My thought processes behind creating the Savage Garden series.

Creating art is always a deeply personal journey. When fiction inspires that art, it takes on a new dimension. My Savage Garden series combines elements from the fantastical world of one of my favorite book series, Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, with the gothic influences of classics such as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein or the "penny dreadful" novels of the Victorian era. In this post, I aim to share how my thought processes shaped this series and what you can take away from my creative journey.

The Call of Fiction

Fiction has an extraordinary ability to captivate the imagination. From the moment I opened dark fantasy novels, I was drawn in by vivid descriptions and complex characters. These stories transport readers to realms filled with mystery and beauty, often tinged with darkness.

For example, reading Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles exposed me to the intricate dance of light and shadow in characters such as Louis and Lestat. Their contrasting natures sparked my imagination, illustrating the themes of duality—light versus dark, love versus sorrow. This contrast fuels my creativity and finds its way into my art. The quote from Marius in particular, “In the Savage Garden you shine beautifully, my friend. You walk as if it is your garden to do with as you please. And in my wanderings, I always return to you. I always return to see the colours of the garden in your shadow, or reflected in your eyes, perhaps, or to hear of your latest follies and mad obsessions.” Each painting in the Savage Garden series serves as a canvas for imagining what that garden would look like, inviting the viewer to explore contrasting emotions and themes.

Setting the Scene

Each piece in the Savage Garden series has a setting inspired by literary concepts that impact me deeply. I often picture stepping into those worlds, capturing their essence through mood, color, and structure.

For instance, one artwork shows a pair of twin forest fae in a shadowy forest filled with delicate flowers, a scene depicting beauty amidst mystery. The elements of the forest act as characters, contributing to the emotions conveyed in each piece, inspiring a setting that blends elegance with decay.

Ethereal garden featuring shadowy plants and flowers

Character Inspirations

Characters from dark fantasy literature play a crucial role in shaping my artwork. Returning to the characters of The Vampire Chronicles, you have Marius and Armand who between them offer a range of qualities—strength, vulnerability, and the scars from their journeys. Gabrielle and the twins Maharet and Mekare, show the value of resilience and self awareness against the insurmountable loneliness of time.

Choosing a character inspires an analysis of their traits. For instance, while creating portraits such as my Merman, I considered his complex blend of allure and despair at the state of the natural world. This influenced my choice of color palette, using deep sea tones and slight metallic shifts that reflect his undersea nature. The goal is to craft a piece that not only reflects the character's essence but also resonates with the viewer, inviting them to explore the story beneath the surface.

Merman by Tabz Jones

The Role of Color

Color is a powerful tool in conveying emotion. In gothic art, it takes on an even more significant role. The Savage Garden series uses a palette filled with rich, deep hues alongside softer, muted tones to illustrate the duality often present in fiction as well as life.

For instance, dark shades of black and blood red evoke feelings of mystery, while pastels like soft pinks and blues add elements of hope and beauty. According to a survey by the International Association of Color Consultants, colors can influence mood by 75%, which is essential in art. This interplay encourages deeper reflections on the themes within each piece, much like a well-crafted story compels readers to ponder its deeper meanings.

Gothic-inspired artwork showcasing a spring flowering tree against a misty dark pastel background.

Nature and Symbolism

Nature frequently appears in both fiction and my artwork, symbolizing transformation and life cycles. The Savage Garden series highlights elements like dark flowers and twisted branches, reflecting themes of growth and decay.

Symbolism invites interpretation. A withered rose can illustrate love lost, while vibrant blooms can signify resilience. For example, in Forever After, the red roses in their hair convey love, passion, romance, and desire, I embrace this kind of storytelling in my work. I aim to leave interpretations open to the viewer, allowing them to discover meanings that resonate with their experiences.

A young couple on their wedding day.

Engaging the Audience

One of the most rewarding aspects of my art is how it connects with viewers. For fans of gothic art and dark fantasy, the Savage Garden series becomes a shared dialogue. Every observer brings their stories and interpretations, breathing life into the artwork.

I often encourage my audience to reflect on the stories behind each piece. What does the artwork evoke for them? What characters do they see? This engagement is essential for building a community that appreciates the magic woven between fiction and art.

Reflections on Artistic Growth

Creating the Savage Garden series has deepened my understanding of art's relationship with fiction, highlighting the duality present in both realms. The interplay of character, color, nature, and audience engagement enriches this creative dialogue.

Art is a journey, especially when influenced by the fantastical worlds of literature. I hope the Savage Garden series resonates with you, igniting your imagination similarly to the tales that inspired it. Thank you for allowing me to share the thoughts and processes behind my creations.