Creative Incubator Artist of the Day: Gladzy Kei

Get to know an artist! Today’s spotlight is on Gladzy Kei (she/her).

Today’s incredible Incubator Artist is Gladzy (not Gladys!) Kei, a concept artist, sculptor and cosplayer. Gladzy is using her time at cSPACE to construct a movie accurate costume of the latest and the *first* Southeast Asian Disney Princess, Raya. The animated movie came out in March 2021, and for Gladzy it was an amazing experience to see a Southeast Asian female lead character in a mainstream big budget animated film. She is using her artistic sewing skills to build this costume from scratch. Over the course of the Incubator she will share her experience and creative process with girls all over the world who want to dress up like a Disney princess ❤️ For many, they may not have had the opportunity to see their experience reflected back to them in this way.

We asked Gladzy to share with us some of her thoughts about her time here. Here’s what we learned.

cSPACE: What’s your imaginary autobiography called? 

“Well, that didn’t work. Time to Gladzy-fy it!”

GK: I say this as my book title because that pretty much sums up my artistic career of figuring stuff out on the go, and my attempt to solve problems by putting a band-aid on my props and costumes. It can also pertain to my attempt at sewing costumes but not having the patience and success of doing it properly. So I ‘Gladzy-fy’ it by redesigning the costume in a more sculptural and armored form because that’s what I enjoy making the most! ❤️

cSPACE: Art is all about innovative solutions, so it looks like you have that covered! What excites you about the Creative Incubator?

GK: I’m excited to be able to work in a huge studio space! I live in a small apartment so having space to make cool things while streaming live is the dream! I’m also so excited to be able to connect with local artists with a wide range of practices.

cSPACE: What inspires you about cSPACE?

GK: Definitely just being surrounded by beautiful art all over! The walls are colorful with a wide range of artistic work, including paintings and sculptures. It’s important to be surrounded by inspiration and I was definitely pumped to be able to work in that same space. I had so much fun with my first live stream and people online enjoyed interacting with me while I was working on my prop at the theater.

cSPACE: At cSPACE we live by the 4C’s: Creativity, Community, Collaboration, and Change. Which of these resonates the most with you right now?

I think due to the pandemic there has been a lack of sense of community and collaboration, because we are disconnected from seeing one another in person! This is what I have been longing for. I’m an extrovert and I’m all about being a part of a community. I was able to do this by interacting with my audience on social media through live streaming and posting progress photos of my work while at cSPACE.

cSPACE: Where do you see yourself in five years?

GK: Definitely traveling more and possibly making more public art, going to public events and more conventions where I can meet my audience/followers in person! I miss going to conventions and it’s these events that have motivated me to create cosplay props every year.

cSPACE: We can absolutely see you signing autographs at a major convention, Gladzy. How can people connect with you, support you, and find out more?

GK: I’m active on Instagram the most, I am just one dm away ❤️

To follow Gladzy’s progress and tune into her livestreams, follow her on Instagram @ gladzykei

Or check out her Stories highlights from cSPACE here.