Monday Spotlight On: Mark Trussell of WrathofRa

A writer and editor currently living in Seoul, South Korea, Mark Trussell is originally from British Columbia, Canada.  Painting and drawing since he was a child, he became addicted to the creating Egyptain-themed art after seeing pictures of Egyptians in a baby Moses tale at church.  Married to a wonderful man, Mark and his partner have a Yorkie named Louis, and will be returning to Canada this year, to reside in Vancouver.

The artistic talent behind WrathofRa, Mark is another of those clever and snarky folks I met on the Regretsy forums.  I don't remember how I first stumbled onto his artwork, but I do know it immediately brought out the child in me, the little sixth-grader that was obsessed with Egyptology, who spent half that year trying to learn to write (and even speak) Ancient Egyptian fluently along with her best friend.  However, Mark's work also bring out the adult in me, as his artwork often contains a bit of tasteful nudity.  This interview is also very true to Mark: honest, bright and entertaining.  

Pharaoh's Court, Fine Print

Tell us three other things about yourself.
I have lived in Canada, US, India, Singapore, Italy, and South Korea.

My hobby is collecting action figures (Star Wars/Trek, LoTR, Batman)

I detest the words “moist” and “pudding.”

Your theme is Egyptian art, but what’s your medium and how did you get into it?
I paint and draw with acrylic, coloured markers and pencils. I use a lot of gold leaf as well, and paint mostly on wooden materials which have been discarded. Many ancient artifacts are simply things that people threw out or discarded. Now they are priceless art. I like the idea of making trash into art NOW rather than waiting thousands of years.

So many pharaohs, so little time. What’s your favorite thing you’ve made?
Many things, but right now I am quite partial to Monapatra.

Monapatra

The era of the civilization you love to paint has been gone for thousands of years.  From where do you take inspiration?

I have a collection of archaeology books on ancient Egypt. Also, I like the idea that some of my work almost looks like modern perfume advertisements…so I get ideas from promotional materials in magazines etc.

Name one piece of art you wish you’d created and why?
I usually make everything I want. I really want to learn more about sculpture though. I’d love to work with clay.

I like you're interpretation of that question.  Most people take it to mean other people's art. What are you doing when you’re not crafting?
Playing on Regretsy forums, walking my dog, working, writing, cooking, having sex, going to the bathroom, drinking cheap red wine, biting my fingernails, watching porn, talking on Skype to my mom, checking out Facebook, arguing with my husband, contemplating my purpose in the universe.

Nefertiti Print

All of those things could be great inspiration.  If you had to give up your medium and pursue another, what would it be and why?

Probably clay. I really would like to work more with 3-D art.

Tell us about a time you were making something that came out better than expected and how it happened.

I was doing a portrait of Queen Margherita and was using an old pizza box to mix my paint. Suddenly, I realised that pizza margherita was actually named after her. So, I painted her on the pizza box and it turned out great.

Who is one person living or dead, famous or not, who you wish owned one of your creations and why?

Meryl Streep. She’s fabulous. Who wouldn’t want her to own their creations?

How would you explain how to do what you do to an eight year old?

“I paint pretty pictures of Egyptian people from long ago onto wood. No, that’s not a penis/boob/bum. Okay, you really shouldn’t be looking at this.”

(Just as a side note, I'd like to say, I personally believe children should be exposed to nudity in art, so they can understand there is nothing wrong with the beauty of the human body or using that beauty in something you create. Anyway, back to the main program).  What’s your favorite part of the process?

Doing the details. I love putting in tiny jewels or details onto my work. Most people would find it tedious…but it’s my favourite part.

One random thing you think people should know.

Pharaoh Hatshepsut was one of the most powerful pharaohs in Egyptian history. She was also a woman…a rarity. But she actually dressed in drag and even wore a false beard.



Where can people find you if they want to learn more about your art?
Shop:  www.wrathofra.etsy.com
Blog: www.thebluebells.wordpress.com

Gods and Goddesses: Osiris, Fine Print

We've talked so much about historical figures, let's switch it up a bit. One last question: if you could be a character in fiction, who would you be?

I would be Lestat in Interview with a Vampire…because he’s sexy, powerful, and lives for a very long time.