Etsy's Handmade Blog
Oeuvre Evolution: thepairabirds

A month ago PamelaAngus found an early piece of hers hidden in the drawer. Now Tabitha from ThePairabirds is delving into the past to show us her beginnings. The Chicago-based illustrator came a long road from manga-styled figures to pop-art, and she is still evolving. 

When did you start drawing and painting?
I started drawing regularly when I was eleven. I became interested in comic book art. I didn't begin painting until 2001, when I started college.

How do you evaluate the change between your first drawings/paintings?
My early drawings were inspired by Japanese manga work. I was really entranced with the use of line-weight and light and dark contrast. My style began to take on its own when I started art college. In school, I had the chance to experiment with different media, study different cultures, and learn and share with my classmates. This blending of cultures encouraged me to blend the beautiful linework of Japanese manga with nostalgic American pop culture.

In which area do you think you evolved a lot?
I think my use of linework has evolved. I used to add so many details to a piece that it became over-worked. I am drawn to clean and uncluttered design (which is ironic since I am a pack-rat), particularly in interior design. This look is finding its way into my pieces more and more.

What kind of evolution do you see for yourself in the future? What are your plans (if any)?
I think my art is beginning to focus on the juxtaposition of human and nature. I think the most beautiful relationship is the one between humans and their environment. I am intrigued by people and how they relate to their environment, specifically their homes. So it is interesting for me to see how art and furniture is arranged in the sacred place of "Home."

Can you live on selling your drawings?
At the moment, yes. I'm single and child-free. It means going without an iPhone, a lot of social events, and having to live with family. But, those are some of the sacrifices I have to make right now that will hopefully change over time.

See other Oeuvre Evolutions on the Storque. Vadjutka highlights many more artists' evolutions on her blog, Craftsthenandnow.blogspot.com How has your craft changed over the years?  Post in the comments below!

Tags artist's process, change, evolution, illustration, manga, oeuvre evolution, pop-art, retro, ThePairabirds, vadjutka
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27 comments     Login to add your own!

Aug. 18, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. heidiburton

I love Tabitha's line work! Great to see where these lines started and how they have evolved :)

Aug. 18, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. Tayuki

Amazing artist, and amazing article.

Aug. 18, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. lilarubyking

great to learn more about a great artist!

Aug. 18, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. LauraF07

Fantastic! So happy to be introduced to her work.

Aug. 18, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. MundoGominola

great beginning and fantastic evolution! Thanks for this article!

Aug. 18, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. KAHOONICA

This article is amazing.
She is awesome for showing us her old stuff, and the process she went through to get to where she is. Thank you! :)

Aug. 18, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. PickalaPoopa

I like Tabitha's style, great work!

Aug. 18, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. katelynjane

I just love this girls work! I wish I could draw like this...but I guess everyone has their own style.

Aug. 18, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. IrenaSophia

Great article, in my opinion it takes lot of focus and work, but once you come to certain level it becomes effortless.

Aug. 18, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. GumballGrenade

I love seeing the change in her style.

Aug. 18, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. westcorinthstudio

One of my favorite artists on etsy!

Aug. 18, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. sandcookies

I think I saw a similar article on her blog:) It is so neat seeing the growth!

Aug. 18, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. camerongodfrey

Tabitha has beautiful pieces!

Aug. 18, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. cloud9designstudio

Great article. Pretty artwork.

Aug. 18, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. jamieribisi

Wonderful article!!!

Aug. 18, 2008 at 7:49 p.m. magicjelly

LOVE ThePairabirds! I agree about the linework...so economical...not a detail too many or few...just perfect! She's a great artist!

Aug. 18, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. thepairabirds

thanks, everyone *blush*

Aug. 20, 2008 at 5:27 a.m. vadjutka

Thanks a lot for the nice comments! :-)

Aug. 20, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. matilou

great article vad !!

Aug. 20, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. PollyPainting

Really enjoyed this. You can see both the continuity and the growth as an artist in these two drawings. I've been a fan of ThePairabirds for a while too!

Aug. 20, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. dogties

Great article and art!

Aug. 21, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. BeadsInTheBelfry

Tabitha and her work rock!

Aug. 21, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. Flyk

it's so interesting to see her start~ ! great article : }

Aug. 22, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. Stockton

I love it - this is a great feature and I would love to see more along these lines!

Aug. 24, 2008 at 12:26 a.m. gingerlime

Awesome! Congrats to thepairabirds...Tabitha :-)

Aug. 31, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. raghousenternational

Very nice interview! Talk about evolution! I know artist evolve all the time and should continue to while maintaining their brand. Congrats Pairofbirds!

Sept. 15, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. uncharted

I love After The Dance and the Everybody is a Star series

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