By Web3ArtBlog.NFT

One day, while surfing NFT tweets, I came across a peculiar and rather unusual one eyed fuzzy cat. The piercing radiant eye was so detailed, it kind of felt like it was staring through me. Yet there was a kind of cuteness to the unusual creature.

I have seen a lot of interesting NFTs and this one surely was different and frankly an ingenious and curious artwork. I began to wonder who was behind this world of fuzzy one eyed creatures.

I wanted to know what inspired them. What was their background and their approach to art? So I reached out on Twitter and eventually gathered enough courage to ask for an exclusive interview.

Folks, I present to you Newark England based artist, Emma Jane the creator of Leelo’s.

Question: When did you start making art and how did you end up specializing in Realism, Illustrations and Commissioned Artwork?

Answer: I’ve been scribbling and coloring ever since I was very little, then having gone through school and college years realizing that art was the one thing I was passionate about. I started up my portrait business back in 2019, creating realistic freehand drawings mainly from photos. My part time thriving commission based career ‘emma-jane-artistry’ is what keeps my art fire going.

Question: When and how did you make the foray into NFTs and how is that impacting you and your art?

Answer: Only recently stepping into the NFT world, January this year, after a good friend of mine showed me down a path that he thought could open up my creative side even more. I am loving it and feel that it has really opened up my mind to just be a little weird and create patterns and characters that are in my head rather than drawing exactly what’s in front of me. I feel NFTs have also shown me the different styles people are looking at and this helped inspire me to think outside the box a little bit.

Question: Your Leeloo’s Nft collection is really imaginative and absolutely beautiful. What inspired that 1 of 1 collection?

Answer: My LeeLoos are weird little guys that have been in my head for Ages. I wanted to stick with the animal theme to run along side my other collection “silhouette beings” I’m always drawn to animations that look cute and fuzzy so i think with that and also my obsession with the detail that can be found in the iris. I sat one day and had a play around to see what i could being to life. I didn’t want to be generic with the name so the inspiration for LeeLoo was pretty spontaneous.

Question: Can you talk about your love for animals and how that inspires your art, in particular the collection Silhouette begins?

Answer: I am a huge lover of all animals they are who we share our planet with and should be appreciated. I think some of my work i have tried to link patterns, colors and flowers to symbolize them as beings. My inspiration to create this theme of work is that i feel certain animals will always bring a smile to your face.

Question: What role does imagination play in your creative work?

Answer: Sometimes i struggle with imagination I think that’s why for a long time I have found myself sticking with realism work. I feel the web3 community these past 5 months and guidance from fellow art friends have really helped open my mind to just be a little more free with my work. I think looking at myself as a future artist I am hoping that much more imaginative works will spring to life in which I can passionately share with this thriving community.

Question: Some of your Realism and commissioned work consists of cars motorcycles. Would you describe yourself a motorcycle or car person ?

Answer: I am a massive motorcycle fan. Being a rider myself for almost 4 years now I share a passion in which i love to draw. I have many friends that ride who requested i drew there vehicles after seeing i had a gift with pencils. It sprung from that and being a bit of a motorhead they are probably my most enjoyable realism subjects to draw.

Question: Would you rather make human or animal portraits?

Answer: I really enjoy both but I prefer animal subjects as some of the colors and patterns that are found in the fur are quite satisfying to draw, especially as in realism I am looking so closely at the details in the pictures that I get given. As you’ve probably heard from many artists before drawing faces and hands can be quite a task but I’m always up for a challenge and have always been satisfied with my end work.

Question: Can you talk about one of your favorite Nft makes, Gorilla ‘Alpha Brawn‘? Its an absolutely fascinating art piece.

Answer: ‘Alpha brawn’ was one of my fist ever NFT’S and what I stared out with. Being one of the strongest animals in the animal kingdom it is high up there for me. I am holding back on dropping this piece and I would like to see where this community will take me. Once I’ve built strong friendships I would love to see what interest I would get from one of my favorites.

Question: How important is symbolism in your work? Does some of your work contain hidden meanings?

Answer: I think with quite a lot of my work you get what you see as i am trying to create a character that looks as close to the animal in mind especially with my LeeLoos. I think my ‘silhouette beings’ collections has a bit more hidden symbolism as i tend to try and link what’s drawn inside to the animal. For example with ‘pure beginnings’ and ‘rose prowess’ i have gone with flowers that I would think of first. When you think of the rabbit you think of a field full of daisy’s and with the tiger I symbolize the rose to be quite a strong and fulfilled flower.