What began as a response to both InkTober and Mythic May in 2019 has blossomed into an ongoing series of illustrations and creature designs. Researching and retelling myths and legends from all around the world, from the household names to lost obscurities, has been and continues to be a fun and rewarding adventure.
The Tofitian Sketchbook is a book of mistakes, struggles and pushing my comfort zone. Very little in this book has ended up being polished, but to me it’s represented a period of growth, learning and experimentation.
Marine mammals have fascinated me since I was but a wee lass, and marine biology in a defining and ongoing passion of mine. I wanted for years to be a naturalist and an illustrator. It wasn’t until recently that I realized that I’m already both. I have been for years.
The Wall Whales began as a project to entertain and uplift my co-workers at my day job during the pandemic. A few of my doodles found their way onto the wall of a shared corner, then to the staff room, and before I knew it I had a good-sized pod going. Before long I had visions of a wall completely covered in whales, dolphins, porpoises and pinnepeds. So, I took the series on as a proper project.
All the pieces in the Wall Whale series are done straight onto ordinary paper in ordinary ballpoint pen. A reminder that beautiful things can be made with simple means.
The Fjallraven Sketchbook was a turning point in my art. A Stillman and Byrn Beta series, this was the first sketchbook I’ve had that I really felt comfortable throwing wet media at with genuine abandon. The results surprised me, and made me want to push myself harder and farther. This was the first sketchbook I was ever really proud of as a complete piece in and of itself. It was my constant companion from July 2018- Feb 2019.
Most artists find they gravitate to one subject over all others. For some, it’s portraiture. Others, landscapes. Still others, technical drawings, abstract imaginings, or personal iconography. I love to work in all of those fields, and to live in all of those worlds, but if there’s one subject I love above all others, it’s Kingdom Animalia.
In a world where we ideate what it would be like and what we would do were we greeted with intelligent life from outer space, but so often fail to acknowledge the identity, individuality and worthiness of the creatures we already share our planet with, I truly don’t think enough can be said for or about the animal world. I love them for their behavior, their structure, their intelligence, their tenacity, their rawness, and their beauty. I find I never tire of our incredible and endlessly varied companions on this star-tied rock we are all privileged to share.
My goal when creating a portrait is to capture a likeness - both in the physical features, and in the subjects individual and personal energy. Whether it’s a portrait of a person, a pet, or even a motorcycle, it’s important to me to nail both the look, and the vibe.
I want you to look at a portrait I’ve made and say, “Woah, it’s just like them!”
And then I want you to look again, and go, “…Woah. It’s just like them.”
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