I am forever grateful for." The event that Kandi hosted awhile back "Gore Whores" I remember it was specifically in Halloween. It was one of my first burlesque shows that I've been able to attend. That's one event I won't forget mostly because it's how I was introduced to the art, burlesque in the valley. With the other events I've been able to attend afterwards. I can only imagine the process, the planning, and the coordination with others involved to create the moment. I'm excited to attend the upcoming event!
You've created "My kinky Valentine" what led you to create this event? Especially with the involvement of erotic art. I know this also happened last year but when did it initially start? "As someone who was a professional domintrix, performer, and artist. I wanted to create a space where I could bring these three communities together in a way for all of us to support each other and for me to also help local artists network and get their art out there locally in a safe and judge free space with like minded individuals." This is also something I wanted to mention and that's the "judgement free space." It's incredible. From my experiences everyone is having a great time cheering, yelling, uplifting one another and of course the GASPING when something tremendous happend. Like I remember someone jumping off the stage into a split and I was like !!!!! with the people next to me. Let's not forget about the art when you walk into Gremlin and it just sets the tone to the theme of the event at hand.
Have you considered making prints of your art work? "Yes I do and will have some more available soon." I ask because I personally need a Kandi Kasket piece on my wall along with the other pieces I've collected from other artists haha
How do you wish to continue with your art/performance art? Any ideas or projects in mind? "I just don’t want to stop. I want to keep growing artistically and never stop improving."
As an artist what have you been able to personally express? In terms of creating art and performing as she says "Radical self love."
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