A friend of Dahlia’s got our attention earlier this year and told us it is our markers that make Dahlia’s art possible, and the artist’s creativity that makes the work magnificent. We checked out her work were intrigued by Dahlia’s use of markers with Acrylics to add intricate detail and thought you might be too. To view more of her work, visit Lazuli Studios.
Tell us a bit about your training and how or when you first knew you loved to create and express through images like you do today?
I have been participating in the creative process for as long as I can remember. My style and influences have changed significantly throughout the years, although there are definitely some themes that have remained constant over time. I had the opportunity to study traditional Chinese painting in Taipei, Taiwan and took private art lessons for a number of years prior to that. In terms of my formal education, I studied at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design in Denver, Colorado.
At that time, my focus was primarily on figure painting, working in oils with a largely monochromatic, earth-toned pallet. Burnt sienna was a staple for many, many years. It’s actually just been within the last 2-3 years that I have begun to incorporate color as I do now. The patterns/design elements are also relatively new, at least in the sense of my putting them down on canvas as ‘art’. They have, however, always been present and can even be seen in drawings from my childhood.
You’ve said a lot of your work is spontaneous. What kinds of things inspire you? And what do you do when an idea or image comes to you, and you’re not in your studio, or wherever it is you usually create?
Is it fair to answer ‘everything’ to that first question…? Probably my greatest influences are Bob Dylan, the love of my life, Russian literature, plants in general, orchids specifically, Kurt Vonnegut, batik, philosophy, evolution- all things biological really, Infinite Jest, art nouveau, pop culture to be sure, and as strange as it may sound, physics has had a huge influence on my work.
Making art for me is more or less spontaneous. Instead of having an end goal in mind that I’m working towards, I’m really just working. It’s more like a meditative experience. This grants me the free mental space necessary to process whatever has been on my mind.
A great example of this can be seen in the ghost. At that time I was investigating the pollination mechanisms of deceptive vs. rewarding orchids. As the patterns in that piece emerged, they began to look very much like what one would see in a cross-sectional view of orchid ovaries. Eventually I began to see a woman’s face, then the orchid in her hair… It had become the artistic manifestation of my research project. That’s basically how it goes for me. If I’m not in my studio, the idea will likely find a dusty shelf and wait patiently.
Tell us about your process for creating work such as the ones we have featured here.
I typically start with a small, very simple design and build line work that radiates out from there. I work on flat, unstretched canvas and rotate it as I go. As a given piece progresses, the lines begin to grow toward each other. This allows me to reconcile and blend together forms that may otherwise seem incongruent. While the patterns appear to be somewhat self-directing, I do put more thought and planning into the color choices.
You’ve also said you “LOVE” Copic markers and that they are your marker of choice, absolutely 100% of the time. Why such confidence? What works so well for you with Copics that other markers or mediums aren’t able to compare with?
It’s true! Copic markers have revolutionized my artistic life. Period. It’s like using brushes that never fringe or fray. It’s incredible what Copic markers have made possible, especially with how tight I want my lines to be. They make it SO much easier for me to work at my preferred level of detail. Aside from that, they actually blend really well, which is sort of surprising for a marker. This is great for me because in order to create the perception of volume or lines bending I need to be able to gradually transition between colors and/or shades.
You’ve also said you “LOVE” Copic markers and that they are your marker of choice, absolutely 100% of the time. Why such confidence? What works so well for you with Copics that other markers or mediums aren’t able to compare with?
It’s true! Copic markers have revolutionized my artistic life. Period. It’s like using brushes that never fringe or fray. It’s incredible what Copic markers have made possible, especially with how tight I want my lines to be. They make it SO much easier for me to work at my preferred level of detail. Aside from that, they actually blend really well, which is sort of surprising for a marker. This is great for me because in order to create the perception of volume or lines bending I need to be able to gradually transition between colors and/or shades.
Which style of our markers to you use and how often, if ever, do you find your self refilling your markers?
I tend to use the Sketch markers the most, although on occasion I will also use the line of original Copics. One of the huge benefits of Copic markers is that they are refillable, but unfortunately I’ve found it difficult to locate retailers who sell the ink. As it is not yet possible to place an order online, I’m honestly not able to refill them as often as I’d prefer.
What kind of problems have you run into with using acrylics and markers?
And do you have any tips for other artists who are interested in combining acrylics and Copic marker like you do?
I’ve used some ink that runs easily, which is always a bummer, but I haven’t really had that problem since I started using Copic markers. Also, this may be obvious to some, it wasn’t to me, but it’s much easier to go over paint with marker than the other way around. Aside from that, I can’t say I’ve encountered any other major challenges.
Tell us about the event you have coming up and where people can see or purchase your original work?
I will be doing demonstrations as well as selling prints and original work during the 2011 Art Detour at 509 E. Roosevelt St in Phoenix, Arizona 85004. This is a weekend long event taking place downtown from Friday, March 18th through Sunday, March 20th.
