Abigail Vettese

"Death is an inevitable biological event, we can hardly adjust anything to it, but human life is not just biology, but spirit, culture, knowledge, cognition, teaching, writing, example, dignity. These are all more important than death. These help us to integrate into society through many threads; if we succeed, if we accept, we will live on a higher plane of existence. They read our works, they tell our stories, they refer to us, we have been with those who know us for centuries." - Vilmos Csányi

Can you tell us a few words about yourself?

My name is Abigail Vettese, otherwise known by The Shape of Sanctum and I am a 28 year old Philadelphia based illustrator. I work predominantly with micron pen on wood panel and have been making art for a number of years. My passion for nature and background studying plant medicine and environmental science informs much of my work and the content I gravitate towards. I am also a musician and fire performer.

What work method do you use?

My illustrations are each handdrawn using micron pens. Typically I draw directly on wood paneling, most often basswood, but occasionally I work on Bristol pad. I use Procreate to digitize my work and design apparel, stickers and prints. When I began illustrating I was very focused on developing an eye for detail. I love intricate, meticulous linework as I find it to be deeply soothing and rewarding to create.

How would you define your own style? Was it difficult to take the first steps?

My style would be best defined as linework illustrations. I employ techniques such as hatching, cross hatching and stippling. Each piece I create is intricately made up of carefully drawn lines and deliberately placed dots. I have been told many times that my work looks comparable to tattoo style drawings, as well as vintage scientific illustrations.

It took me quite some time to find my voice as an artist. I began my art journey as a painter, then I began working with metals as a wire wrapper. Eventually I found my way to drawing. Initially I was inclined to create intricate geometric drawings inspired by architecture and sacred geometry, but over the last several years I've found a home illustrating the natural world through my lens. It was difficult getting to the place I am at now, but a worthy investment of my time and self-discovery. I feel that my work is recognizably my own.

What aspects do you consider important during the creative process?

While creating I find intentionality to be most important. When I create with a concept or directed idea in mind, I am able to materialize something both thought provoking and cohesive. Once I have a general idea of the content of a piece, I can invite a more intuitive part of myself to guide the actual drawing process. I also feel that authenticity is crucial. Creating from a place that feels genuine allows the entire process to be deeply rewarding and unique. I think the purpose of art is to share our individual perceptions of the human experience, and without authenticity one can't truly accomplish this goal of creativity. Finally, I believe it is immensely important that one can fully take up space while making art of any kind. What I mean by this is engaging the senses and existing in a space that can be a part of the creative process. Candles, lighting, music - an atmospheric environment that can become a part of one's flow state.

Inspiration is very important in art. What inspires you?

I find inspiration all around me. I am very drawn to the natural world and have always been fascinated with insects, herbs, fungus and animals. For instance, I am amazed by leapord slugs and their mating practices, bees and their inclination to create hexagonal honey combs, the crystalline structure of minerals, the expansive mycelial networks that exist all around us, to name just a few. Having a background working with herbs and plant medicine has offered me endless inspiration. I enjoy illustrating plants in context of the ways they can heal the mind, body and spirit. I created a 7 part series of drawings highlighting plants and creatures that can help to heal certain energetic spaces on the body.

Additionally, I find the human experience and the spectrum of emotional capacity to be wildly intriguing. Architecture, travel, music and of course, the parallels between nature and technology are all incredibly activating and curious to me. Inspiration is truly abundant in this time as we have access to endless information amidst an ever-changing world.

Could you tell us a little more about what you have learned so far? Have you pursued any studies that have helped / facilitated your current career?

I have been passionate about environmentalism and sustainability efforts since I was quite young. I studied environmental science in college in addition to pursuing a minor in philosophy. While I ultimately chose to leave University to follow my creative spark, the knowledge I gained in college offered me new insights that assist my creative process to this day. Studying plants and ecosystems alongside the expanses of the human mind has resulted in an unending number of ideas and concepts I'd like to manifest in pen. Because my work is so heavily focused on botanicals and entomology, I can utilize my studies more frequently than one may assume.

I am always learning along my journey as an artist. Studying references, taking photographs of plants, researching medicinal properties of herbs to honor in my work, etc. I am infinitely absorbing new information and seeking to disperse it through artwork.

If there was no barrier to money, what would you like to deal with?

