#musicians of tumblr

goldenboypress:

Queen of the Foxes Interview #19

What motivates you when you sit down to create something?

I like to challenge myself because I get distracted or bored pretty easily. I’ll either want to create something using a tool that is traditionally harder to work with (like ballpoint pen), I’ll want to really study or master something (like how to draw a certain animal), or I’ll want to expand upon an idea I’ve worked on before (either making a bigger or much smaller version, or doing it in or on a different medium, or in color). I also love making something beautiful with leftover materials, like the last bits of paint on scrap paper. There’s no pressure, so the results are lighter and freer.  

Do you find inspiration in other things besides art?

Nature and animals are my biggest go-tos for inspiration. Getting out and climbing around on boulders or kayaking surrounds me with my subject matter, my color palette, and puts me in a neutral, peaceful headspace. I’m at ease so my ideas come more freely. And animals… I honestly feel more like myself hanging out with a cat or a horse than some people. Writing and music help too. I’ve kept journals since I was nine, and I could get lost in playlists. Music actually creates images in my head, and very easily alters my mood. 

Do you like to listen to music when you draw? If so, what’s your go to song?

Absolutely. I love classical music (Vivaldi, Glinka, Mozart) for when I really need to focus on technical pieces. Other times I’ll have Deftones going full blast. I think “Knife Party” is particularly awesome, though not to everyone’s tastes— you’ve got Rodleen Getsic screaming in one part, yet it somehow works with the song. It’s a great example of being unusual but creative with music, and kind of boosts my energy. 

Who’s one person you admire?

I admire so many people who are very close to me, so instead of choosing one, I’ll say this: I admire people who pursue what they love and make it happen in a good, honest, way. People who get to do what they love—and succeed at it—without knocking people over to get there… that amazes me and inspires me. It’s what I want. 

How has nature played a role in your creativity?

It’s everything. I grew up in Northwestern Pennsylvania in the middle of a National Forest. We had black bears wandering through our backyard, bald eagles flying by our house, and a river that I spent summers swimming in. It was heaven. Then my parents split up and I moved to the city, so I lost that easy access to the wilderness. Continuing to focus on animals and nature with my art is my way of always staying connected not only to my past and who I am, but to something I deeply respect and want others to learn to respect as well. 

Could you explain your fascination with foxes?

They’re such stunning little creatures, and I’ve loved them forever. I think they’re one of my spirit animals. They have this quiet nobility to them, yet they’re funny and playful. They live alongside humans, but you rarely see them, so whenever I catch a glimpse of one I feel like it’s good luck. 

How would you describe your style?

Artistically, it’s hard to. For me it all comes down to detail. I think I range from loose and sketchy to tight and technical, but I’m always aware of how lines are moving and where they lay, what textures are appropriate, the lighting, anatomy, color or shading, etc. It’s so satisfying when those elements come together to make sense, whether it be the technical outcome, or emotional feel I needed from the piece.

Do you plan to pursue art professionally?

I’m trying to figure that out. I have a “day job” at an animal hospital, but I’m happiest when I’m making art for my own enjoyment. When I get a great response to my work, it sends me over the moon and makes me want to make more. Commission-based work, while lucrative, is very restrictive and can sometimes suck the fun right out of the whole process. It’s a give-and-take situation. I’m definitely learning as I go, and I find it really hard sometimes, especially without a mentor. All I know is I’d like to continue making art, but realize that once it turns into a chore or something I dread, I need to be able to step away from it for a bit. I don’t want to ruin something that’s inherent and enjoyable. Maybe I’ll become a naturalist who takes really incredible field notes. 

Recognition or just personal expression?

Both. The recognition is an added bonus to my personal expression. It makes me giddy. I’ll be honest, I always have a moment of tiny shock and surprise when people like my stuff, because when you’ve spent so much time on a piece and know where you struggled, or what parts are your weakest, you hyper-focus on it and sometimes forget the big picture. Recognition helps me see what I sometimes forget. It’s fuel to the fire of creativity. 

What are your favorite colors to work with?

I’ve only recently slipped back into the world of color, and I love it. Vibrant orange, saffron yellow, burnt sienna. Those were my most worn-down crayons as a kid, and colors I love wearing. I will forever have black thrown in there though… it’s too useful and powerful a color to ignore.

Is there a certain place where you feel most creative?

In the shower or right before I fall asleep. I go through a stream of consciousness about anything and everything. The things that I think could turn into something, I write down or type up as a memo on my phone.  

