Artist Interview: Atlas Thorn
Today I have the great pleasure of introducing to the community the incredibly talented Atlas Thorn!
I discovered Atlas through Instragram and Facebook. As a massive art enthusiast often endlessly scrolling through art images on IG or FB, I have to credit 'the algorithm' with sometimes leading me to the discovery of tremendously talented artists and their wonderful work.
When I first saw Atlas' work, I was really blown away by its incredible quality, detail, and exceptional storytelling through brilliantly creative and sentimental concepts.
It occured to me that it would be a tremendous pleasure to see Atlas apply his talents to Sorcery: Contested Realm TCG card alters. After a bit of persistence, he thankfully agreed. Likeminded art enthusiasts in the TCG industry were equally amazed by his first Sorcery alter of Royal Bodyguard, opening the door to a new chapter in Atlas' beautiful journey.
Thank you so much for this opportunity, Atlas...
Mike @ Collector Arthouse: Please tell us a bit about your background. Where are you from? Where are you currently living? How did you find your passion for art?
Atlas Thorn: I've lived in Australia for most of my life, but I'm originally from South Africa. I'm currently living in the beautiful Blue Mountains and enjoying my best mountain hermit life.
I've been doing art in some form since I could hold a pencil. I always knew a career in the visual arts would be my calling. When I graduated high school I studied 3D Animation and worked on kid's cartoons after that. After a while I realised that what I really wanted was to get my hands on paint again and explore my love of fantasy art more deeply.
Mike @ Collector Arthouse: To help introduce your artistic style, can you share a few photos of artworks that you have done and are particularly pleased with and tell them a little bit about them?
Atlas Thorn: For the past year I've been focusing on alters.
I really like the artistic challenge of painting around the design and concept of the card, and the freedom within those boundaries to create something truely of my own. Because of the small size, it's great for painting relatively quickly. I get more ideas than I have time for, so the turn around has been wonderful.
These are three pieces that I'm particularly proud of from this year. I think they show a good cross section of the subject matter that I enjoy and the technical achievements I keep working on.
Mike @ Collector Arthouse: How would you characterize your artistic ‘style’? Are there certain concepts or genres you tend to gravitate to and like to explore in your work? What is your preferred medium?
Atlas Thorn: I'm not sure how I'd categorise my artistic style. I definitely lean towards the lighthearted and whimsical side of traditional fantasy art. I have a particular love of painting animals. Give a rabbit a wizard hat and that sums up my tastes pretty well!
I fell in love with oil paint years ago now and I haven't really deviated from it. I just adore how buttery they feel and how they mix. I only paint with 4 tubes of colour, so being able to mix my colours efficiently and without stress is important for me.
[Make sure you don't miss Atlas' Instagram page (linked later in the article) to see his vast portfolio of work beyond card alters. You will be blown away by the beautiful animal creations he has made over the years!]
Mike @ Collector Arthouse: Who are some of your artistic influences?
Atlas Thorn: This is tough question. I'm sure I'm subconsciously pulling from all over the internet. In terms of that lighthearted animal whimsy that I love, I can't not mention Beatrix Potter.
Beatrix Potter Art
I've also spent a lot of days as a kid fawning over James Gurney's fantasy pieces, and even more days as an adult studying how he achieves such amazing lighting.
James Gurney Art
Mike @ Collector Arthouse: Have you done professional commissioned work, or have had any published work? Or have you primarily created and sold your own work?
Atlas Thorn: After leaving the animation industry I was commissioned for a few different small scale projects. Some indie boardgames and children's books. I've found most of my success and joy in painting from my own mind and imagination though.
[...and what an imagination it is! Atlas' creative vision and masterful execution of his concepts are truly brilliant. I sent him a booster box of cards and told him to follow his heart. He had a great time opening it and discovering the art of Sorcery, and told me he immediately had many ideas that he was excited to explore. Below is his first Sorcery TCG Alter - "Royal Bodyguard". Truly stunning!]
Mike @ Collector Arthouse: What are your near-term and longer-term goals as an artist?
Atlas Thorn: I have a long term goal of publishing a collection of my own work. Perhaps in the form of a world building project. What a dream that would be! In the short term I'm just happy to enjoy each week's work as it comes and goes. I feel so privileged to do the work that I get to do.
Mike @ Collector Arthouse:Â Had you heard of Sorcery TCG before I reached out to you, or was that your first exposure to it? What are your impressions?
Atlas Thorn: Yes! My brother and I are big geeks and TCGs are always an interest to me. Unfortunately, I live a very long way away from my "local" game store, so I very rarely get to play and engage in newer and less mainstream games.
Mike @ Collector Arthouse:Â How can fans connect with you and see more of your portfolio? My
Atlas Thorn: My website is a good hub to go to (www.AtlasThornArt.com). From there you can check out my Instagram which is the platform I actually keep updated.
Mike @ Collector Arthouse:Â Is there anything else you would like to share?
Atlas Thorn: I thought I'd share some of my hobbies so readers can get to know me a bit better. I enjoy back yard astronomy, stargazing, and mapping out constellations. I'm also really into vegetable gardening and hydroponics. Apart from that, I enjoy reading, working out, and of course hanging out with my dog.
Watch my videos on the Collector Arthouse YouTube Channel.
Join the Collector Arthouse Discord and talk about Sorcery: Contested Realm with passionate fans.
Support me at the Collector Arthouse Patreon and enjoy exclusive perks and access to limited products and special artist collaborations!
Mike Servati @ Collector Arthouse signing off...
