Image ©2006 Heather Meyers

Full Name: Abranda Icle Sisson
Maiden Name: Mudd
Born: May 3rd, 1978 Douglas, Wyoming
Favorite Color: Emerald Green
Current Residence: Southern California (always subject to change)
Passions: Art, Color, Butterflies, Feathers
Inspirations: My daughter, Celtic and Pagan Mythology, Christian Lore

Primary Mediums: Watercolor, Graphite, Acrylic
Education: College courses in Graphic Design, Art Education, and Fine Art Studies at various universities. About a year from my Bachelor's Degree.
Worst Subject: Spelling!

Abranda Icle Sisson
by Sumara Love

If it is true that the love of art propels the artist, then Abranda Icle Sisson should continue to soar to even loftier heights on wings of sparkling joy. Abranda's passion for art is reflected not only in the beautiful works she creates, but also in the enthusiasm of her words as she interviews with the Celestopea Times. She is the living essence of what she paints so of course her paintings come alive as they reflect their creator.

Abranda, when did you start thinking of yourself as a “real artist?”

Wow, I’m still not sure I do! I feel every time I do a painting that I still have so much to learn about creating art. But I think it was when I sold my first Limited Edition Print at Dragon Con in 2001 for over $100.00 that the thought actually entered my mind. I was so excited I almost cried thinking that someone saw in my work something that made them willing to spend a large chunk of money. It was like I had finally realized my dream. I had spent my whole life drawing just for fun, but when someone wanted to buy what I had created, it made me think that I was crossing into a whole new level of achievement for myself.

How did you evolve as an artist? What was your process?

I’ve always drawn; ever since I can remember. I had tons of support from my parents. I could always count on a new sketchbook every holiday. And it was something I always looked forward to. I spent most of my life sketching something. I love realism. And I always tried to set a goal for myself to make my work as realistic as possible. I’ve taken art classes since 2nd grade. My art teacher, Mrs. Meeks, approached my parents when I was 8 and asked if she could give me extra lessons. I used to spend one of my recesses in an extra art tutoring class. She was my favorite teacher ever!
She entered me into contests at the local county fair and I was even lucky enough to win awards. She gave me incredible confidence and taught me about watercolors and diligent practice. As I continue to paint I always go back to her lessons and remember the faith she had in me. I believe in continually reminding yourself of the basics; always reviewing the lessons in shading and lighting, color theory, basic anatomy, and 3-point perspective. I am constantly sketching and practicing. And I think the more I create, the more I learn. I think the biggest contribution I make to my art skills is in continually looking for the next thing to develop. Every painting I do teaches me something new.

What is your attraction to fantasy art?

I wanted to be a figure artist most of my life and even dabbled in wildlife art for awhile. But attraction to fantasy art was because of the elementary school teachers I had. I had 3 years of teachers that read to their classes 4 or 5 books each year. And for some reason they tended to read fantasy novels. One of the first books I remember was ‘A Wrinkle In Time.’ It was probably my favorite story growing up. Among the other titles were ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ and ‘The Once And Future King’. And since I liked to sketch, I spent the time they read to us sketching out the characters. I had a fascination with wings and started putting wings on everything I drew. I think I might have grown out of the phase if my teachers hadn’t been so interested in what I was drawing. But several of them kept my sketches and one even purchased one of my paintings done in the fantasy genre. So because of the encouragement I kept drawing things with wings.

Growing up, were there any artists that inspired you to become an artist?

My art teacher was probably my biggest inspiration simply because of her extra attention on me. Most of my inspirations were authors though. I was so fascinated by Terry Brooks’ ‘Shannara’ series and Anne MaCaffrey’s ‘Pern’ novels that I couldn’t get fantasy imagery out of my head. I loved Sue Dawe. Her folders and binders were really popular when I was in High School and I loved redrawing her unicorns and dragons. My parents were huge collector’s of Boris and Julie and our home was always flooded with art books and fantasy novels.

Do you have any formal training as an artist, outside of your elementary years, or are you self-taught?

I have had some basic college art as well as private tutoring, mostly in my pre-college years. But for the most part, I am self-taught. I honestly believe there is only so much that can be taught in art and that the rest is simply practice and experimentation. And a great deal of encouragement!

What inspires you to paint?

My emotions. I’m not a very emotional person. I tend to be very shy and quiet and keep things bottled up. Painting is my outlet. It allows me to express emotions in a healthy non-confrontational way and keeps me from making myself crazy. I also paint when I need spiritual guidance. I view my talent as a blessing. And when I feel lost or confused about something, I like to create something, just let my artwork sort of guide me thru working out my emotions. I tend to feel a spiritual connection to my more angelic works.


How did you come up with the name “MuddVision Studios” and does it have some significance?

Don’t laugh! But my maiden is Mudd. I grew up being teased mercilessly because of my last name, but despite all that, once I married I wanted to keep a part of my heritage with me. So I came up with MuddVision studios. Vision was simply because my art is my visions, so to speak, come to physical form. I tried to change my name back after my divorce but it confused too many people, so I just kept it as Sisson.

What is your vision for your art? Where do you see yourself down the road?

I so very much see my art as progressing. I still feel like I am learning a great deal in both skill and subject matter. I think I’m pretty versatile in the fact that I can do both cutesy work and work that is more fine art oriented. I feel my art is very elegant and has a great potential to be incredible if I really devote some time into perfecting my style. I definitely want to get more into illustration and break away from painting a single pretty fairy. I want to reach a level of expertise that just takes your breath away when you look at one of my paintings. And I really want to be able to tell a really amazing story with just a picture. I’m starting to lean more towards a more spiritual fantasy portrayal of my imagery. And I’ve had a great response from my fans and collector’s with this turn.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on you as an artist?

Theresa Mather and Nene Thomas both really influenced me when I first started painting professionally. Both gave me great tips and guidance. Nene is just an incredible talent that I still go to when I need inspiration. Her work has that breathtaking feeling I’m striving to achieve. And Teresa guided me through the in’s and out’s of selling successfully at shows and really learning to make a living with my art. I count her as a very dear friend.

Do you have any parting words, or words of advice for all those aspiring artists out there?

Never give up! Listen to other artists! Trust your guts and always believe you can be better. Never let your fame get to your head and be grateful for every compliment or criticism you get! Seek as much advice as you can and network with everyone! You never know who knows whom and who can help you when you least expect it.
If you find something that works, stick with it! Don’t gossip! Word in this industry travels faster than light! Be confident but humble and always take care of your customers and fans!
Stand up for your art! Have confidence in it but realize not everyone likes the same thing. You have to have a tough skin when being an artist and you have to be able to both know your strengths and be able to accept your weaknesses to continue to learn to improve.
Find your niche! Come up with something unique that makes you different from everyone else and really develop it.
And most importantly, never stop creating! Paint or draw for yourself first! You have to love your art for anyone else to love it too!

Thank you much for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with us here at the Celestopea Times. Best of luck to you, and I hope I don't sound too cliché when I say "may all your dreams come true."

Thank you so much for the opportunity to do this interview. I am truly honored. Blessings!