10 Questions with Eden Gutstein

Eden Gutstein is an Atlanta, Georgia, based artist is a talented illustrator and artist. Her artistic style draws significant inspiration from the vibrant and dynamic aesthetics of the 1970s, characterized by the use of vibrant, warm colors and abstract movements. In addition to her illustrative skills, Eden specializes in surface design and pattern creation. This unique talent imbues her final creations with a distinct nostalgic ambiance that sets them apart from the rest. Eden's artistic journey has seen her actively participating in various art festivals in the Atlanta area. She has contributed her creative touch by designing spreads and advertisements for local companies and magazines. Eden's artistic reach extends to collaborations as well. She notably collaborated with The Science Gallery of Atlanta for their Justice exhibition, where she crafted thought-provoking illustrations that left a lasting impact. Demonstrating her commitment to the arts, Eden recently served as a judge on a panel for the City of Atlanta Art and Cultural Affairs department, contributing her expertise to the evaluation of artistic endeavors. In terms of education, Eden graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in early 2023, earning a bachelor's degree in illustration and minoring in acting. Her passion for the arts finds expression through her own illustration brand, aptly named "A Place in Eden." Through this brand, she creates handmade postcards, greeting cards, prints, pins, and stickers, sharing her unique artistic vision with a wider audience.

www.aplaceineden.com | @a_place_in_eden

ARTIST STATEMENT

Eden Gutstein is an illustrator and tattoo artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. Through her artwork, Eden skillfully bridges the gap between the conscious and subconscious realms, bringing the dream world to life. With a deeply introspective nature, she uses her art as a means to convey thoughts and emotions that defy easy verbal expression.

As a passionate lover of poetry, Eden's creative work is often inspired by her favorite poems. She takes the words of these poems and transforms them into vivid visual images, translating them into her illustrations. Her pieces have a remarkable ability to spark conversations and invite various interpretations and ideas. Eden's art is strongly influenced by different artistic movements, including Art Deco and Surrealism, which infuse her work with a sense of nostalgia. Her creations resonate with a wide range of individuals, inviting them to explore the boundaries of their imagination and engage with the rich tapestry of her artistic vision.

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. What is your artistic background, and how did you start experimenting with images?

I'm Eden Gutstein, and I'm an illustrator and artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. My journey as an artist began when I was just five years old. It was around that age when I first picked up a crayon and figured out how to use it. Growing up in the early 2000s, we didn't have the advanced technology that's so prevalent today. Looking back, I believe that the lack of technology gave me more time to explore various hobbies and discover how I liked to spend my time. Drawing always came naturally to me, and it quickly became an intuitive part of my life.
Throughout my childhood, most of my free time was devoted to drawing, painting, and writing. These creative outlets allowed me to express myself and communicate my thoughts and feelings. Additionally, I have a background in performing arts. I began studying theater at a very young age and have had the opportunity to perform in numerous plays and performances over the years. I graduated from SCAD, also known as The Savannah College of Art and Design, with a Bachelor's Degree in Illustration and a minor in Acting. Interestingly, when I first started my studies at SCAD, my primary focus was on theater. However, as I began taking mandatory foundation classes in drawing, I quickly realized that I had a stronger passion for illustration. This realization led me to switch my major from acting to illustration. During my time studying illustration, I gained a deep understanding of art history, explored different periods of illustration, learned to work with traditional media, and eventually acquired the skills to create digital art. This journey has been a transformative and fulfilling one, and I'm excited to continue growing as an artist.

Why are you an artist, and when did you first become one?

When someone asks why I do what I do, I often find that it's not so much about me choosing the profession as it is the profession choosing me. Art has always felt like a natural and intuitive part of who I am, more so than other pursuits. This gravitational pull toward art began at a very young age, and I quickly realized that I had a talent for it. We tend to pursue something in life when we have the confidence that we can excel in it.
Throughout my elementary school years, art classes were consistently my favorite, and I excelled in them. In contrast, I found other subjects and topics to be a bit more challenging. Perhaps it's because I couldn't quite connect with or develop a strong interest in those areas. As individuals, we are all wired differently and naturally drawn to different things.

How would you define yourself as an artist today?

