|
Abranda, when
did you start thinking of yourself as a “real artist?”
Wow, I’m still not
sure I do! I feel every time I do a painting that I still have so much
to learn about creating art. But I think it was when I sold my first
Limited Edition Print at Dragon Con in 2001 for over $100.00 that the
thought actually entered my mind. I was so excited I almost cried
thinking that someone saw in my work something that made them willing to
spend a large chunk of money. It was like I had finally realized my
dream. I had spent my whole life drawing just for fun, but when someone
wanted to buy what I had created, it made me think that I was crossing
into a whole new level of achievement for myself.
How did you
evolve as an artist? What was your process?
I’ve always drawn;
ever since I can remember. I had tons of support from my parents. I
could always count on a new sketchbook every holiday. And it was
something I always looked forward to. I spent most of my life sketching
something. I love realism. And I always tried to set a goal for myself
to make my work as realistic as possible. I’ve taken art classes since 2nd
grade. My art teacher, Mrs. Meeks, approached my parents when I was 8
and asked if she could give me extra lessons. I used to spend one of my
recesses in an extra art tutoring class. She was my favorite teacher
ever!
She entered me
into contests at the local county fair and I was even lucky enough to
win awards. She gave me incredible confidence and taught me about
watercolors and diligent practice. As I continue to paint I always go
back to her lessons and remember the faith she had in me. I believe in
continually reminding yourself of the basics; always reviewing the
lessons in shading and lighting, color theory, basic anatomy, and
3-point perspective. I am constantly sketching and practicing. And I
think the more I create, the more I learn. I think the biggest
contribution I make to my art skills is in continually looking for the
next thing to develop. Every painting I do teaches me something new.
Click on thumbnail to enlarge
|
Aquarius |
Libra |
Angelic Autumn |
Angelic Eloquence |
What is your
attraction to fantasy art?
I wanted to be a
figure artist most of my life and even dabbled in wildlife art for
awhile. But attraction to fantasy art was because of the elementary
school teachers I had. I had 3 years of teachers that read to their
classes 4 or 5 books each year. And for some reason they tended to read
fantasy novels. One of the first books I remember was ‘A Wrinkle In
Time.’ It was probably my favorite story growing up. Among the other
titles were ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ and ‘The Once And Future King’.
And since I liked to sketch, I spent the time they read to us sketching
out the characters. I had a fascination with wings and started putting
wings on everything I drew. I think I might have grown out of the phase
if my teachers hadn’t been so interested in what I was drawing. But
several of them kept my sketches and one even purchased one of my
paintings done in the fantasy genre. So because of the encouragement I
kept drawing things with wings.
Growing up,
were there any artists that inspired you to become an artist?
My art teacher was
probably my biggest inspiration simply because of her extra attention on
me. Most of my inspirations were authors though. I was so fascinated
by Terry Brooks’ ‘Shanara’ series and Anne MaCaffrey’s ‘Pern’ novels
that I couldn’t get fantasy imagery out of my head. I loved Sue Dawe.
Her folders and binders were really popular when I was in High School
and I loved redrawing her unicorns and dragons. My parents were huge
collector’s of Boris and Julie and our home was always flooded with art
books and fantasy novels.
Click on thumbnail to enlarge
|
Expecting |
Enchanted |
Coral |
Dragon Knot |
Do you have any
formal training as an artist, outside of your elementary years, or are
you self-taught?
I have had some
basic college art as well as private tutoring, mostly in my pre-college
years. But for the most part, I am self-taught. I honestly believe
there is only so much that can be taught in art and that the rest is
simply practice and experimentation. And a great deal of encouragement!
What inspires
you to paint?
My emotions. I’m
not a very emotional person. I tend to be very shy and quiet and keep
things bottled up. Painting is my outlet. It allows me to express
emotions in a healthy non-confrontational way and keeps me from making
myself crazy. I also paint when I need spiritual guidance. I view my
talent as a blessing. And when I feel lost or confused about something,
I like to create something, just let my artwork sort of guide me thru
working out my emotions. I tend to feel a spiritual connection to my
more angelic works.
