Artist Spotlight: Kaylee Defer
I met Kailey years ago through a close friend and was instantly drawn to her warmth and light. When I discovered her art, I knew we had to feature her, a talented artist, super Mama and a beautiful soul. Spending the day in her home, surrounded by her work and hearing her story, made me admire her even more. - Belinda
Tell us a little bit about yourself—who is Kaylee? For anyone meeting you for the first time, how would you describe what you do and who you are in this chapter of your life?
This is such an interesting chapter because I really have not had a career defining title in over a decade. Yet, I’ve done more in the last decade in the shadows than I did while I was “famous”. First, I’m a mother of three beautiful boys. I’m a tour wife (IYKYK), I am a painter, an artist, an interior designer, a cook, a party planner, an entrepreneur and I still haven’t closed that chapter on acting.
You spent years in front of the camera, what inspired you to pick up a paintbrush and step into a different kind of creative expression?
Honestly, making art was always a quintessential part of my life and happiness. But, I really dove head first into mom and wife mode and woke up years later realizing I hadn’t “made” something just for the sake of being creative in years. Something was missing. I hadn’t dabbled with painting as a medium before, so I started playing around with it and I fell in love. Acting isn’t exactly something you can just “do” when you get a creative itch. I can, however, pick up a paint brush any time I fucking want. It saved me. When I take the time to fill my creative cup, I’m a much better mom and wife.
Can you describe your painting process? Do you work in silence, or do you have a go-to playlist or ritual that sets the tone?
My painting time is so sacred to me. When I go to the studio the first thing I do is sit in that quiet room and I just breathe (if you’re a mom, you know what I’m talking about). Usually I meditate, pull tarot, and journal to clear my head. I’ll pick a radio playlist based on my mood which is usually James Blake (more somber and dreamy), SZA or Doechii (feeling myself, don’t fuck with me), or Kendrick Lamar or Tyler the Creator (more playful/goofy). I need music that moves.
Do you start with a clear idea of what you’re going to create, or is it more intuitive?
Both! The entire reason I fell in love with painting abstract is because it is an intuitive exercise. My goal is to let things happen intuitively as much as possible in the beginning and then as it grows and starts coming to life I start to see a very clear picture. I spend a lot of time on color theory with the quilted series I’ve been working on. I blend and make most of the colors I use for the quilts. That is definitely not intuitive for me. It’s quite a challenge
Where do you look for inspiration?
My son, Bash, is a huge inspiration. He makes the most beautiful drawings, and color theory comes effortlessly for him! I also look to nature and textiles. My phone is full of random close up images of flowers, fruits, leaves, grass, sweaters, fabrics and rocks.
What’s something you’re exploring in your art right now that feels new?
Lately, I’ve been teaching myself how to paint photorealistic images. It’s incredibly labor intensive. I love tasks like that. When I cook and have to peel 30 potatoes, or finely dice carrots, or memorize lines… it’s repetitive and meditative. It’s peaceful and grounding to me.
What advice would you give to someone who feels the urge to pivot creatively but is scared to start over?
Start slow, don’t burn any bridges, and be kind to yourself! Which are all way easier said than done.
What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to? Is the somewhere you’ve been wanting to explore?
My husband, Michael, took me and the boys to the house he summered in during his childhood in Domme, France. Domme is a medieval stone village on top of a hill in the region fois gras is made. You have to drive through a little forest on dirt roads to get to the entrance and I swear to god, I saw a fairies. I’m not joking, it’s one of the most actual magic places I’ve ever been.
What does your perfect day look like?
A lazy day at home, cooking and imbibing with friends and family by the pool.
What is your superpower - the quality or ability that makes you who you are?
Bringing people together. I swear sometimes that if I didn’t host, no one would have a social life. It used to get to me, but it’s something I’ve learned to embrace. My friends are like family to me and if I have to host to see them, nothing makes me happier. Maybe my next pivot will be a hosting empire? How did you do it, Queen Martha?
As a fellow Libra, what does balance in life look like to you?
That is a constant life lesson for me. Balance. I think Libras are gifted at either balancing the room or they are balanced within. I am constantly working on staying balanced within. My daily goal is to either spend a few hours at the studio being creative or a form of exercise and meditation . If I can do one of those things every day, I consider that a success.
What do you wear when you want to feel powerful—like you’re stepping fully into your main character energy?
My main character power outfit is a pantsuit. Nothing makes me feel more badass. Also, wearing the color off-white or cherry red. There’s something super crisp and sharp about those colors. They draw the eye.
Why do you wear BEL KAZAN? What piece are you loving right now?
Belinda might be the only designer that’s actually gotten me to WANT to wear dresses. The fabric is breathable and comfortable, and the fit is impeccable. I’m a jeans and t-shirt girl, but when I need to step it up, BEL KAZAN is my go to because when I’m comfortable I’m confident.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.