We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aster Graves. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aster below.

Hi Aster, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I am self taught! I just decided this was something I wanted to do, so I started collecting things from nature and items that would otherwise end up in the landfill and putting them together in a way that was pleasing to me. Everything I do is trial and error, and I learn from my mistakes as I go, so there is a lot of learning happening as I create. I recognize that seeking mentorship could help me on my journey, but I enjoy learning on my own. I do watch videos and read articles about the various aspects of my craft, to help me learn from others. Navigating the alternative art world presents unique challenges due to its niche audience and unconventional aesthetics, requiring constant innovation to stand out. Finding the balance between artistic integrity and commercial viability can be particularly challenging in this diverse and sometimes unpredictable market landscape.

Aster, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am deeply immersed in the world of oddities, drawing inspiration from the macabre and unconventional. My journey began with a fascination for the strange and whimsical, leading me to explore the creation of eerie and thought-provoking art pieces that challenge traditional norms. Alongside my artistic endeavors, I also express myself as an alt/goth model, showcasing a personal style that complements and enhances my artistic identity.

As an oddity/creepy doll artist, I specialize in crafting one-of-a-kind, unsettling yet intriguing dolls and sculptures. Each piece is meticulously hand painted to evoke a sense of curiosity and unease, blending elements of darkness and beauty in a distinctive manner. Through my art, I aim to provide clients with unique, hauntingly beautiful creations that serve as both decorative pieces and conversation starters.

What sets my brand apart is its dedication to pushing the boundaries of conventional art forms, embracing the unconventional and exploring the darker realms of creativity. I take pride in creating artworks that resonate deeply with those who appreciate the macabre and seek to incorporate a touch of the bizarre into their lives. I am always striving for something new and each piece is one of a kind.

For potential fans, I want them to know that my work is not just about creating art—it’s about crafting experiences and narratives that delve into the mysterious and explore the depths of human imagination. I invite them to explore my portfolio of eerie creations, and available signed photos, and discover the allure of embracing the odd and unsettling in art and aesthetics.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem, society should recognize and value the cultural and economic contributions of art, ensure accessible spaces and resources for creation and exhibition, integrate arts education from early stages through continuing programs, advocate for fair policies on compensation and intellectual property, and foster collaboration among artists and across sectors. These measures collectively enhance artists’ visibility, sustainability, and ability to innovate, thereby enriching cultural diversity and societal well-being through artistic expression. Art of any kind is important to life, so we as a society MUST support the arts.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey is guided by a mission to transform discarded materials into hauntingly beautiful oddities, thereby reducing waste and keeping items out of landfills. I strive to blend the eerie allure of my creations with a commitment to sustainability, crafting pieces that provoke thought and inspire appreciation for upcycled art. Each artwork represents my dedication to environmental consciousness and artistic innovation, aiming to challenge perceptions and redefine beauty through unconventional materials and storytelling. By repurposing and reinventing, I aim to foster a deeper connection between art, sustainability, and societal consciousness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://astersattic.square.site/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/asters_attic
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/astersattic
• Other: https://linktr.ee/astersattic

Image Credits

Dynamite Dames Photography