sweet illusions
From habitat highlights - issue 43, meet the maker
Got a sweet tooth? You’ll love Kelly Vize’s world of fake food art.
Hundreds and thousands
biscuit icing in Resene Ballerina
Before becoming a mum and self-proclaimed ‘faker baker’, Kelly Vize worked as a graphic designer in the media world. These days, she’s swapped pixels for paint pots, turning her love of crafting into a colourful, joy-filled creative business. Entirely self-taught, in these creations Kelly mixes Resene paints into resin and pours the colours together to whip up fake food that looks good enough to eat – but hands off, they’re just for show!
Her playful pieces are bursting with humour, colour and a whole lot of heart. Each one sparks memories, conversations and smiles – whether it’s hanging on a wall or styled on a shelf. Inspired by colour first and foremost, Kelly follows her instincts and imagination to dream up her next ‘dish’.
Why is Resene your go-to paint?
“I love that I don’t have to commit to a big tin of paint when I’m still deciding on colours, so I buy a lot of Resene testpots”, she says. “The range is huge and even when I think I’ll need to mix a shade, it’s usually already on the chart. The colours are rich and bright and they don’t fade – I’ve got pieces from years ago that still look as fresh as the day I made them.”
Chocolate cake made with Resene Brown Pod and icing in Resene Chocolate Brownie.
Squiggles biscuit icing made with Resene Chocolate Brownie and squiggle lines painted in Resene Ballerina.
Kelly in her studio. See more of Kelly’s art at www.kellyvize.com.
Is your art based on your favourite foods?
“Not at all! I don’t have a sweet tooth – I don’t like chocolate, never order dessert, and the only lollies I really like are sour gummies. I know, right? It’s all visual for me. I’m always impressed by bakers who make beautiful cakes (I’m terrible at real-life baking) and I love watching sugar cookie decorating videos. But basically, I see something edible and think ‘I could make that’.
How important is colour in your creative process?
“Hugely! Colour is often what attracts me in the first place. I might be buying Resene paint for a specific project, then see a shade that – to me – is the perfect Goody Goody Gum Drops. Well, that’s my next project! I’m constantly inspired by colour, and it always influences what I make next.”
Kelly in her studio. See more of Kelly's art at www.kellyvize.com.
What advice would you give to other creatives?
“First, I don’t think all creative hobbies need to become businesses – but I do think everyone needs a creative outlet. There’s something that happens when you’re making – the rest of the world disappears. It’s hard to be sad when you’re creating something with your hands.
Did you know?
Resene testpots were created so decorators could test their colours out at home, and while that is still popular they have also become a creative tool for makers, artists and craftspeople. Resene has more than 2,000 testpot colours available, so it’s easy to find the right colour for your project. Most are made using Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen which is a durable paint that can be used inside or out – and there’s also metallic, wood stain and non-skid testpots too! Resene testpots are available at Resene ColorShops and selected resellers or you can buy online at shop.resene.com/testpots.
Colours and products mentioned in this article
Words: Pamela Mcintosh