If money weren't an issue I would learn to tattoo. I've always been captivated by tattooing - it is such an old practice and allows folks to feel more at home in their vessels. It is a beautiful way adorn oneself and to remember our path all while supporting the arts. I have many deeply meaningful tattoos and have always wanted to be the one working behind a machine. I would love to own a studio someday, full of my work and apparel where I can tattoo and also offer herbal medicine to my community. Creating a community hub of sorts is a huge dream of mine. A space for makers and eccentric folks to gather and share and heal and learn together would be beautiful.

Outside of that, of money weren't a consideration, I would travel more extensively to learn about plant and bug and animal species all around the world so I could illustrate them! I'd also invest more in my work and make an oracle deck. I would make more apparel, design a bunch of new goods and expand on my offerings. I would also invest in a laptop because I currently don't have one and it would make my creative experience much more streamlined!

How do you have fun?

Creating is fun, but it is also work. Aside from making art and music, I am a huge jokester and love to have a good laugh whenever possible. I love to travel for fun, hiking and camping with folks that make everything and anything feel possible. I enjoy collaborating for the sake of enjoyment and in truth, I love being spontaneous. I am quite introverted in some ways - I recharge in solitude, but I am a huge 'people person'. It is exciting for me to meet new faces and make connections.

How do you see people's attitudes towards art?

Art surrounds us infinitely. Design is in everything we engage with; it is as simple as the aesthetic of a pencil and as complex as the greatest works of humanity. Art is absolutely necessary to our civilization, however I believe it is undervalued and unappreciated in the modern world. The 'starvong artist's trope is sadly a reality for many of us. When we recognize how much work an artist has to create to even be seen by the saturated market we exist within, it becomes increasingly clear that many people are more inclined to purchase art from places like Amazon than they are to find independent artists and creators to support. Looking at social media, we see that artist are expected to do far more than their craft alone. It is not enough to be a great artist, you must also learn to promote yourself, to take professional photos and videos, to share your life online. It saddens me that art is seen as a luxury despite its healing capabilities. Art speaks to the soul, it creates understanding, it allows us to process emotions and to be present. It can bridge divides and find the common threads we share in. I believe art is becoming pivitol to many, but we still have a long way to go with how we choose to appreciate, consume and value artwork.

What are you doing when you do not work on a drawing because your days go by? What are your goals? What other things do you care about? Do you have another hobby? How does your lifestyle affect your social relationships? Where do you have so much energy from for so many things?

When I am not drawing, I am most likely creating music. I am a vocalist and guitarist and have recently been dedicating time to developing skills with music production. I write experimental electronic music under the name The Shape of Sanctum.

I also spend a lot of my time designing when I'm not drawing. I vend at local markets and love building community in my city. My lifestyle can affect my social relationships in some regards but many of my closest friends are also creative folks, so the relationships I have foster even more creativity and potential.

The energy I commit to my artwork and other pursuits comes from my passion. I feel a deep desire to create and share the ideas and visions in my mind with the world. I am energized by creating - it gives me purpose and direction. It takes me out of the mundane and ignites a spark in my day to day life, and as a result provides me with hope that I can make an impact on the world in some small way, for the better.

Do you still see that you have made the right decision to choose this path?

The path of an artist is complicated and challenging. I've encountered so many difficulties, especially financially. There have been moments where I want to give up because it's so damn hard creating and sharing my vulnerabilities with others, and it's even harder when you can barely pay the bills. Self doubt and frustration bubble up. I've also struggled with time management and questioned myself a lot along the way. However, at this stage I'd say I KNOW I'm on the right path. The struggles are worth it and the work I've put in WILL pay off, even if it doesn't happen right away. I can't envision a life other than the one I've carefully created this far and frankly I don't want to. Art is my whole life and it always will be.

How do you envision your life in 10 years?

In 10 years I hope to be well-travelled, healthy, inspired and curious. I envision myself sustaining my life off of my creative work. If I could have whatever I wanted, I'd be living in an earthship in the desert, making art and music with people who ignite my spirit, and working in a beautiful community space in the meantime. I try not to future trip too much, though. What matters the most to me is where my feet are planted, in this moment. And presently, I am joyful, grateful and energized.

If we want to get to know your creations better, where can we do that?

Instagram: @theshapeofsanctum

Website: https://www.abigailvetteseart.com/

You can find my music on Spotify by searching for The Shape of Sanctum