Arielle Wilkins, a Portland-based artist/designer who was raised in the heart of Texas, is our 2023 Portland Book Festival guest artist. We recently spoke with Arielle about her work and more!
You’re an artist who works in various mediums, from digital, to traditional fine art print, to wearable art like necklaces and beyond. What’s it like working across mediums? Do you have a particular medium you’re excited to work in right now?
I really enjoy working with with different mediums as it helps me new creative territories. Each medium offers unique perspective, and process inspires fresh ideas and unlock a new artistic endeavor. I never get bored with what I create because I always adding in something new to the process. At this very moment I am really getting into art toy making using a two-part mold process. It took me a while to understand how to make a two-part mold and to cast it but once I understood it, I went beastmode with creation.
Much of your work features gorgeous bright, bold colors and illustrative portraits. What draws you to this form? Is there anything that inspired this direction?
A lot of my pieces have a very calming and positive tone, and my goal is to make people feel at ease when they view my work, so I go towards a vibrant bright palette to ignite that emotion.
How long have you lived in Portland? What do you enjoy about working and living here?
I’ve lived in Portland for about two years. I finally feel like I have adjusted and I really dig it a lot. The nature is so beautiful and I love the art and indie scene here.
What advice would you give aspiring artists in Oregon?
To keep going. I tell myself this, as there are times where I second guess if I am making the right move with my work. Which is perfectly normal, and I tell myself to keep going because either outcome I know I’ll grow from it.
Do you have a favorite author? What about an all-time favorite book?
My favorite author is Ray Bradbury. And my all time favorite book is actually The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury. I enjoy how Bradbury’s stories contains underlying social and cultural commentary of that time.
What’s a book you have read recently? Do you have any recommendations?
Currently to get into autumn season I have started reading a collection of stories by HP Lovecraft. I just hope to be able to sleep afterwards haha.
Tell us about the artwork you created for Portland Book Festival 2023. We’d love to hear more about it!
I wanted to create a surreal version of PNW in the form of books. Mount Hood in the background with books presented as iconic Portland structures scattered throughout the landscape.
Please enjoy Arielle’s truly stunning surreal art for Portland Book Festival 2023:
Arielle Wilkins is a US Portland-based artist/designer who was raised in the heart of Texas. Inspired by her father’s performing arts background, she quickly immersed herself in music and naturally visual arts.
Color, creativity, and black pride intertwine in the magical mystery ride that is within Arielle’s art. She effortlessly notes the evolution of the portrait painting tradition and makes anyone who views her pieces smile. Her characters exist in a world more bold and colorful than our own. Where natural hair roams free and strong yet relaxed/confident/ personas come to the forefront. Arielle’s work is meant to prompt a wide spectrum of untapped exposure and celebration of black culture. The evolution of the modern woman and man, curls and bountiful afros on deck.
Originally Arielle’s brand started out as Brothas N Sistas and grew her brand under that name for many years, but she recently decided to rebrand herself to a more colorful name that suits both her and the work that she creates.
