"Eir" To The Throne
- Oh So Different
- Jan 30, 2019
- 4 min read
Welcome back to another blog. This is our first of the year and it's near and dear to me. Today we have the privilege of interviewing one of the most talented artists in the city. It's our first addition of a non-musical artist who is dedicated to their craft and I'm excited.
Eireanna Rowley attends Herron High School and is a artist on the rise with intentions of establishing her brand and being a household name with her work.
(IG: @GODLYLALA)
She has just attempted to hang up a few paintings and eventually gives up before settling down into her seat as she awaits questions. I have a Spotify playlist going on the background to erase excess silence. I pull out my list and begin.
So, how's your year going?
It's barely started for me. It sorta feels like the new year hasn't even started. I haven't even done anything to make it even feel like it has.
That definitely makes sense. Well, let's get to it. What're the origins of your art?
My dad. Him and my brother joey were really good artist. I started off drawing graffiti and whatnot. It eventually got to a point where it was a pretty competitive. I was and always have been easily influenced by just about anything. Trees, the sky, nature just my mind in general. It comes from more than just wanting to draw and that's the reason for my art being more than what's visually comprehensive. Which is why when some people see my art they see just a line or character, but for me there's always something behind those characters.
"You can't break up with it"
Why not stop in such a flooded market?
When I was in 4th grade I used to get bullied and art was therapeutic. It was also always a competition back then which pushed me. My grandma had always told me to keep going and so did many others along the way. But when my father was locked up, in 2011, he became my gas to keep driving. Even now he is the reason, alongside the therapeutic aspect of it. In terms of a relationship, it's similar in the way that you can't break up with it. You always end up back together.
How do you feel about art in modern day society?
I feel as if people use it as a cop out. Like if you aren't rapping or something then you draw. It seems as if everyone is never satisfied. Like it's not as genuine as it once was. To me, if your'e not doing anything with substance then it's worthless. Much like music, with the common sound in comparison to what's actually stimulating. Like there's a lack of compassion within art. I feel like when I was younger it was much more appreciated. It's basically "nothing" nowadays.
What would you say your art embodies and what's your "preferred" art style?
With me, I don't have an actual style. I let my hand have a mind of it's own. I never really aimed for a certain "style". I just feel like that's not the objective within art. The use is to be yourself. With my interests, I prefer to look at graffiti and I really like looking at Michelangelo. Old art with angels and things also are really appealing. Cartoon-ish art but kind of realistic simultaneously alongside abstract art.
Who are a few inspirations outside of art that keep you motivated?
Albert Einstein, Neil Tyson, Bill Nye and my parents. Bill Nye influenced me to draw like the experiments. I ended up watching the cosmos and saucer Tyson on that saucer. I thought it was so pretty, the colors and stuff. I was motivated to draw like weirder or "trippy" things. Einstein's story in general is influential to me. In the sense of how he ran away from home in response to feeling like a disappointment, I could feel for that.
What strides are you planning on taking to enhance yourself and your brand this year and forevermore?
I compare myself to myself over the years. From 2011 till 2018, around January or February, this bitch right here was depressed. I had a roller coaster of paramount instances. Every year has contributed to what makes me..me. This year I really want to be more open and spend more time investing in my art. I want to open up my own online store which is slowly coming together. Like I really want to teach myself to be more open minded to things...
We have a slight dilemma as she runs to her kitchen. "It's over, It's over" she repeats in response to over cooking her garlic bread. She had put it into the oven prior to our conversation and just now remembered. After gathering herself back up, we continue...
But, yeah I'm expecting my artwork to blossom in the personal sense. I want to see a difference for myself. I'm not too concerned about outside opinions.
What do you think is the difference between you and other artists?
I draw what I want. I don't force it. I don't know if you've noticed but people will sit and be like "Oh, I'm going to draw this and like post it". I hate when people say you need to draw something
For me if it doesn't come naturally I won't like it. For me it's more symbolic.
"Do it for the love"
Who are some of your favorite artists? Any in the city?
Audra Auclair and Kim Jung-Gi (as we ALL know). I love Michelangelo's work. And another lady, I can't explain, shes like an artist/illustrator. Her Instagram is @ts_abe (T.S Abe) she's who influenced my "realistic" type of art. In the city, I love Abey's (Instagram:@abey.road) work. I haven't really had an eye out for anyone else, alongside the fact that I just don't hear much about other artists in the city.
Finally, what would you say to anyone pursuing a career in art?
Do it for the love of it. Not only that but if you do it for money then you won't enjoy it. Prepare for hell. Because when I started drawing for people the work piles up. The way that writers struggle is similar to the woes of an artist. When you're just drawing over and over without a change in routine, you begin to lose confidence, self-esteem lowers and you potentially get depressed. But if you want to have a career in it then go ahead, that's up to you.
PHOTOGRAPHY: @COZY.VISUALS_
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