Today, I would describe myself as an ever-evolving artist. When I look back, I can see how my artistic style has transformed and grown along with me as a person. It's fascinating to trace the timeline of how my art reflects the person I was in a specific moment when I created an image and how much I've evolved over time.
Defining myself as an artist in words can be challenging. However, I can say that one aspect that defines me as an artist is my work as a tattooer, which is a very distinct medium for art. As an illustrator, I enjoy creating artwork that carries a thought or concept within it yet remains open to interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with their own perspectives.

Can you tell us about the process of creating your work? How do you go from the first idea to the final outcome?

The process of creating my artwork always begins with a spark of inspiration. I can never force myself to create a piece; it must flow authentically from within. One consistent source of inspiration for me is poetry. When I encounter a poem that deeply resonates with me, it triggers a cascade of visual images in my mind, allowing me to transform the poem's words into images on paper. I strive to infuse my art with poetic elements, capturing the essence of the written word in visual form.
Another wellspring of inspiration comes from the social topics that permeate our everyday lives. I find it gratifying to translate these societal themes into visual narratives. Once I've selected an idea to explore, I begin by sketching rough drafts to conceptualize how I want the piece to be structured. After reviewing these sketches, I choose my favorite and proceed to develop it into a complete artwork.
The subsequent steps may vary depending on the medium I'm using, whether it's traditional (like watercolor) or digital (such as Photoshop or Procreate). With digital media, once I've finished rendering the composition, I delve into experimenting with different color palettes. Different colors evoke distinct moods and emotions, so selecting the right palette becomes pivotal in conveying the intended sentiments within the image. Once I'm satisfied with the color scheme, I often add texture to add depth and dimension, finalizing the piece.

What themes do you pursue with your work?

The themes I explore in my artwork often depend on the specific project I'm working on at the time. For instance, in September 2023, when I was designing illustrations for the "Justice" exhibition at the Science Gallery Atlanta, all my illustrations were centered around the concept of justice, reflecting the theme of the exhibition.
In my personal work, I draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including surrealism, art deco, and retro elements from the 70s. There's a noticeable nostalgic thread running through my art, which adds a unique and evocative dimension to my creations.

You predominantly work with illustration. What's the essential element in your art?

In my opinion, one of the essential elements in my work is the use of texture and carefully selected color palettes. For me, a piece doesn't feel complete until I've incorporated texture, which adds depth and tactile quality to the artwork. Texture plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall visual and emotional impact of the piece. Additionally, the choice of color palettes is crucial as it sets the mood and tone, helping me convey the intended emotions and messages within the artwork.

You have a peculiar style and often use bold colors. How did you come up with your style? 

My artistic style has gradually evolved into what it is today. I've always had a penchant for using bold and eye-catching colors, which is reflected in my preference for a relatively minimal color palette. When I first started exploring colors in my illustrations, Piet Mondrian was a significant source of inspiration for me. Additionally, I've always had a deep appreciation for the visual aesthetics and color schemes of the 60s and 70s, and I've consciously incorporated these elements into my work.
In terms of the style of illustration itself, I began by creating a mood board to identify the kinds of illustrations that resonated with me. I believe it's essential to understand the art that you're naturally drawn to and then put your unique spin on it. Through this process, I discovered that many of the pieces I admire tend to lean towards a more abstract editorial style that strikes a balance between simplicity and storytelling, which has become a hallmark of my own work.

Do you also work with NFTs? And if so, what do you think of the recent crash of the Crypto market? 

I do not work with NFTs.

On a broader level, what do you think about the art community? Do you feel you have found your place in there?

The art community is a dynamic and incredibly diverse space. It's a realm filled with various sub-communities, each catering to different kinds of artists. During my time studying at art school, I had the privilege of meeting numerous creative and exceptionally talented individuals who served as a great source of inspiration. These encounters fostered a safe environment for self-expression and acceptance, which I found invaluable.
In my view, maintaining a sense of community within the art world is essential. It not only opens doors to potential collaborations but also establishes connections with individuals who share similar talents and interests. From my personal experiences, I can attest that having friends involved in various creative industries—such as photography, graphic design, and illustration—has been incredibly rewarding. We constantly find ways to connect, learn from one another, and offer mutual support and assistance. This interconnectedness has enriched my artistic journey in countless ways.

Finally, any projects you are looking forward to for this year?

I am looking forward to the expansion of my own brand, "A Place in Eden." I'm excited about the prospect of creating a broader range of merchandise and art pieces, and I aim to produce them on a larger scale. Additionally, I'm considering the possibility of launching an online store to make these creations more accessible to a wider audience.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.