Interview with The InkWitch, Sabrina

Salve Sabrina. Please, introduce yourself to our readers.

Greetings and Blessings to your readers. There's not much for a  fancy introduction. LOL I'm a pagan, a witch and an artist. Specifically I  mainly work with pen and ink. I feel pen and ink (dipping into ink well- not  tech pens) is a time honored tradition in art that few work to keep  alive.

How long have you been active as an artist?

Since I was a small child.

How did you start with the arts?

I began to draw when I was three after the death of my father.  I went for a very long time without speaking after his death...but my  grandmother kept me supplied with paper and pencils.

Which  kinds of art do you practise?

Pen and Ink...or witchcraft? *wink* Sorry, could not  resist. I paint with acrylics, oil pastels, watercolors and draw with  pencil and use pen and ink to formalize the drawings. Some works remain in their  basic form of drawing and others arise into the use of paint, pastels or  Inks.

What does the term "Art" mean to you?

Art is a manifestation of the human spirit...much like writing,  cooking, singing, dancing, working with wood...etc. Art is an expression of  either the inner self or the influence of the divine as  inspiration.

How did you get your artist-name?

Actually, my Mother saw the movie "Sabrina" in the 50's and  when pregnant said she'd name me thus would I be a girl child. And I was. The  nickname "the Ink Witch" emerged within the pagan community over the years and I  LOVE the nickname. It's an endearment of how folks percieve me...my artwork and  witchiness in tow....perfect!

How long have you been releasing  your works on the Internet and what made you think of that?

I worked for years in the mundane world drawing family pets,  homes, estates, boats - you get the idea - But when I was led to draw Pagan  artwork - which started with Goddess portrayal - well, my ability and sense of  direction took off like a shot. So many people were contacting me to do private  pieces for their altars - we decided to make a website and go completely  public.

What are the reactions of your friends/family to  your art?

Most people respect what I am trying to do. My daughters are  very proud, my husband my single greatest support. Friends seem happy with what  I do - even my Christian friends are big supporters - which I find even more  inspirational than acceptance from the pagan community. For when other religions can admire or respect what you're  trying to accomplish - I think that says a lot.

What  emotions should be aroused in people by your works?

I want people to *feel* something when they look upon an  artwork of mine. Every artist hopes to inspire or reach inside the observer. To  touch another with something you've created...is food to the soul - and that  works both ways. For each time someone comments that I've touched them in some  way - I am inspired to continue and strive to accomplish that again and  again.

Where do you see yourself as an artist in the  future?

I see myself striving to continue to serve our pagan community.  Throughout centuries artists have slaved to portray that which held them in  rapture or stirred their souls. I am no different. TO create art that might  depict a particular story or bear witness to the inner inspiration is as old as  time itself. I am but another who's been privileged and gifted with the  ability to put to paper or canvas what others would want to  see.

Do you still want to say something important or ask  anything else?

Sure - I'd like folks to remember that while they might admire  what I can do - for few people can draw well it seems, it only serves to mirror  the gifts they possess. For in this world of beauty and the spirit of which we  all touch each other - the ability to draw or capture an image means nothing  would no one enjoy it, inspire it, request it or appreciate  it.Art is only as important as someone's pleasure of  it.While I know I can draw and paint well, those gifts mean  nothing unless there's someone to look upon it. I never lose sight of that fact. We all have gifts - mine no more special than the person who  writes well, the person who has a kind heart, the person who has the patience to  drive a taxi, or the person who checks me out at the  store...for she or he has the ability to stand for hours. That's a gift  I don't have. We are all gifted. We are all special. We are all gifted in one  way or another. Thank you for allowing me to speak about this which is So  important to me. I hope I've answered all your questions.

Das Interview gibt es natürlich auch in DEUTSCH