Orllyorlly is a Japanese artist, currently studying illustration at University of the Arts London in England.  We first found her online moving picture book and were mesmerized.  Her creations are intricate, vibrant and beautifully unsettling.  They remind us of the sort of sci-fi, fantasy and horror we swoon over - that which is not dominated by violent action and masculine heroes, but that is intelligent, complex and challenging.  We asked her to tell us a bit about herself and her art.  Here's what she had to say:

Illustrating = visualizing stories

Illustrating is similar to visualizing stories.  Plots form in her mind by being exposed to subjects.  Often, these imagined worlds are then combined with her own philosophies, experiences and emotions.  Her works seem scientific in that they convey subjects objectively.  At the same time, they are deeply personal, revealing the darker corners of her mind.

Process and materials

These stories sometimes form suddenly and sometimes require extensive research.  Orllyorlly sometimes sketches several times, makes 3D objects, writes poems and keeps a diary for inspiration.  She uses a variety of materials and styles according to subjects, but her favourite are colour pens, for their detail and vibrancy.

Subjects

As subjects for her works, she tends to choose people, especially children and women, to express emotions.  She also prefers to leave facial expressions blank so that viewers can imagine their own stories.  This is largely influenced by her Japanese background, where it is common to avoid expressing emotions openly, and rather let others in only through subtleties.

Interests

Orllyorlly is interested in emotions (specifically, the darker spectrum), conflict and psychedelic imagery.  She enjoys reading novels, films and watching TV dramas that depict their characters' deep emotional movements.  As for content, her tastes are diverse, but she especially enjoys crime, social issues and mental health.  She also likes history and culture, especially Ancient Egypt, India and Japan.

Contact
Website, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, 

who is pigeon?
pigeon is a little creature.  she's a bit shy and often lost in thought (you know how pigeons are...).  she comes from poland, but relocated to cardiff, wales in 2014 to study illustration at the university of south wales.  she describes her work as whimsical and delicate with sullen undertones.  she likes combining cute elements with dark and disturbing ones.

what is her process?
she has been drawing since childhood, creating characters to transform into images and words.  she does not have a fixed work process - spontaneity is imperative.  pigeon rarely makes preparation sketches before beginning a piece - she just goes for it.  for traditional media, she enjoys mixing pencils, watercolours, markers, inks and acrylic paint.  she also uses photoshop to add colour to some of her drawings.  she chooses materials based on on a predetermined image, hoping to construct what already exists in her imagination.  she finds creating to be a peaceful and immersive process.  she loves learning while illustrating and will throw on a podcast, documentary or ted talk while she works.

what inspires her?
she fills her time with activities, including reading, learning, cooking, thrifting, walking and, of course, drawing/painting.  she is particularly interested in sociology and other cultures.  diversity is important and inspiration is everywhere.  being open to the outside world is a huge part of pigeon's creative process.  this includes noticing nature, colours, smells, conversations, people and small events.  she also loves literature and is often inspired by writers.  

where can you find and support her?
her website, facebook, twitter and patreon!