aphellionart

[aphellionart]

Artist Statement

Everything I make is a reflection of something that comforts me, however strange. I consistently make art about whatever I end up fixated on at the moment. I’ve been through a few phases: heritage crafts to fiber arts to fiber animals to sheep breeds. a short detour to poetry prints and making comics, then back to sheep and a fusion of those last few eras. The greatest influences on my work and style are graphic novels, fantasy motifs, a few good bands, and medieval art (particularly bestiaries and marginalia illustration).

I fell into printmaking like falling into a spike trap. I thought I had been aiming for a drawing concentration, but now that I’m in this hole, I figure I'll stay. I haven't abandoned my roots in watercolor and other, drier media, and would consider that my primary toolset (outside the world of oil based inks).

I have crocheted and knitted for most of my life. My fixation on fiber arts and interest in the subject of sheep inform my material content and subject matter. In my work I highlight the variety of sheep that exist through making drawings and prints that tell a breed’s origin tale or emphasize notable characteristics.

Some of my work is drawn from my experiences as a queer person and my life in a small rural town. Much of this work focuses on aspects of loneliness, relationships, nightmares, and habits formed from coping with the pressure. This is where I explore darker or more esoteric themes.

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Thinking of Ramsey's Diner, watercolor and pen, 2021

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my dad might still be okay, watercolor, 2021

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a few steps away from being angelic, colored pencil on tan mixed media paper, 2021

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little dragon I did a while back to test out a new sketchbook

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Grandfather of Sheep just got third place in a gallery show so I might as well post it !! it's about appreciation of sheep and fiber arts :]

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Part One of my sheep series !! at the end of the semester it'll culminate in a 12 page book, tentatively titled "A.P. Hellion's Guide to Interesting Sheep."

First four here are Jacob, California Red, Icelandic, and Black Welsh Mountain sheep. all 9 x 12 inch linocut prints

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Part Two of my sheep series (that will be a hand bound book) !!

Dalesbred, Najdi, North Ronaldsay, and Racka sheep :D all 9 x 12 inch linocut prints

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celestial sheep, about the size of a postcard

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did i ever post this cat i painted for my dad's cousin

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Part Three of my sheep series ! also happens to be the final part. I'm a little sad to be done, but it's also a bit of a relief :D

here's we have the Faroe Islands/Faroese sheep, Barbados Blackbelly, Navajo-Churro, and Valais Blacknose. All 9×12 inch linocut prints

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grey seal guy for mermay :D check out his camouflage and also top surgery

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foundation built in blood

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prettyboy

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rm. 238 / cicada night

stamps cost 58 cents / scare eyes

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Jester of the Viewfinder, linocut, October 2022

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passing, linocut, October 2022