Seattle based artist Olivia Knapp creates beautiful hand drawn illustrations that are both elegant and surreal. Strongly influenced by European line engravings of decorative relief and scientific specimens from the 16th to 18th century.
Olivia blends anatomy with everyday objects, a surreal still life.You can’t help but be drawn into Olivia’s work, the attention to detail demands your attention, to look closer and examine the fine detail.
What or who inspires you? Anything and anyone can inspire me. As long as I am observing and introspecting I am bound to find inspiration in something or someone.
You majored in fashion design at university, what drew you to fashion?I went to art school, attending The School of the Art Institute of Chicago for a couple years then transferring to the Fashion Design Program at Parsons School of Design. Initially, it was the glamour and elusiveness of fashion that seduced me. What keeps me interested nowadays is simply a platform to make wearable art.How did you get involved with Jägermeister?Deutsch Inc., the advertising agency that works with Jägermeister sent me an email out of the blue. I worked directly with the creative team at Deutsch on the project.
How long does it take to create one of your drawings from start to finish?About 2 to 6 weeks, working about 50hrs a week.
What’s the art scene in Seattle like?The visual art scene here is small enough that it can still be molded. Curators, Gallerists, and Artists alike are making a niche for themselves here. The scene has a rebellious energy from the grunge era while being influenced by the gaming, tech, and medical research industries. I like to think that we approach art with a hacker’s eye.
Do you have any exhibitions or projects coming up?I do! I have a solo show at Hellion Gallery in Portland, OR opening August 6th, that will run through the month. I am also participating in Forest For The Trees Mural Festival at the end of August.
To see more of Olivia's work check out her website www.oliviaknapp.com
