A Faerie Who Makes Monsters

We recently had the chance to interview the very talented Marita Tathariel Svensson to discuss her creative pursuits and artistic growth since attending the first-ever Stan Winston School Live Online Course with FX artist Don Lanning.

Turns out she's been incredibly busy! She was recently featured on the cover of Fae Magazine, has appeared at many conventions, and has taken her creature art to the next level. All of us here at SWSCA expect wonderful things from Marita in the future, and she should be on your 'artists to watch' list.

- Chris Vaughan - Stan Winston School LIVE Coordinator

Meet SFX Artist and Cosplayer Marita Tathariel

(Two chavant sculptures by Marita Tathariel, a demon and a triceratops.)

SWSCA: Thanks for joining us, Marita. Can you tell us a little bit about what you've been doing since you took Don's course?

MARITA: I'm doing a lot of things! I have more balls in the air than freckles on my arms! I'm a special effects artist, an armorer, an actress, and an alternative model. In other words - I'm a full-time geek! With that comes a lot of different jobs and projects, but that's just how I want it to be.

(Pencil on parchment creature designs by Marita Tathariel.)

SWSCA: How did your passion for art develop?

MARITA: I couldn't say exactly how my passion for art started. I guess it's always been there. As a child, I would much rather spend time alone drawing, creating fantasy worlds in sand, or building miniature villages out of paper for bugs to live in. I was the odd one out!

SWSCA: What do your family and friends think of your choice to lead a creative life?

MARITA: I have been very lucky to have a family who appreciates my artistic side, and my friends have been a massive support throughout the years. When I started pursuing my dream of becoming a special effects artist, my dear friend David Grasso, who is an amazing artist himself, was a wonderful support to me. Later on, after I attended a course with the talented Don Lanning from Stan Winston School of Character Arts, I got to know loads of wonderful people in the industry. Their enthusiasm, love, and support have been fuel to my already burning passion.

SWSCA: Have you always aspired to be an artist, or did you ever dream of following a different path?

MARITA: There was a time when I wanted to be a mountain climber and an archeologist as well, but I have always been following my dream of working with art.

SWSCA: Did you ever formally study art or take an apprenticeship with an artist that set you on your path?

MARITA: Actually, no. The only career-related thing I have ever attended was the course with Stan Winston School of Character Arts.

(Marita Tathariel's sculpture work for Don Lanning's "Textures and Forms" online course for Stan Winston School.)

SWSCA: What would you say is the greatest source of inspiration for your art?

MARITA: I draw most of my inspiration from nature. There really is no limit to the inspiration I find there. Look at magnified grains of sand, the bark on old trees. See the patterns and feel the texture. It's endless!

SWSCA: Your work involves fantastical creatures and concepts. Where do they come from?

MARITA: That would be my crazy imagination! I have an entire world in my head filled with creatures and stories and I just keep adding to it. When creating something new, I just go with the flow. I start with a concept, and as I go along I keep building the story in my mind.

([Left] Prosthetic ear, sculpted on a lifecast of Marita's ear. [Right] Zombie wound prosthetic.)

SWSCA: The life of a professional artist can be quite challenging. How do you make yourself stand out?

MARITA: There is a lot of competition, which makes it even harder to make it in the industry. Then again, I appreciate just that. It works as a reminder to push it and keep going, and I seem to thrive and work better with some added pressure. People can step on your feet, copy and steal, but they can never completely duplicate another artist's work. We're all different, and I find that inspiring.

I will quite possibly never be the very best at what I do, but I will always strive to be. That's the beauty of it - you can always learn more and keep evolving! I never really gave "standing out" much thought. However, I have always been very true to myself, and by knowing who I am, what makes me tick, I have created my own style, both in appearance and art, which I could never truly stray from. I believe it's so important to know your path in life and keep walking it despite influences and obstacles.

(The tiny art of Marita Tathariel. [Left] Chavant clay dragon. [Right] Polymer clay hands.)

SWSCA: What has surprised you most since you've become a professional artist?

MARITA: Well, the support I've been getting from my fellow artists has been quite overwhelming! As I stepped into this world, I didn't expect the environment to be so warm. I also was a bit taken back by the cost of materials, but the investment is well worth it. You've got to want it badly enough!

SWSCA: What are you currently working on?

MARITA: Right now, I'm working on a monster maquette, a portrait bust, and a fantasy creature prosthetic! I always have multiple projects going on.

([Left] Marita Tathariel. [Right] Pencil on parchment "Pine Monster" by Marita.)

Follow Marita Tathariel:

• www.deviantart.com/tatharielcreations
• www.facebook.com/MaritaTathariel
• www.instagram.com/tathariel

Make Your Dreams a Reality

Our Courses are a wonderful way for us to get to know you as we've gotten to know Marita. Our students interact with Hollywood's masters of special effects and gain valuable feedback and guidance to help make their vision a reality. I would encourage all of you to check out our live online classes and learn the skills that will propel your work to a professional level.

Thanks again, Marita, for being a part of the SWSCA family. We're proud to say we knew you when!

Chris Vaughan - Stan Winston School LIVE Coordinator