Almost Iris: ‘Find Me Where the Feelings Go’

Mastering the art of the simple line is no mean feat. Just ask anyone who’s ever looked at a Matisse drawing and thought: “I could do that”—only to then fail miserably at reproducing the genius.

Melbourne-based artist and illustrator Marta Oktaba is one who, like the greats before her, has managed to harness the beauty of the line and master the art of simplicity. Marta, who goes by the pseudonym Almost Iris, collects her inspirations by way of people watching—modest moments she transforms into whimsical delights by way of the “make believe world” tucked away in the corners of her imagination.

Oktaba’s new show, Find Me Where the Feelings Go, is about to open at Off the Kerb Gallery. Inspired by the interior self rather than the adventures of strangers, the exhibition is brimming with carefully refined artworks and illustrations which reflect on memories and finding oneself amongst the aftermath of love.

I chatted with Marta recently about her upcoming show, her beautiful artworks, who inspires her, and much, much more:

Outlet Magazine: Who is Almost Iris? The woman, the artist, and what’s the meaning behind the mysterious pseudonym?
Almost Iris: When I was starting out, ‘Almost Iris’ was made as a persona that I could slip into and wholeheartedly be an Artist. The meaning behind the pseudonym came together through the idea that I am almost what I want to see; ‘Iris’ being the iris of the eye, and ‘Almost’ taking me to a place where I am almost where I want to be.

It allowed me to walk away from Marta, who was a girl that worked in Hospitality for ten years and never followed her dreams. I’m now getting to a place where ‘Almost Iris’ is this story like a world that I have created and that’s where Marta lives.

Outlet: Your art, from what I can tell, is almost exclusively made up of simple line work. How did you develop your pared back style?
AI: If I’m going to tell you the truth here, I’m going to have to say that it started with my lack of patience. I wanted to draw, and I wanted it to happen quickly.

I didn’t have years of practice starting from a young age. I was starting out as an adult, and I wanted to produce as much as possible in a short period of time.

Outlet: You also feature a few sweet little sculptures in your portfolio. How do you take your very understated style and transfer it into more complex modes?
AI: I have found that over time, my patience has grown and I have moments when I want to sit with a piece for longer. Transferring my work into sculpture allows me to do this and I find the process relaxing. I draw the subject on paper first and look at it throughout the sculpting process, so it is a direct extension of my drawing.

Outlet: Who are some of your artistic inspirations? Because I’m getting a definite Matisse vibe and maybe some Françoise Gilot?
AI: Matisse most definitely resides in my mind. More specifically his line drawings. Keith Haring also needs a mention. I specifically chose the Upstairs Gallery Space at Off the Kerb because the large window overlooks the Keith Haring mural. Haring’s work has allowed me to understand the strength behind telling a story through simplistic line work.

Outlet: Your new show is called ‘Find Me Where the Feelings Go’. Tell us a little bit about it.
AI: ‘Find Me Where the Feelings Go’ is the emotional aftermath of walking away from a long-term relationship. It’s the moments where you still hold onto the sweet memories. The bits that make you question your decisions and the moment you find your strength again and say: ‘’Hey, I’m okay after all of this’’.

Outlet: It sounds to be a very raw, intimate collection. Was there any hesitancy on your part due to the personal nature of your subject? Or did you just throw yourself into it?
AI: I naturally gravitate to creating work that comes from a personal place of disclosure. I think it’s safe to say that life is tough. If I can share a few of my personal discoveries along the way with strangers; that notion makes me happy.

Outlet: In general, your art seems to have a real streak of humour running through it. Can we expect to see any of that wit in ‘Find Me Where the Feelings Go’?
AI: I suppose I try to find the bright side of life in every situation.

‘Find Me Where the Feelings Go’ comes from a raw place. I’m unsure if I have managed to slip any humour into this body of work. It most definitely carries a bittersweet feeling. It’s a story of mixed emotions. Feeling lost after love and eventually finding the perfect version of yourself amongst the loneliness.

Outlet: As far as technical details; how long did it take you to put the collection together, and what methods and materials have you used?
AI: I began working on it ‘in my mind’ late last year. I couldn’t get myself to physically start the body of work until the year rolled into 2017.

The year started with me scavenging timber factories for found wood and my dad’s old books for found paper. This was the beginning of physically manifesting the work. A large portion of the work is drawings on found paper. Then it trickles into some paintings on found wood and a few little sculptures scattered amongst it all.

The work comes from a very honest place. Any earlier drawings that I forced myself to produce haven’t even made the final selection. I’m hoping that this gentle approach to producing the work carries over into the energy of the whole collection.

Outlet: Have you a favourite piece in the show, or one of which you’re especially fond?
AI: There are a few drawings of couples in warm embraces. Even though these are drawn from distant and delicate memories, they still make me feel warm.

Outlet: What’s up next for you?
AI: I’m about to move into a larger studio space where I am hoping to develop larger works. I’m also going to push myself towards more collaborations with other creatives to move beyond the four walls of my studio.

Many thanks to Marta for taking the time to chat with us!

Almost Iris’s show Find Me Where the Feelings Go opens at Off the Kerb Gallery on Friday, May 5, from 6 ‘till 9 pm. The show will run from May 4 — May 18.

Off the Kerb is located at 66B Johnston Street, Collingwood. The gallery is open from 12:30 pm to 6 pm Thursday — Friday and 12 pm to 5 pm on Saturday + Sunday.

You can find more information about the gallery at their website.

You can find and follow Almost Iris via her website, Instagram, and online shop.