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| Faeries Dance |
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| Copyright Susan Schroder |
Once upon a time, a desire for all things magical, was bestowed, by the Queen
of Fairy, upon a young girl who was a talented artist. She was given the task of helping others believe the unbelievable.
For when we believe, in our hearts, in the creatures of the Nether, they too believe in us.
Susan Schroder is that talented artist who
we must believe was gifted by the Queen herself... read on and learn more about Susan and her magickal art...
What inspired you to work in this genre?
I cannot remember a time when Fantasy, Magic and Faeries were not a part of my life.
I have always been drawn to artwork, books, movies….anything
in this genre. But inspiration comes from many sources, Nature and all the creatures we share this planet
with…seen and unseen. But mostly, my muses are the people who touch my life.
Are you formally educated in art, or are you self taught?
I have some college level education
in art and photography. But, art was not my major, so the classes I took were minimal and, at the time,
mostly for fun. I really consider myself self taught. I found that my skills really
blossomed when I explored techniques on my own rather than learning from someone. When I teach art, I never instruct anyone
on how to be an artist. Rather, I guide them in how to think and see like an artist. It is good to learn
the proper use of the tools and mediums in art but good technique and style comes with practice, time and exploration.
Many people are surprised when they find
out I have never taken any classes in Photoshop.
| Golden Wood Dryad |
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| Copyright Susan Schroder |
When you photograph your models, do you have an idea of
what you're looking for? Or does that come when you're designing the images on the computer?
Most of the time, I have an idea for a picture in my mind and I will photograph
a model in specific poses. But I never let any picture idea become set like concrete in my imagination.
I keep all my ideas fluid so that the possibilities are open while I am working on it. Although
I photograph specific poses that I have in mind, I always take many more photos of all my models. I let
them have fun and do what ever they want or I just throw out my own ideas as they come to me. Those pictures
often inspire me with new ideas.
How
long do you work on an image? When do you know it's finished?
How long I work on an image varies quite a bit. In the type of artwork I create, I do all the background and model photography I don’t use
any stock photos in my work because I want everything I use to be original to me. I also design and make
many of the costumes used in my pictures. All of that takes a lot of time as well as the time I spend on
the computer melding together all these elements to create a picture.
I come across many people that think Photoshop allows for artwork to be created quickly….push a few
buttons and you can put together a picture quickly and easily. That is not the type of work that I do.
My pictures are typically quite complex. For your readers familiar with Photoshop, a typical picture
I work on may have between 150 to 200 or more layers. Once all the photography is finished it can take
me a couple of weeks to complete them on the computer.
When
do I know when it’s finished?? I’ll bet most artists have a hard time knowing when to call
a piece finished and I am no exception. Eventually, a feeling washes over me that says this picture is
ready to move on and become part of other peoples imagination.
| Rose Wyldes |
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| Copyright Susan Schroder |
Who are your favorite artists and authors? (Living or
Dead).
Art history and Literature were a couple
of my favorite subjects in college so I have a wide range of artists and authors that I have enjoyed throughout my life.
Artists……I am fascinated by prehistoric cave art.
I often think about the first people that decided to express themselves creatively and what that must have been like
for them. Historically, I am mesmerized by Michelangelo’s sculptures, DaVinci’s incredible
mind, the beauty of Van Gogh’s vision, the curves of Matisse, the convolutions of Picasso and the sheer beauty and drama
of J.W. Waterhouse.
I have a
passion for illustrators such as Parrish, Wyeth, Rackham, Dulac, Pyle and Beatrix Potter. Of course there
are many contemporary artists as well, like David Weisner, Tony DiTerlizzi, and many more. But I also must
mention Brian Froud and Alan Lee….I will never forget the first time I read and enjoyed their book, “Faeries”.
Authors….There are just too many wonderful writers to pick
from but I guess my most favorite and beloved will always be J.R.R. Tolkien.
Do you attend FaerieCon and other trade shows like it to market your work?
Yes, this year I am attending both
FaerieCon and FaerieWorlds. It is fantastic to get out in the world and meet people that also enjoy this
genre.
| Oceana |
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| Copyright Susan Schroder |
How would you say your artwork has evolved through the
years? I have been doing Fantasy Art photography
for about six years. Prior to that, for over 20 years I worked as a traditional fine artist.
I love to paint, draw and airbrush. I used to do portraits, illustrations and design work.
Photography was always a passion for me, too, and I learned traditional film techniques in college. Eventually,
I made the cross over to digital cameras and a whole new world of possibilities opened up. Photoshop became
a part of my life and I started putting together all my skills. Suddenly, at mid-life, a whole new path
lay in front of me as my Fantasy Art photography really began to take off. I feel my strong background
in traditional arts influences my digital work. I approach my creations in Photoshop like a painter which
I think gives my artwork a unique appeal.
Is
this the only genre you work in?
Currently, I am focusing
on the Fantasy genre, but in the past I have done other things and I am always open to new possibilities.
| Ghost and Fairy |
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| Copyright Susan Schroder |
Do you do most of your own marketing? How
do you break up the time with creating and marketing?
Yes, I do most of it myself and I find marketing to be the most difficult aspect of trying to make a living as an
artist. I would love to just create artwork all the time and not have to worry about anything else but, of course, that
is not reality. I would say I break up my time pretty evenly between these two components. It’s a lot of
work and devotion. Thankfully, I also have immeasurable support from my Family and friends.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
I actually teach art to elementary and high school students. I also often speak
with aspiring adult artists and there are some common things I always see in many people regardless of age. So, my advice
to everyone is generally the same:
Lack of Patience……give
yourself time. Art should be an exploration. Enjoy the journey without worrying about the final outcome.
Creative flow is so much more productive with this sort of mental approach.
Mistakes or Mishaps..... these should be celebrated……When I teach art to new classes,
I always bring in a painting I did a long time ago. Outwardly this painting looks okay, but it is filled with errors.
I mention that out of all the artwork I have ever created, this painting is my favorite. It is filled with the most
glorious blunders and mishaps! Mistakes are learning opportunities and I gained so much valuable information from that
painting.
Avoid comparing yourself to other artists…..I
am always so surprised at how many aspiring artists say things like...”Oh, I will never be that good” or “
I’ll never be able to create something like that”, in comparing themselves to other artists. I think it’s
great to be inspired by the beauty that other artists create but I really think some people get caught up in the feelings
that they may never be able to reach that achievement. That can be paralyzing to creativity. When you pursue art
get on the road that leads to your own unique style. Appreciate the work of others but find joy in your own expression.
| Fairy Blossoms |
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| Copyright Susan Schroder |
What's next for you? What projects are you working on?
Well,
always new artwork! But also new products in which to feature my art. Right now, I am working on the design
for my 2010 Calendar. I am also developing a new product line called “Wood Mystics” in collaboration with
my husband who is a wood worker.
He is making beautiful and unique handcrafted wood boxes, frames and other things
that will feature tiles with my artwork. I am also a contributing artist and columnist for an online
quarterly magazine called Faezine.
And our last question to you; do you believe in faeries?
I love this question and it is something I am asked quite
often. Everyday
I surround myself with the magic of the Faerie Realms so, Yes, I believe in faeries.
To contact Susan or to see more of her fantastic work go
to:
PHOTO IMAGERY by SUSAN SCHRODER
FAEZINE.COM
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