Alli McAfee is the self taught artist of Bower Bird Fine Art. Her otherworldly illustrations are a unique exploration of the dark and alchemical themes found in nature and folklore. It blends familiar stories and archetypes with surreal symbolism and color palettes inspired by the natural world. The inclusion of recognizable imagery invites introspection while still conveying a nuanced approach to old narratives.
As a child, a profound love for literature inspired her to write plays and short stories for which she would create costumes and illustrations. This early exploration of merging art and literature became an intrinsic part of her creative process.
PROCESS
The base of every piece begins with the thoughtful layering of thin watercolor washes in unique color stories. I create texture with salt and heat while the paint is still wet and then use various inks, colored pencils, pastels, and gouache to define shapes and embellish. This process is repeated for each individual part of the piece. All parts are then carefully arranged and layered into the desired composition.