Kyla Estoya

Features Betw een g n i k o o L The s s a l G vens And What Abi Ste 14 | NEW READER MAGAZINE Found There Arts and Culture | London G etting lost in a daydream is typical for writers and artists. Most days I find myself reading emails then teleporting to the waves crashing to the shore and feeling the sun's warmth all over me. It's a great feeling when you know it’s not real but it feels nice. You just close your eyes and you're off to wherever or whatever you want to be. The idea of having magical powers, going to Neverland or having a pet dragon is just a blink away. I’ve used fantasies, dreams or imagination to break free from reality and I know most of you have too. We each have our own little world and right now we’ll be getting a glimpse of Abi Stevens’. Her obsession of fantasy became a medium of personal escape that carried over in her works. Her fascination with mythology and reading a lot of science-fiction books expanded through time and made her see deities and monsters as an inspiration for what she creates. Stained glass windows, old architectural designs or illuminated manuscripts are only a few things that trigger this Cambridge-based artist to breed her artworks. We had the opportunity to talk to Abi where she shares her recent project that's a little bit different from the fantastical pieces she usually makes. Abi Stevens is known for her whimsical and conceptual illustrations and symbolism. Historical narratives and quixotic inspirations played a big part in what she makes. “I love to hide narrative or historical details in my art,” she added. In fact, visual research is an integral part in her creative process. For example, her self-initiated cover of The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters include objects hidden among the flowers that relate to three main characters, but the plants themselves were carefully chosen to reflect the mood of the story. Symbolism became more and more significant as her work develops. But in 2018, Abi took a plunge into a rabbit hole that left her unable to work. She was diagnosed with chronic migraine and the pain and isolation took a toll on her mental health. With time, she then decided to redirect the burden she felt into her creative practice and found the door in making The Chronic Project. “The Chronic Project is extremely personal to me and has opened up a new avenue for me to explore my art”, she says. “It proved to not only be cathartic for me, but a means to connect with other chronically ill people with whom my work resonated.” It came to a realization that her works can now be more than just a mere picture that a person can look at. It was now a voice for a particular minority whose screams are not often heard. It raised awareness not only for people with chronic migraines but also for people who know someone with this condition. She even took a step further by being an advocate and a fundraiser for charities that uphold the stories of these people. Each piece in the chronic series took about 10 hours each to be completed. The symbolism from her previous works were consistent but instead of mythical creatures and characters from history, it was rooted from her personal story. According to her, it is intended to educate the viewer by allowing them to identify the experiences of someone who has a combat going on inside their heads. She hopes that they gain a greater understanding and empathy for others with chronic illness. “I feel that it’s my social responsibility to tell stories, to provide a voice for the voiceless and to foster communication and understanding through creative expression.” Despite this creative turn, Abi still enjoys making fantasy-inspired illustrations especially now that her health has improved. She does, however, want to further develop The Chronic Project by working with her sister, Hannah Shewan Stevens, who is also chronically ill. Together they’re hoping to make a difference. It proved to not only be cathartic for me, but a means to connect with other chronically ill people. NEW READER MAGAZINE | 15 Features Splitting Like how many people describe migraines, Abi illustrates the feeling of your head literally splitting when it occurs. 16 | NEW READER MAGAZINE Arts and Culture | London Swallowed Up This image emphasizes the feeling chronic illness gives as if it is swallowing up your life. This portrays the negative impact it has on you mental health. NEW READER MAGAZINE | 17 Features Brain Fog A confused and unfocused state of mind, during which processing time, concentration, information retention, and 'brain power' are compromised. 18 | NEW READER MAGAZINE Arts and Culture | London I feel that it’s my social responsibility to tell stories, to provide a voice for the voiceless and to foster communication and understanding through creative expression. Other Works: OTHER WORKS Left to right: Black Shuck; From her works on British Folktales, The Glass Books of the Dream Eater, Volant; a 55-hour monster pattern COVER PHOTO Love is a Dangerous Game. It was a personal challenge that pushed her skills in figure drawing, shading and symbolism. To her, it is intended to represent the hopes and dangers of the world for women; the dichotomy that you have to be vulnerable but also protecting yourself emotionally and physically. The Chronic Project will be on display at CUC Winebar, Cambridge for a one-night fundraising show on the 14th of September. The money is intended to raise money for the London Migraine Center. Abi Stevens is a digital illustrator and educator living in Cambridge, UK. She graduated with first honors in illustration from Cambridge School of Art in 2011 and since then have split her time between working in schools with children and pursuing her illustration practice. Instagram: abistevens_illustration Twitter: @AbiStevens_Art Website: www.abistevens.com NEW READER MAGAZINE | 19