An Interview With Cryptid and Wildlife Artist Alex Evans
By Dorraine Fisher
By Dorraine Fisher
Here’s another of
our favorites in our artists series. Cryptid and wildlife artist Alex
Evans talks about her work and how it’s evolved. And she has a
special message for bigfoot witnesses. Alex’s work seems to
capture the true spirit of her subjects and bring them to life in a
unique way. We hope she keeps doing it for a long time to come.
Dorraine:
When did you first become interested in pursuing art?
Alex:
There was no moment when I 'decided'. I have always drawn as a young
child and sold my art from my yard as a teen. It just advanced over
the years to encompass new forms of art, expression and learning.
Dorraine:
Have you always lived in Illinois? And what influence has that had
on your art, if any?
Alex:
I was born and raised in Illinois but moved to Indiana, where I live
now. Being relatively close to the Art Institute of Chicago growing
up, it had a profound influence on my love of art of all kinds. Even
the Chicago art scene and its neighborhood art fairs allowed me to
experience all the ways local arts could be. As a teen, I'd take the
train with my sister, who also was an artist, to the Art Institute on
free day to spend the day taking in all the world class art. We'd go
to a little place and use our saved money to get a bite to eat later
and discuss art and ideas. It was a time of great inspiration for me.
Dorraine:
What made you pursue sasquatch art?
Alex:
Although I have always had a fascination with Sasquatch, I never
thought of drawing one in the past. Things changed after I was
diagnosed with breast cancer in '08. After that, I decided to make a
list of things I would like to do within my means and capabilities of
it actually happening, lol. At the top of my list was to see a
sasquatch. Now that I knew they were not only in the Pacific
Northwest, I felt it was a good possibility but I had to learn more
about local sightings etc. I joined the wonderful Oregon Bigfoot, run
by Autumn Williams, and began a new chapter. It wasn't long before
someone suggested I draw what an eyewitness saw and I began working
with the witness to get what they saw down on paper. I have done
quite a few drawings from then on.
Dorraine:
Have you had a bigfoot encounter of your own?
Alex:
I have never had a sighting of my own. I have had unusual things like
sounds happen and two separate wood knocks in remote areas of
Indiana, however.
Dorraine:
How do you attempt to depict the face of a creature considered by
many to be mythical? Where does your prototype come from?
Alex:
Since I have studied both human and animal anatomy and specialized in
wildlife art in particular, this is where my basis of what such a
creature may look like structurally. Of course I rely on the
eyewitness to give me the main basis but I do have to put that onto a
known armature of sorts, that is, a living being, known in some way
to us, such as an early hominid, modern man and known animals. I feel
it needs to be based on structures that are known and function in a
real world. IF, say, it had wings and used those wings, it would need
to be drawn in a way where form follows function, to be able to use
those wings.
Dorraine:
What keeps you inspired to do crypto-art?
Alex:
I think it's that unknown aspect ~ the mystery of it all. Using my
minds' eye to create something only described is challenging also. We
all need challenges.
Dorraine:
Tell us about your work with wolves.
Alex:
Being a wildlife artist has led me to love many animals throughout my
life. I have always loved Africa. I love the vast expanse where
animals do what animals do best. It is the cradle of life for us
humans too. Canids are of particular interest. I became a dog trainer
in Search and Rescue for many years, working with K9 partners in
searching both wilderness and disaster sites. Wolves are an extension
of my love of dogs and my love of the natural places. Being at the
top of the food chain, wolves sit in a unique position in the
ecosystem where they are a necessary and integral part of everything
in that environment. I participate in education about wolves and
hopefully show how wonderful and important they are to all of us.
Dorraine:
Do you have any other favorite subjects?
Alex:
I am interested in the natural world of plants also. Birds too have
played an enormous part in my life, having raised many types of birds
and studied them up close. My father was a bird watcher and I learned
much at an early age. I also help people with training and their
dogs' behavior problems, as well as continuing to draw dog portraits.
I like many subjects and never know when I will be inspired to learn
something new in life.
Dorraine:
Over the years, have you developed any theories or philosophies
about Sasquatches?
Alex:
While I keep learning from those who have had encounters and read
others' theories, I mostly put it all on the table and ponder it. I
think if I had a good sighting I might be able to better theorize on
things, I don't know. While I am science-minded, I've learned that
science only works if you don't conclude before the evidence is put
forth and all things are explored.
Dorraine:
Is there somewhere people can see a gallery of your work? Do you
have a website or blog?
Alex:
I do not have a website or blog at this time. I do have much of my
work on my Facebook albums however.
Dorraine:
What is your favorite medium for your art?
Alex:
Whatever one I am currently doing, I guess! Right now I am sculpting
animals and soon, cryptids. So right now I'm excited about 3D work
again. I love drawing in pencil too, as it's very close to 'nothing',
just graphite and paper and yet, can portray so much. Then there is
clay, carving in foam and oil painting on canvas, where each has its
unique properties. I doubt I will ever have a favorite because, like
animals, each is cool in its own way and there is always a new medium
to explore and learn from!
Dorraine:
What else do you like to do outside of art?
Alex:
I love music and reading interesting things. I tend to read 'how to'
books/articles as well as factual books/articles on wildlife/all
animals, the environment, mysteries and art techniques. I also enjoy
learning more about dog behavior and how to work with dogs better. I
also like hiking and enjoy days observing the natural world. I also
like learning about survival in the outdoors, animal tracks and sign
and plants.
Dorraine:
What do you do for a living? And does that have any correlation with
or influence on the way you pursue your art?
Alex:
Until recently I was a plant tech. I took care of tropical plants
basically. I know a lot about the care and propagation of tropicals.
I used to be an art restorer in Illinois and learned so much about
that trade and did sculpting for that job. The influence it had on my
sculpting was paramount, as it had me be very detailed in my
observations. I am not working at this time because of a muscle pain
condition I acquired two years ago. It keeps me from doing much of
what I used to do (like extensive hiking) but I'm hopeful that it
eases in time and that I will again be able to fulfill more of what
motivates me.
Dorraine:
Is there anything else you'd like to tell us.
Alex:
I'd like to end by saying that all the folks that I've drawn
sightings for have a story unlike any other. It is not up to me, as
an artist, to make conclusions, but to put down to the best I am
able, what they remember at a point in time for them. A lot of people
ask me if I believe they exist or believe what people tell me. And to
that I have to say that clearly something is there......what that is,
is up for debate (and will be for some time I think). As far as
believing people's stories, I have to say that most have had
something extraordinary happen which changed their view of life.
Their life was not the same. This is not something I take lightly
because it shows a willingness to talk about something that is often
dismissed or even ridiculed, yet it impacted them in a way I can only
imagine.
Drawing for people and giving them a picture has helped many in a deep way. If I can help a person come to grips with their experience and further help with investigating the phenomena then we are all in a better place. We all play a part if we work together to find and fit these puzzle pieces together.
Drawing for people and giving them a picture has helped many in a deep way. If I can help a person come to grips with their experience and further help with investigating the phenomena then we are all in a better place. We all play a part if we work together to find and fit these puzzle pieces together.
**********DF
This Post By TCC Team Member Dorraine Fisher. Dorraine is a Professional Writer, photographer, a nature, wildlife and Bigfoot enthusiast who has written for many magazines. Dorraine conducts research, special interviews and more for The Crypto Crew. Get Dorraine's book The Book Of Blackthorne!
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