Raquel Sturges

Art is an ever balance between spiritual meaning and aesthetic pleasure. Raquel Sturges embarks on finding her own meaningful interpretation through various types of expressive mediums. Finding pleasure in this time period is something beautiful that is not typically broadcast within this shit storm of media garbage.

Ramon: I just wanted to say big thanks for this interview! Getting into the first question, what's your take on art from a personal POV?

Raquel: My POV on "art" is that... it is what you make of it. It could be very personal or not. My art and I can only speak for what is mine and it is very personal. I make it known that I had PTSD from a childhood trauma and was very much in that dark period for almost all my life... it was only 2 years ago this month that I started getting better with the help of a team of doctors.

Ramon: So do you consider art to be visually pleasing and or emotional as well? Also, what is your take on traditional art such as acrylic on canvas compared with sculptures? Would you say your work represents both in a way?

Raquel: Visual is everything. My work reprpesents my story and my emotions and trails... however, I don't expect my viewer to see all that in my pieces. It is far more important to me to have the viewer see their own stories in my work, if it strikes them with a memory whether good or bad or just for pure visual pleasure than I feel that I have accomplished what I had set out to do in the first place. First I had to get my own emotions on paper without using words and then second, I was able to connect with someone. Right now I am fearful to step out of my comfort zone of drawing and using mediums such as markers, charcoal and pencils, but I have a huge canvas that I look at everyday and various types of paints to explore. I'm almost there and I know that as I am healing, my insecurities and self doubt will become less and less. I don't know if my work represents both. All I know is that I started only 8 months ago and the amount of people that connected with my work is really quite overwhelming!

Ramon: What is your take on humans being artistic? In the days of cavemen there were markings on the wall. Is artistic talent embedded is what I'm asking?

Raquel: I think there is something to be said for being, "Naturally born with a talent or gift." In my case, it was always there nagging and wanting. Having this feeling to draw or put something down on paper. I just never really gave into it till about 8 months ago and now I wish that I had answered that inner voice sooner.

Ramon: A lot has been progressive within this internet age movement happening at the moment. How do you feel about social media in terms of reaching out across different parts of the world?

Raquel: Well, I have so much to say about this! It is an incredible tool! I started like I said, 8 months ago and strictly used Facebook to get my work out there. I was a no name novice and within 8 months I have shown in 3 art galleries, published in 4 magazines including a cover and have been selling regularly. I think it is a blessing in many ways as long as you are aware of all the wrong doings that could happen, design and styles can be stolen just like that and it is very hard to control. As a whole, I am pleased with the way I was able to spread my work just by using Facebook and being in several international art groups. A teacher from Lithuania contacted me to let me know that she referenced my work on Japanese ladies for her art class. How great is that!

Ramon: Beautiful! What or how would you describe your meaning in your art work?

Raquel: I would describe my work as a necessary means for me to heal and live in the moment. I draw everyday and it is a great way for me to just be present and not be ruminating about my past abuse and torture. It's really easy for the mind to wander and before you know it, you are there again. The past is part of my PTSD symptoms. Art saved me. I don't know if that is a bit of a cliche but it really has been my savior from the darkness. My ultimate goal is to have art that will truly have meaning in the big picture of humanity. I would love to have a solo show benefiting child abuse victims. For now tho, it is rewarding when I get a message from high school aged followers who let me know that I have somehow inspired them to keep going with their art. That is a feeling that I can not put into words.

 Ramon: Okay last question. What is your favorite chow down?

Raquel: I love me some Pizza! Good pizza loaded with deliciousness toppings MMMMm. On the flip side I am a sweet girl. I love cake! I'm a professional baker by trade and I love a good chocolate ganache!