This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it may be the head illustrator for Emily the Strange, but her artistic talent creating the well-known 13-year-old gothic girl definitely doesn’t stop there. In fact, in our opinion, it’s where it really blossoms.
Turner is currently showing her non-Emily work in a solo exhibit titled In Vein. Simply put, we were blown away by the detail, quality, and overall aesthetic of her personal work.
Turner states, “I have always had a fascination with the bodies’ inner-workings and its beauty. The colorings of bone, the intricate patterned lifelines of veins and the fragility of the body.”
Using acrylic washes and graphite with good old coffee stains, Turner works her magic to illustrate an earthy, somewhat dark interpretation of beauty through a skillful and romantic combination of women, animal skulls, veins, birds, and flowers.
“There is heavy and often hidden symbolism throughout the pieces,” continues Turner. “The religious and alchemical symbolism, the flesh, bone, and life all tie together as a 'Memento Mori'. The imagery is not there to shock but rather to connect the dots in a story of body, mind, and broken spirits. In Vein is dedicated to my mother who, through her own knowledge and teaching of anatomy, instilled the undying interest of the body and spirit in me." Beautiful words to accompany beautiful artwork.
Want to grab a print of her work? Well, you can’t. She doesn’t make them. Yeah, we almost broke down in tears too. “I like the idea that there is one of something, and one alone,” explains the artist. “That might be the only-child syndrome of ‘MINE!’ but hey, its more fun that way.” With talent like this, looks like Turner can remain a child as long as she damn well feels.
In Vein will remain on display thru this weekend, August 30, 2008. Details here.
See more of Nicomi Nix Turner’s In Vein work in a slideshow right here.