What makes you happy?

Getting things accomplished, surpassing my expectations, and seeing the people I love happy and successful. 

Any closing comments?

Respect nature and all the creatures in it, as it’s your oldest, biggest family. And I think everyone has a creative side. Nurture it and work with it. It’ll give you a whole new perspective on life. 

Thanks for reaching out to me!

 __________

Interviewed by POI

__________

Special thanks to Golden Boy Press for this awesome post! They asked me some great questions and showcased some of my work. Woo!

Check them out… lots of up-and-coming artists and musicians featured regularly.

miscatsquad:

Life is Strange’s Max Caulfield is a relatable character because of her insecurities. So on this episode of @8tracks Me! we discuss those insecurities and make a playlist based on them. 

Max Caulfield Playlist

If you guys have any Max Caulfield playlists you would like featured let me know! OR if you’re a musician looking to advertise your music I will totally feature your music on the next episode of 8tracks Me! as long as it suits the character we’re discussing!

(Watch Out) Boy Music Video BTS: Fragments

As musicians, we focus a lot on the soundscape of a piece - the things you can hear - and found the experience of creating a visual project extremely interesting. Our wonderful director Michael conceptualised props for the characters that would really bring out their personalities. Our production designer Kristen then brought his vision to life by sourcing perfect pieces. These are some prop fragments. 

Photography by @pigeonsarephotogenic

Our debut EP Stupid Little Girls will (finally) be out for you to hear on 12/11.

Artwork by Annabel Cutler (ig: annabelcutler)

Shots from a project we’ve just finished… we’re so excited to share it with y’all! Stay tuuuned.

Photography by Michael Conlon (ig: @conloncreative)

Our debut single (Watch Out) Boyis out on 14/07.

Artwork by Annabel Cutler (ig: @annabelcutler)

Driving Song Music Video BTS: Kombi Appreciation Post

Our filmographer, Mike Conlon, leant us his gorgeous 1970s-era VW Kombi to use for the shoot. We’d been searching for a vehicle that stood out and captured those old-world vibes and it was love at first sight with this one. Being that none of us knew how to drive manual, we decided that Charlotte - as the eldest and one with some free time - should be the one to take on the task. She met with Mike once before the shoot to learn how to handle the van, and then spent some evenings practicing with friends in Sydney (but says it was still super scary going 80 down those winding roads!). The van scared us a bit when we over-filled the petrol tank, making us think she had broken down, but eventually got us every step of the way in style.

Photography by @pigeonsarephotogenic
Featuring @conloncreative @wichtavase and The Settlers Arms Inn, St Albans.

Driving Song Music Video BTS: Smiles on Set

This was a jam-packed day. We rose early and shot the opening scene in our driveway. We hit the road straight after, arriving at our first filming location by 11am. And by “location” we mean we pulled to the side of the road once the trees on either side started to get really thick and attached the windshield camera. We were so excited about this concept! Charlotte had her first turn at driving a manual on camera and reckons you can see how nervous she was on her face in some shots - haha! 

We followed the road around, basically letting the scenery do the talking. By lunchtime, we’d reached the last petrol station before the ferry and filled the Kombi’s tank until it overflowed… panic ensued but that old girl is tough and was good to go again after a short break - thank the Lord. We wedged both cars onto the ferry and soaked in the sun off the water and the sounds of birds. 

From the other side of the river, we set up the drone and had Mike control it from the back seat of the van with all three robins inside. It was his first time using one and we really threw him in the deep end, but he did an amazing job (proof is in the pudding!). This process of driving back and forth to get the best shots on the most beautiful sections of road took longer than we’d planned, and we ended up racing the last 30 minutes to beat the sunset to St Albans.

Once we got there, time was of the essence, so we shot the two scenes quickly - stopping to pat some peacocks - and then settled in for the final shot. We cracked open our snacks (chips, lollies, coke, the essentials for a roadtrip) and just let loose, laughing and joking about the day we’d had. 

The journey home was quicker and colder and we were all in such good spirits. Looking back, it was one of the best days of our year, particularly given all that happened with COVID. We feel lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Mike and spend some time with our good friends (turned crew members) Arman and Vašek. We hope you love the final result! 

Photography by @pigeonsarephotogenic
Featuring @conloncreative @wichtavasek and The Settlers Arms Inn

We’ve got another ooold-school cover up on our YT! Featuring some slick harmonica-ing by Charlotte and some slightly unfocused camera work, haha. Have a listen and let us know what you think!