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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?
Sabrina: Yes, I attended a small college under full Art Scholarship
for over 2 years, then transferred to the University of TN.
Also took art courses when I lived in New
York. But it was my first real art professor that
introduced me to true pen and ink technique and I found my niche.....that was
in the mid 70's.
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?
Sabrina: Family and friends were supportive, especially my
Grandmother. My parents encouraged me to learn to type and have other things to
fall back on. Which can translate into lack of support.....but they did seem to
recognize the skill. And I did work at other jobs until the artwork began to
support itself as a career. But then I was always the black sheep of the family
anyway, so being an artist seemed to fit my profile all along.<laugh>
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?
Sabrina: Well, actually many of my art concepts in college were very
spiritual and fringing on the edge of what many considered "normal".
But since doing portraits was so easy, too, I did manage to produce several
pieces that were socially acceptable. Leaning more towards the metaphysical and
mystical emerged as did my interest. There was always the spark there, but
everything from geography changes to those I spent time with, to what I chose
to read began to make a difference somewhere in the 80's. I was the young mother
who had "crystal parties" instead of the Tupperware parties. The
artwork began to follow suit, of course...
TWPT:
When was it that you started to think about your artwork
as a career or commercial venture?
Sabrina: Doing portraits and commissions began in the 70's. Making a
career out of doing artwork Only began in the mid 90's. Committing myself to
Pagan Artwork came in the late 90's. And actually a friend who worked at a
pagan shop in New Hope, Pa (http://www.mystickaltymes.com/) started
the pagan-artwork career. With one simple, short conversation she set into
motion a drive and ambition I'd never known before. "Draw what people need
and look for." She advised.
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?
Sabrina: I'm not much for the "gallery" type shows. Not
really my audience. If a gallery ever picks me up and wishes to exhibit my
work, I'll certainly consider the option. But my popularity began very much as
a grass-roots movement...one person at a time either in person or seeing my
work exposed via media or Internet. Little by little the attention rose - as I
think a person's work should grow. Like the artwork I actually do....pen and
ink is Slow in process, engaging painstaking and tiny lines until the image is
complete. So one person at a time, one
line at a time...I try to keep pen and ink alive.
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?
Sabrina: Nope...was not always open. Some things just come with age.
<Laugh> Like deciding to be who you are out-loud. When I decided to
"come out" I did so with my artwork as well. Might as well reach for
the stars.
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.
TWPT:
Is all of your artwork influenced by your spiritual path?
Sabrina: Not necessarily. Some commissions are just that -
commissions -and it is up to the person who hires me to decide what they need
upon that paper. But if you look closely at each piece of art that I've ever
done....you'll find my spirit and energy and some blood, sweat and tears locked
within those lines.
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.
Sabrina: The Goddess, hands down...without question...many pantheons.
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?
Sabrina: Pen and Ink offers things other mediums cannot. For one
thing, I prefer the viewer/owner of the artwork to decide the colors when they
view an artwork. Why should I select a color of a garment, when it's Much more
interesting for You to choose? And pen and ink ties us to the history we all share...that
long forgotten medium and link to the past. Using quills and nibs, so old
fashioned, just preserves the *feel* of it all. Are tech pens easier? Sure. Do
nibs offer more occupational hazard for a drop out of place and into the trash
it goes- sure. What's art without a sacrifice? Each artist makes a sacrifice of
some sort, some pound of flesh, some amount of soul, or art..... it is not.
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: Doing projects for others is tremendous work and fun. The
challenge is to meet their needs and see things through their eyes, not my own.
Some people are harder to please than others. But that's what you face when you
accept commissioned work and probably why so few artists take commissions
anymore. But someone has to draw or paint what is needed. What if chefs Only cooked what they wanted to
and we were all forced to eat what they served? Or what if Doctors decided to
treat only those illnesses they chose to pay attention to.....? Scary.
so....ok...someone's got to do the work FOR others instead
of what they just feeeeel like doing. Yes, even artists.
Creating my Own independent artwork ends up being pure
pleasure.
I win both ways.
TWPT:
Have your surroundings and your home in Pennsylvania been an
influence on the subject matter that you choose to create in your artwork?
Sabrina: PA is very similar to the area I grew up in East TN.
So I love the surroundings. Yes, there is a definite connection to nature:
water, forest and animal right outside my door. That is always helpful. When
the tiny lines start running together, I can step right outside mingle with
nature awhile and recharge.
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?
Sabrina: The response has been flattering. Not only do people enjoy
the texture I work to create, but they revel in the subject matter as well.
Also, there seems to be a good appeal that I work to listen to my audience and
work to manifest what they would wish to find art-wise.
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?
Sabrina: Really need to add a schedule to the website. I know that
would help a great deal when folks wish things autographed personally. We're
going to make some changes on the site soon. But, yes, to answer your question
- I DO hit the road when the weather makes travel more possible. Just enjoyed a
fabulous weekend at the PA Ren Fair participating in the "Celtic
Fling". Before that, finished a fair in Wilkes Barre PA - "Endless
Mountain Festival".....and I try to get to as many weekend shows as possible during
the Spring-Fall months that I can drive or fly to. It is always such a plus to
get to meet and greet the public. Talking to folks one-on-one can be so
energizing!
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?
Sabrina: Hmmm...that's a really tough question. What have I learned?
To stick to my guns, even when opposed. Tis the nature of the artist to lay on
the fringe of reality as most understand it anyway....might as well go all the
way and be fringe publicly. And to anyone else out there who likes to draw:
Keep it up. So few people really draw anymore. Drawing is still Very much an
art form, although, many try to dismiss it. Stick to your craft. Wait tables if
you have to. I'm living proof that if you love what you do...you CAN do it for
a living someday. You just cannot give up, that's all.
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:
http://www.clannandrumma.com/
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.
http://spiralpublishinginc.com/osCommerce/
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.
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