Boston-based artist Eva Redamonti creates visual art that demands a magnifying glass. A zoom function. A telescope. Each piece is the product of a maze brain. Each piece features a web of complicated, tangled cords. Wormholes and ribbons, silly string and blood. After appreciating and enjoying her work in the first issue of Handcastle Magazine, I spoke with the intricate illustrator (and animator), who recently re-opened her online store. We chatted about her process, her plans to move to NYC, and the importance of music while creating.
How's 2018 been treating you?
2018 has been a good year. It was great for me artistically because It was my first year out of college and I’ve been able to really develop my art style, and accept myself for what I want to be doing.
How would you describe your style to a stranger?
My art is a mix between realism and fantasy. Lots of people describe it as psychedelic. Chaotic.
Your pieces are so intricate and detailed. Is it all brainstormed and pre-planned or more of a freestyle?
It’s a mix of both. I start by looking through a lot of different photos, and collaging different photos together in my head. I just set them up in front of me and begin drawing them quite literally. Then after everything is rendered accurately, I mess around with them, merge things together and cut parts up. I’m always thinking about everything in layers, and keeping each layer in mind, as well as thinking about where each line begins or ends. In this way I kind of trick the eye to think that this “messed up structure” is actually real, which is why I think it looks so trippy. I play a lot of music the entire time and it totally has an influence on the work I think.
How long does a typical piece take?
Depending on size, but usually between 1 day to 2 weeks (for something quite large). I’m really impatient to continue working once I’ve started a piece, so I hate walking away from it unless its going to the bathroom or eating food.
What's your studio setup like?
I work out of my bedroom. It’s really small. I still have a day job and all that, so there’s no way I can afford a studio. (Who cares?) I have an upright table that can be adjusted to a vertical position, so I don’t have to bend over all the time and mess up my back. Other than the table, I have a flatbed scanner, a lightboard, an iPad, and a lot of Microns.
Does your location (and your surroundings) influence your work?
Not really. I just need headphones and a place to work. Sometimes I feel like I’ve been indoors too long and I’ll go edit or something in a cafe.
You've been experimenting with animation as well, correct? Can you speak on that further?
I took an adult ed animation course at Mass Art, I loved it. As a graduate of Music School (music composition major), my idea is to eventually strengthen my animation skills and then animate to my own music.
What's the rest of the year looking like for you?
I’m moving to New York City in August. I have no real job lined up yet, but I’m in the process of looking. I’ve been visiting the city and every time I go I feel more like I am supposed to move there. There’s so much going on.
Outside of your own art, what else have you been enjoying?
I enjoy listening to a lot of electronic music — lately I’ve been into Clark’s album Iradelphic, Animal Collective, Baths, Lapalux, and Arca.
If you emptied your pockets right now, what would you find?
I don’t usually put things in my pocket because I’m such a space-head and if
something falls out I’ll never notice and loose my keys or something. You’d find a green wallet, keys, headphones, sketchbook, iPhone...nothing exciting.
Do you have any advice for artists working on their craft?
Ask yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing...If it’s not out of sheer love and addiction but instead for something like money or attention then don’t do it. People sometimes say, “You work hard,” but it’s not hard work to me. I love every moment of it. If that’s where you are, then I think you’ll have nothing to worry about. Get immersed in new music, look at lots of different styles — even if it’s not your thing. I think your brain collects everything you look at and listen to, and eventually it’ll seep into your work.
Any final words / thoughts / shout-outs?
Thanks to animator Mike Manor for showing me your page!
