Friday Art Feature – Carri Travis Williams

Actually, it IS! I also know that life can be incredibly harsh and cruel. I choose to focus on the positive. But I leave that to other artists who choose to go down that path. I just love making people happy when they see the work I’ve produced. Of course, I’ve had people tell me that I need to ‘get with reality’ before- to which I’ve responded “Oh, I’ve got reality down-pat. Why do you think I paint fairies, for goodness’ sake?”

I enjoy your vibrant use of color.  Have you always been so comfortable with color? 

I’ve always loved using color in my work, but it wasn’t until I was in college that I started working with oils, then acrylics on a regular basis and have become more comfortable with it. I often use color as symbolism in my paintings (red=passion, white=purity, etc).

I’ve been a Wonder Woman fan since the TV show in 1978- and have always loved comic books. My favorite of all time, though, which I was introduced to when I was 7, was (is) Elfquest. In high school, I was very much into X-Men. So these things alone drew me to going to comicons. The first one I attended was the Chicago Comicon when I was 21, and I was immediately hooked. It was a long while, though, before I started attending them as a self-representing artist. In fact, I’ve only been doing that since 2009. I do sell my fantasy work there, but I also produce some comic-book fan type art. I try to be careful with that, though, so as not to get myself into any trouble with copyright. I’ve currently got some pencils in the works, taking some older masterpieces of art in history and incorporating superheroes (and villains) into them. Lots of fun, can’t wait to reveal that. I’ve also been lucky enough to get commissions from the cons I’ve gone to, whether it’s a project I end up completing after the con is over, or on the spot while the show floor is open. 

Gosh… they’re all my babies! I do have a special place in my heart for my Halloween Fairy- she’s kind of my ‘lightning in a bottle’ piece. I always have to make sure I have copies of her, whatever show I go to, no matter what time of year. People just love her. I wish I could say that I had this amazing story behind her, but the truth is, I don’t. I just thought one day, I want to paint a witchy fairy. I’ll make her a ‘halloween’ fairy! (brilliant, huh?) But there is something about her that just says something to my patrons.

 Where do you find your muse?

HA! I never find her. She always finds me. Usually at 3 a.m., when I should be sleeping. Or when I’m at work, (I’m a graphic designer by day) and I have to sneak a scribble before the muse retracts her offer for something new and nifty. Stinker.

Wendy Pini (Elfquest). I just love love LOVE her. And she and her husband Richard are two of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I’ve also been influenced by Cicely Mary Barker (flower fairies), and Beatrix Potter (Peter Rabbit). I’m also influenced by my artist friends in the fantasy and comic book industries. We’re always bouncing ideas off of each other, and sharing what we’ve produced.

Well, on Halloween, I became a mommy! So right now, for the next 12 days, I’m enjoying my sweet baby girl. To a degree, I know that will affect my work (production and content), but it won’t change me completely as an artist. I will continue to paint what I love, and I hope to introduce that to my daughter as well. Typically, though, aside from being a new mom, I enjoy reading, writing, watching movies, and I LOVE travelling. Love going to places I’ve never been before. I’m a total tourist when I’m in a new place. Have to hit all of the ‘local’ spots.

Would you like to see more of Carri’s art, visit her store or follow her on social sites?

Website:  http://www.daydreamerart.com 

Drop by every Friday to meet more fabulous artists.  Next week I’ll be featuring artist, Tyree Patrick.