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The Artist's Canvas |
Sabrina the Ink Witch Visit Sabrina the Ink Witch's Website
Sabrina's artwork
Herne©
Corn King©
Samhain©
All images copyright by Sabrina the Ink Witch and unauthorized duplication or display is unlawful. |
TWPT:
As you have been about crafting pen and ink art for over
30 years could you recall for us when it was that art became more than just a
hobby for you? Sabrina: Teachers noticed something special about my art when I was
in High School. I guess I was around 14 years old when I did my first
commissioned piece. Then did a few more commissions in college. So from a young
age I was already working. TWPT:
Did you ever have any formal art training during those
early years of creating your pen and ink drawings? TWPT:
Did you receive encouragement from your family and
friends to pursue your artwork or was this a dream that you followed on your
own? TWPT:
When you look back at the artwork that you created early
on what are your thoughts about your style and choice of subject matter? Has
much changed in the intervening years? TWPT:
When was it that you started to think about your artwork
as a career or commercial venture? I've never looked back....... TWPT:
How is it that an artist such as yourself begins to
develop a name for themselves among those who might be interested in purchasing
their artwork? Shows, galleries? And being popular doesn't make my art better. The artwork has
to answer for itself. Period. One Artwork at a time. TWPT:
Were you always open about the fact that you are a Witch
or was that a gradual revelation to those around you? Does that limit you as to who you can sell
your artwork to? And yes, my subject matter and audience Does very much
influence my income. I could, after all, draw other more popular subjects and
probably sell a great deal more. But integrity and honor have their price. I just have to be true to who I really am. And if that
translates into less income to be pure to my spirit, then so be it. I've seen
other artists cave to the dollar, and I refuse to worship such a false God,
myself. Does that make me a purist or stupid, since I can draw anything...maybe
stupid <laugh>.....but to me... I answer to the public. And I would not answer them falsely. If that personal energy isn't spiritual, I don't know what
is. TWPT:
Tell me about some of the recurring themes to your
artwork and why they keep resurfacing. I think that's my way of seeking balance in a predominantly,
male-focused society. The Goddess- so ignored for so long.............she was
bound to surface through artists at some point. Does that make my work
unpopular with those cultures or religions who don't pay attention to a Goddess
- You bet. That just fuels me to work harder to portray her in some fashion
again and again. Stubborn Irish maybe? <laugh> TWPT:
Why is it that you stick with the old style of pen and
ink drawing for rendering your artwork and how does this affect the quality of
the finished pieces? My medium is just a little more old fashioned than most. I like things simple, too. Plain paper, not fancy, black
ink, not fancy, nibs, not fancy.....and art is born. Who needs tons of supplies
and fancy expensive, whatnots to make art? Not many people like to draw anymore. I really do. Drawing is going out of style. So those of us who Do like to
draw need to work harder to keep it alive. Computers will rule us all someday.
Hand-rendered crafts will be antiques. I enjoy knowing I make something that
lasts. TWPT:
I’ve noticed from your website that your work has also
appeared as illustrations for a book, magazine and newsletter projects. Tell me
how that came about and what the differences are in illustrating a book for
someone else as opposed to creating your own independent pieces of art? Sabrina: Creating my Own independent artwork ends up being pure
pleasure. I win both ways. TWPT:
Have your surroundings and your home in I have many gardens. Gardening is passion number two. TWPT:
Tell me how your work has been received by the
Wiccan/Pagan community and what kinds of feedback you have received from those
who have purchased your art? TWPT:
Do you go out on
the road at all with your artwork during the spring and summer months? Where
might someone find you or where could they look on your website to find a
location that you might be? TWPT:
After 30 years as
an artist what have you learned about your craft to this point? Any advise for
the up and coming young artist who might want to pursue art as their chosen
career? TWPT:
Any final thoughts you would like to share with those
who have been fans of your artwork and bought a piece or two over the years? Sabrina: Yes, I'd like for folks to watch for some new things from
their Ink Witch: There's the release of my 2006 Wall calendar by mid July -
dedicated to Ravens.
http://spiralpublishinginc.com/osCommerce/ There's the Clann An Drumma portrait due for release soon.
If you've not seen or heard this band...you've GOT to check them out: And last, but not least, I've been negotiating an agreement
for getting Ink Witch artwork on products such as coffee mugs, wall
plagues,Tee-Shirts jewelry...boxes, etc. The Book is growing in favor these
past few months. That was a project I really enjoyed. Too many requests to ignore. I really do like to work to produce what folks want to see. So answering the public is paramount in my ambitions and craft. TWPT: Well I do thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to answer these questions and I do wish you much success with your art. We have always appreciated it here at The Wiccan/Pagan Times over the years. |