Click on thumbnail to enlarge
|
Binding the Moon |
Sea Maid |
Dark Sister |
Legacy |
How did you
come up with the name “MuddVision Studios” and does it have some
significance?
Don’t laugh! But
my maiden is Mudd. I grew up being teased mercilessly because of my
last name, but despite all that, once I married I wanted to keep a part
of my heritage with me. So I came up with MuddVision studios. Vision
was simply because my art is my visions, so to speak, come to physical
form. I tried to change my name back after my divorce but it confused
too many people, so I just kept it as Sisson.
How long have
you been a member of the Fairy Society and would you say that it has
helped your career in any way?
I have been with
The Fairy Society since it’s start a little over a year ago. I guess I
would be considered a founding member artist. I was among some of the
first artists to be associated with the company. And yes I would say it
has helped my career in that The Fairy Society has become a well-known
name in such a short amount of time and has definitely put me out into
the public where I am more noticed. It has also given me an opportunity
to break into licensing. It has taught me a great deal about licensing
opportunities and contracts and how to help promote and market myself as
an artist.
Click on thumbnail to enlarge
|
Kat |
Dandelion Wishes |
Grove of Keys |
What is your
vision for your art? Where do you see yourself down the road?
I so very much see
my art as progressing. I still feel like I am learning a great deal in
both skill and subject matter. I think I’m pretty versatile in the fact
that I can do both cutesy work and work that is more fine art oriented.
I feel my art is very elegant and has a great potential to be incredible
if I really devote some time into perfecting my style. I definitely want
to get more into illustration and break away from painting a single
pretty fairy. I want to reach a level of expertise that just takes your
breath away when you look at one of my paintings. And I really want to
be able to tell a really amazing story with just a picture. I’m
starting to lean more towards a more spiritual fantasy portrayal of my
imagery. And I’ve had a great response from my fans and collector’s
with this turn.
Who or what has
had the greatest influence on you as an artist?
Theresa Mather and
Nene Thomas both really influenced me when I first started painting
professionally. Both gave me great tips and guidance. Nene is just an
incredible talent that I still go to when I need inspiration. Her work
has that breathtaking feeling I’m striving to achieve. And Teresa guided
me through the in’s and out’s of selling successfully at shows and
really learning to make a living with my art. I count her as a very dear
friend.
Click on thumbnail to enlarge
Do you have any
parting words, or words of advice for all those aspiring artists out
there?
Never give up!
Listen to other artists! Trust your guts and always believe you can be
better. Never let your fame get to your head and be grateful for every
compliment or criticism you get! Seek as much advice as you can and
network with everyone! You never know who knows whom and who can help
you when you least expect it.
If you find
something that works, stick with it! Don’t gossip! Word in this
industry travels faster than light! Be confident but humble and always
take care of your customers and fans!
Stand up for your
art! Have confidence in it but realize not everyone likes the same
thing. You have to have a tough skin when being an artist and you have
to be able to both know your strengths and be able to accept your
weaknesses to continue to learn to improve.
Find your niche!
Come up with something unique that makes you different from everyone
else and really develop it.
And most
importantly, never stop creating! Paint or draw for yourself first! You
have to love your art for anyone else to love it too!
Thank you much for taking time out of
your busy schedule to speak with us here at the Celestopea Times. Best
of luck to you, and I hope I don't sound too cliché when I say
"may all your dreams come true."
Thank you so much
for the opportunity to do this interview. I am truly honored.
Blessings!
To view more of Abranda's incredible
artwork, please visit her website: http://www.muddvision.com.
All works
are copyright. Permission to use these images in any way must be
obtained from the artist.
To read other Artist Interviews,
please visit our
Archives |
