Artist of the Month July 2013

Agnes Indre

Vilnius, Lithuania

Although I've studied art professionally, my career started relatively late - I didn't see the point of abstract art and realism just lacked that "something". Illustrating was exciting discovery. I love adding real features to characters, choosing the scenery, and all in all being a part of an adventure. Among many books I had a pleasure to illustrate are W.Shakespeare, O.Wilde and Goethe. For many years I've cooperated with publishing houses in my home country Lithuania, and abroad. Germany and Taiwan, and many other. I've participated in Bologna Children's Book Fair Illustrator's Exhibition, Biennal of Illustration Bratislava (BIB), Premi Internacional Catalonia;illustracio. My favorite technique is watercolor, and tablet for finishing touches.

How and when did you start creating art?

I was born into an artistic family. Even those days, behind an “iron curtain” art was thriving. I had incredibly up to date art education. Being curious about many things, I didn't illustrate my first book to until relatively late, while I was also studying jazz music.

What media and genres do you work in?

I love watercolor. It’s a challenging technique. I also love experimenting and learning, other media, be it pastel, acrylics or digital.

Who or what are your influences?

Everything I see. Moody landscapes and faces, Spanish and Latino art heritage. As for illustrators, to name a few: Bernie Wrightson, JC Leyendecker, Norman Rockwell, Arthur Rackham, Rich Kelly, Carlos Nine, Josh Kirby. Photography, advertising and movies are a constant source of new ways.

What was your inspiration for Brothers Grimm Children's and Household Tales?

The Brothers Grimm folk tales are full of strange wisdom, wildly vivid in a sentimentally grotesque way, so luxuriously surreal. It’s an illustrator’s dream come true.

Describe your creative process?

I try to “see it” before doing anything else. What I’m looking for is a dreamlike escape reality I can immerse myself in and believe. Making it work on paper is sometimes challenging. Illustration is a bit like a baby: can be exhausting at early stages and misbehaving at the end, but all fun in-between and letting it go can be difficult.

What are you working on currently?

Fighting off small projects to start another book.

What are your near/long term goals as an artist?

I’m afraid I don’t have any, except for learning something new every day.

Where can people view/purchase your work (gallery, website, etc)?

My artwork can be viewed and prints purchased at my website http://www.agnesindre.com