September/October 2008 art feature: Maja Đeke
Last modified: 21:46:10 CET on 21 Dec, 2008 |
Maja Đeke is from Croatia, she will be 22 in November and she's a student of English and Pedagogy at the University of Osijek. She draws a lot, and other than that she likes reading, (mostly fantasy and sci-fi), playing Dungeons and Dragons (and all other kinds of RPGs), and listening to music. Her favorite writers are Terry Pratchett and Stephen King. She also likes pancakes. You can check her art thread on the BBS or her ConceptArt sketchbook for more examples of her impressive and versatile artwork. Currently, she's experimenting a lot with "gender benders" - transforming drawn males into females or vice versa.
How did you first discover your artistic abilities?
I actually can't say I discovered that, I've just been drawing since forever and I've gotten better at it over the years. I still have a really long way to go as far as skill is concerned and I'm nowhere near where I would like to be. But I hope I'll get better with practice
Which artists would you consider as your influences?
Well the first artist I've ever really admired and whose incredible skill made me want to draw just like that is Kirsten Perry. I also admire the fact is that she seems to be a great person since she finds time to give really helpful advice and constructive critiques to people whose art needs it. Other than her, well, I'd say Jason Chan, Aly Fell and Linda Bergkvist. But pretty much everyone from ConceptArt.org inspire me because a lot of people have such amazing skills over there that it not only makes my head spin but also makes me sit down and draw more hoping I'll reach a certain level of skill.
How much knowledge does it take to morph a female into a male and vice versa?
Well, I'd say you have to have some basic knowledge of anatomy and proportions for both male and the female body, and you also have to know what features make men different than women (e.g. broader jaw, straighter eyebrows etc.). I'm still not as good at it as I would like to be and I frequently make mistakes, but I'd say a good anatomy book and proper reference really helps.
Can music inspire visual art and, if so, which musicians inspire you?
For me, music is very important when I draw because it sets the mood I am in, and by that it sets the mood of the piece I'm drawing. I can't really draw if something is not playing in the background. My three favorite musicians ever are Ian Anderson (of Jethro Tull), Loreena Mckennitt and John Frusciante, but a lot of music can inspire me, everything from Disturbed and System of a Down to Celtic music and Irish folk. Everything except rap, pop and Balkan folk that is.
What would be your advice to young people who would like to get better with visual arts?
Well if you want to get better nothing beats practice. Study anatomy, draw from life, draw from reference, learn humility and learn how to take criticism without getting offended. That's about it .
Many thanks to Maja for having the time for this beautiful interview.
