A Parley with Illiana: Eleawen’s Chronicle of Art and Mystery at Sambrune’s Cantina
I, Eleawen, reporter of the noble Gazette of Arche Terre, did meet Illiana at the Cantina of Sambrune. For I had been forewarned of her grand artistic exhibition in that fair town, and needs must I interview her ere the event did commence. Thus, we settled ourselves in a quiet nook of the place, upon a sea of soft cushions, far from the counter, that we might speak with greater peace.
Eleawen Galathiel: « A lot of people knows you around but as the audience is larger than the Arche Terre, could you introduce yourself briefly and share how your artistic journey began? »
Illiana Tir’eilen: « I am Illiana Tir’eilen and i arrived in Sinfar a little over a year ago. Though i am a drow, i have not been born as one, and as such, i spent most of my life in the elven city of Myth Myon. Back there, everyone performed some form of art, be it carpentry or weapon smithing, each product carried artistic value. My artistic journey started with gem cutting, actually, as a way of earning money. I quickly abandoned it though, and instead tried my chances in sculpting, which i found more fascinating at the time. However, that also did not work well for me, and finally i turned towards painting. Though, nowadays, the paintings i make often do not require a brush. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « What are the main sources of inspiration behind the works youre presenting in Sambrune? Was there a specific theme, emotion, or event that guided this creation? »
Illiana Tir’eilen: « The gallery, so far, contains two paintings collections that came from under my hand. One of them was inspired by life itself, and most importantly, pieces of feelings, some of them my own, other – ones that i noticed other people experiencing. However inspiration can be found everywhere, even in the most unexpected places, and i am sure that. My second collection will be a good proof of that. I will, however, not reveal what exactly inspired that collection. I am, so far, the only one that saw it. Not even people closest to me know what is hidden behind that door, and they need to wait, along others, to see it. Whan it comes to -main- sources of inspiration – i do not have such, i think. But if forced to choose, i would say – words. Quotes i hear here and there, things that, somehow, reach my heart and bring images before my eyes. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « How does your creative process unfold, from the first idea to the finished piece? Are there any rituals or techniques you rely on? »
Illiana Tir’eilen: « I am not sure. I don’t always paint in the same way. When i get an idea, i first see with my mind’s eyes, how i want the work to look like. I imagine it, and try to bring it out on canvas exactly as i saw it. At times it is a brush and paint, other times, it’s gem dust. Sometimes, i abandon all of it and paint with pure magic. However most of the paintings in the gallery follow the same technique, made with oil paints. There are very few exceptions. Of course that is true for the paintings that come from under my hand. There is a collection in there that was delivered to me as well, which uses an entirely different technique. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « Can you tell us more about that other collection too? »
Illiana Tir’eilen: « It is not as huge od a secret as the collection made by me. I was very excited when it got sent to me, and i did show it to the people that are closest to me. I will say that there is no other painter in the whole Arche Terre that would use similar way of creating artwork. However i will leave the topic and origin of the paintings as a surprise for the opening party. There is one thing i can say about it though. While The first of my collections focuses on emotions, and the other one, mysterious so far, on guesses, the one that was sent to me presents facts. It’s more utilitarian, more informative. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « What were the most significant challenges in preparing for this exhibition, whether artistic, logistical, or emotional? »
Illiana Tir’eilen: « Well one such challenge was obtaining the third collection. I was not entirely certain, whether i would be able to bring it to my gallery. Luckily, it turned out to be easier than i assumed it will be. The feelings that accompanied it, however, did make me a little stressed. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « That’s sounds super mysterious! What do you hope visitors will take away or feel when they experience your work on Friday? A message, a question, or simply a sensory experience? »
Illiana Tir’eilen: « All of it, definitely. One collection will, perhaps, show them a part of themselves, the other.. realize how much unknown there is still in the world surrounding us, perhaps it will make them question everything, reality included. The third one may be a look into the future. Whether it’s a bright or dark one, i will let the viewers decide. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « Maybe a message for the futures viewers? »
Illiana Tir’eilen: « I do like to think that future viewers of those paintings will be able to shake their heads, smile, and think to themselves: « Oh, how little did we know back then ».
Eleawen Galathiel: « Thanks you i have enought for the article! or maybe you want to add something before taking a picture of the place where the exhibition will happens? »
Illiana Tir’eilen: « Yes, i will add a few words, to those who would hesitate to attend. Try. The gallery does not kill, nor does it force you to stay. Whether you come to see the whole collection, all three of them, or just a few pieces, you are all equally welcome. »
Thus did end this pleasant interview, notwithstanding certain doings within the Cantina, of which we shall speak not here. For ’tis not the place of the Gazette of Arche Terre to reveal what transpires within these walls! Come ye rather, quaff a draught, and partake in the merry atmosphere most characteristic of the place.
The exhibition shall take place on the tenth day of July, at the fifth hour of the afternoon, GMT time, in Sambrune. Come ye all, and uncover the mysteries of Illiana’s artistic collections!