| Artist Interview With Astral
By Karen Randle
Sometimes we have no other choice than to live up to our names. The universe demands it, wills it and leaves us no options. So if you are destined to project yourself into another time or space, you'd be doing just that if your name is Astral.
"I've always wondered and have had dreams about other beings who show up in my artwork a lot." says Astral, a self-taught graphic artist who has become a phenomenon in the Flint area. "My main goal is to share these and all of my visions with the world."
Astral's graphic artistry has a unique spiritual appeal, of which the catlike wonder is rightfully proud. And the Conversations With God enthusiast admitted, " I guess I've always been light-hearted, positive and a free spirit." So when she grew tired of the traditional way of life she learned at the Academy (Southwestern), she gave caution to the wind and high tailed it out of Flint on a long drive south.
That Thelma and Louise adventure ended up in St. Louis where she stayed for 8 months, but the bohemian missed her family and came back to Flint only to leave again for Tennessee where she lived for a year and a half. Still, Tennessee was no place that she could really call home. Flint was.
Having roots, family and friends who supported her without fail, she once again returned to Flint with her bags, and a daughter in tow. Then an old friend named Bill told her the truth about herself and she had no other choice but to stay. On thier ten-year anniversary, she married him.
But patience is the price one must pay in order to love a visionary who's constantly on to something. Her entire family knows that, and will do almost anything to support her and her growth, even if it means taking a closer look at themselves.
After recognizing that the apple doesn't fall too far from it's tree, her father James, also an artist, helped her in the form of a computer while learning the basics of it himself.
"Computer art has a lot of challenges that my father and I approach together," Astral remembered, "Working with him was easy because I have always been exposed to an assortment of creative projects," said Astral. Except that she was never as passionate about any other. "This for me is all-consuming," she went on. "I just love creating new pieces, I could stay on the computer all day long creating new work. I have to thank my family for being so supportive. My husband understands me when he comes home and dinner has'nt been made. My daughter doesn't mind it either, because I love being a mom as well, so I make sure she's taken care of. Kayla is my inspiration Always."
When Astral is not on the computer she takes the time to nurture her inner-spirit through reading, sharing, and most importantly letting those near and dear to her that they are loved for thier never ending support.
In the midst of this chaotic world, Astral creates her own images of truth. And she doesn't have to leave Flint to find them.
Astrals artwork is available for purchase at www.astralsfineart.com. You may contact her with any questions or comments. "I enjoy the feedback"
-Astral. |
