Drawn straight from the enchanted imagination of Cuddly Rigor Mortis comes Foresta,  a new painting series from the American artist on show this October at Auguste Clown Gallery.

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AN INTERVIEW WITH CUDDLY RIGOR MORTIS

What was your inspiration for "Foresta"?
Admittedly, I was lost for a theme this go around and as hard as I tried, I couldn't solidify anything. So I just let go, stopped thinking and started sketching. Starting with simple shapes, I then began to draw inspiration from my surroundings (my husband and I live in a wooded area and often go for hikes) and heritage.  Two of my favourites and great examples of that are "Bloob" which came directly from my backyard - lots of flowers, mushrooms and butterflies. And "Krzno" (translates to 'fur'), who was inspired by the costumes of Kurents in the Slovenian carnival, Kurentovanje (I'm part Slovenian). 

You've exhibited in Australia a couple of times now, what are you looking forward to about coming over here personally for the first time?
I've wanted to visit your amazing country since I was a small girl and my father used to travel here for business. He was an engineer for Nabisco and would spend a month at a time away from home. Although I missed him terribly, I was equally excited by all his stories and my penpals that I had at the time from Melbourne. I've always said that I would visit eventually, so to have it be for my very own solo art show is amazing. I'm just so excited to meet new people, explore Melbourne, visit Healesville Sanctuary and drive along the Great Ocean Road. I'm also really looking forward to having Tim Tams whenever I want.

For people unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe it?
First and foremost, it's happy. I love it most when people say that my work has put a smile on their face or it's brightened their day. Second, I love details and making things fanciful but realistic at the same time. I work hard to get textures like fur, feathers and plants to look just right, while contrasting with the imaginary aspect of my characters. I paint with very fine brushes with my nose about 6 inches from the panel, so I also love it when viewers get in really close to see those special touches I put in my paintings.

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What or who influences your art the most?
That changes with my subject matter for sure. It could be anything from 50's Drive-In Cartoons to the latest Wes Anderson movie. A moth that landed on my shed one day, or my husband who brainstorms with me when I need  creative help. I love nature and architecture, vintage ads and everything from contemporary artists to the grand vistas of the Hudson River School of painters from the 1800's.

So far, what has been your most memorable career milestone?
That's an easy one: Having my work on a 15ft banner and hung at WonderGround Gallery in Downtown Disneyland in California. I started crying the first time I saw it - it was magical! I'm a huge Disney fan so being involved with them and getting to paint some of my favourite characters is so much fun.

Your work often jumps between food, animals, pop-culture and imaginary flora/fauna... what's your favourite subject matter and why?
Ah, that's like having to choose between your own children. They are all important sources of inspiration for me and because I tend to get tired of one or the other (especially after a solo where I've been living/painting with them for 6 months) I like to jump around from subject to subject.

Many of your fans will be attending the opening night to meet you, do you have any conversation starters they can approach you with?
What a great question! First, I'm always flattered when people come to my openings so a simple smile and  'hello'  is always much appreciated. Even though I may not look like it, I'm usually the nervous one of the bunch. Just in case though, here's some things I wouldn't mind hearing that night:
"My you look so refreshed - you don't look like you're jet lagged at all."
"What's your favorite Tim Tam flavor so far?"  

Opening Night and Artist Meet & Greet: 
Friday 2nd October, 6pm - 8pm
52 Johnston Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne Australia
Exhibition On view from 2nd - 18th October (free entry)