Having just completed her degree, earning a BFA in illustration, artist Corinne Reid continues to expand her creative skills through her spirited artwork. Finding inspiration from fairy tales and every experience life has to offer, the young illustrator creates original, fantasy-driven realms filled with a cast of animated characters.
Sometimes there appears to be political undertones, criticizing economic or social issues while remaining fairly innocent. One of my favorite pieces by Reid is the dulled grenade sprouting multihued flowers. It's the new age's representation of keeping the peace instead of continuing the war. Another favorite is the portrayal of a left-handed person's lament, in which a left-handed arm is swarmed with dark energy. It's indicative of the stigma associated with being left-handed, like the artist (and me – lefty's unite!).
We got in contact with Corinne and she was kind enough to answer some of our questions. You can read that interview, below.
How would you describe your process? What are your favorite mediums to use?
A tough question! I suppose if anything you could say I make very intricate digital collages, using painted and photographed textures. Essentially I take pictures of say, painted effects made with watercolors, inks or acrylics, scan them in and lay them on top of one another using Photoshop and its layer effects. Its very similar to what you could do with thin, acrylic washes. Using this method on top of a base color palette, I can build up those textures and create a very painted, very traditional look with my illustrations. That said, I also incorporate textures of cement, rust, wood, essentially anything that will give me the effect or color I'm looking for. As for my most desired medium, acrylics have always appealed to me, as have traditional calligraphy inks. Photoshop is very much my comfort medium, but it no longer gives me the challenge I need to continue growing as an artist.
Each of your pieces are very powerful in their own way. Where do you find inspiration?
Much of my inspiration comes from Eastern cultures. Ever since I was younger, I've been enamored with the delicacy and beautiful stillness of Chinese, Japanese, and Indian painting, and have tried to incorporate those same ideals into my work. Although like many other artists, I'm also inspired by the natural world around me. Nature can present such beautiful, strange forms, and I often find myself taking reference from nature blogs, or outside in the forests of where I live.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
For the longest time, I've loved the works of Fuyuko Matsui. Her subject matter and color palette are always so alluring and unique, it never ceases to inspire me. Other artists such as Sam Weber, Tien Hee, Nicola Samori, and Stephan Thompson are always on my list when I need inspirational boost!
What's the one piece of advice that you would give to aspiring artists?
Hmm, this is difficult since I still consider myself so new to the art industry. What has always worked for me in the past though, is the mindset that you absolutely must give 110% to whatever you're working on. Whether you have a day, a week, or a month to work on a piece, give your artwork as much devotion as you can. Also, the only limit you have is yourself! I'm constantly reprimanding myself for creating so many barriers while I work. The more walls you put up, the less your imagination comes through in the final product. Lastly, promote your work as much as you can! Connect to art communities, submit to contests, comment on blogs, make yourself known. I get a lot of exposure, but only because I put myself on as many websites as I could handle, and then some. Talent and success are merely the result of passion and hard work.
What's next for you?
As it stands I have quite a few shows coming up, from Wonderland Gallery in LA, the Strychnin Gallery in Berlin, to the Yasha Young Gallery in Tokyo. I hope with these opportunities, along with my personal studies, I can further improve myself as an artist and continue to contribute new ideas to the ever evolving industry of art.
To see more of the artist's work progression, you can follow her blog. Prints of Reid's work can be purchased on Society6.
