Maranda Cromwell : Bone Collector & Expressive Animal Artist
Maranda Cromwell is a Seattle, Washington based artist who creates watercolor and digital works of expressive creatures and animals. She regularly contributes to her Patreon page for her followers and even offers awesome gifts such as handmade presents, access to exclusive videos, original artwork and even an ENTIRE DAMN FULL SKETCHBOOK for her patrons!
Interview with Maranda Cromwell
How did you start creating art?
When I was a little kid, I started by creating my own little dragons and Pokemon characters… as I kept drawing, I was more and more inspired by Internet communities and role-playing and would draw my original characters. As I grew up, though, my interests shifted from cartoons and anime into more naturalistic and realistic depictions. (You should see some of my old drawings… comedy gold!)
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Washington state, predominantly around the Seattle area. Perhaps the most direct influence to my creative career was lots of grey weather best spent inside sketching.
Are there any art trends unique to the city you currently live in that inspire you?
If there are any art trends in my rural, redneck city, I’d love to hear about them!! (I kid– it’s beautiful here in WA. I am not city folk.)
Have any personal struggles or triumphs inspired any of your pieces?
I often use art as self-reflection and exploration. Sometimes they mark specific moods or events… There are a few notable instances: a piece titled “Dichotomy” marked an exploration into being bisexual, “Healing Ammonite” was painted in celebration of a liberating breakup, and “It Only Takes Once” marks another time I felt at home with a certain person and their home. Many more pieces mark important events in my life, there are too many to list!
Your artwork is very unique, can you tell me how you came to develop this style?
Like most art styles, mine developed organically, a natural reaction to my personal leanings. I believe over time it has gotten less cartoony and more realistic, and at the same time, much more expressive.
What piece of artwork are you most proud of?
Probably “It Only Takes Once”. The planning, color choice, composition, and meaning all came together just the way I wanted them to! It’s not every day a piece goes exactly to plan!
What is your favorite medium or artists tool?
I’m torn between watercolor and my new tablet and sketching program. It’s liberating to be able to make digital pieces on the go, wherever I happen to be, but there’s something so comforting about how watercolor behaves. I’ve always been partial to water elements.
Do you collect anything?
I’m known among my friends to have an extensive collection of skulls and bones… it’s not uncommon for me to awake to a text of a pile of bones with a message attached reading “what animal is this???? do you want it?” (The usual answers are: raccoon and yes.)
Who is your favorite unknown artist?
I would say Bazteki, an artist known in the furry fandom but not really anywhere else. Their work is supremely powerful and strikes a soul-chord in me.
Who is your favorite well known artist?
Probably Salvador Dali. His twisted depictions of animals and body horror have always captivated me.
What current trends are you following in the art world?
I wouldn’t say I’m terribly involved in what most think of as the “art world” (galleries, shows, collectors, etc.) but I do participate in monthly challenges such as Inktober and routinely post on social media. I am, however, a big fan of the radical creativity movement (creating art that defies societal expectations) and anything vaguely considered “outsider art” or “lowbrow art”.
Do you have any big art projects you are planning on doing this year?
Does setting up a homestead on 5 acres with friends count as an art project? If so: that. Everything I do informs my artwork, so chances are there will be lots of paintings on scrap wood of farm animals in my future. Aside from that I do plan on expanding my YouTube channel and producing more art videos as well as Art Critter material.
Please add absolutely anything you want people to know about you:
If you like my work, consider dropping $2 a month on my Patreon to see exclusive things as well as early-access to future works! I would love to have you as part of my growing community of animal-minded folks. ♥ www.Patreon.com/Maranda
I’m active on most major social media hubs. You can always check my website for updates and links to all my accounts! I’d love to hear from you! www.marandart.com
