Who Are You?

I am Vyktoriah Williams. I create art for a living. I paint, sew, knit, crochet, draw, mould, carve, burn – anything that I think will make the world slightly prettier, I do. This is my site. I am THE KRAFTYGURL!

Why do you spell Crafty Girl wrong?

One of my many eccentricities (flaws?) is that I like to be that little bit different. Even my name is not normal! There’s nothing in the world as boring to me as being the same as everyone else. I don’t dye my hair hot pink and wear leather hotpants around (I went through that phase in college, and let me tell you it wasn’t a pretty sight!), but I strive to let my personality shine through in what I wear, how I present myself and even – yes – the way I choose to spell my site name.

Besides – craftygirl.com is already taken.

Who are your artistic inspirations?

Oh – what a question! I take my inspiration from everywhere! Sure there are a few dozen artists I could name who make me crazed with jealousy at their talent. You can find links to some of my favourites in the Link section of this site.

But more than admiring another artist’s work, I find that I am most inspired by the natural beauties evident to my own eyes. I may not be any good at painting landscapes, for instance, but seeing a colourful sunset often will fill my mind with endless possibilities for new paintings. Seeing a bird’s nest resting on a tree branch conjures up images of fairies feeding young birds. A chipped tea-cup becomes a cute bath for a pixie. A mushroom is an umbrella, a dandelion makes a good fur cap, and a spiders web makes an excellent cat hammock!

Similarly, films can inspire. Tim Burton’s got a great sense of visual artistry which never failes to fill me with awe. Soundtracks get the creative juices flowing.

In short, inspiration is everywhere, and it’s up to you (or me) to capitalise on it at every opportunity… even if it only ever remains an idea in your mind.

You sound like one of those new-age hippies….

Well, yes. I suppose that’s a good way to describe me. I’m an Aquarian in the Age of Aquarius. I’m a pagan with pride. I care about what happens to the world, and I commune with Mama Nature whenever I can. Much of my art is inspired by my belief system. You can find a whole page of Pagan Art under the Galleries menu.

I like your style. Can I commission you?

Of course! A girl has got to eat! Or she’ll end up on the street! Hop on over to my commissions page and read through the information there. Then send me a request, and we’ll get going!

I don’t have any money. Will you do a painting for me for free?

Sorry, but no. Unfortunately art supplies (especially good quality ones that I use) are expensive. And my time is equally precious. If I started giving away the fruits of my labour, I’d be losing money, and then my children would starve… y’know…. if I had children…. But, erm, more importantly – I’D starve! That’s how the term “starving artist” came about.

Of course, you could always try your luck at one of my monthly prize draws. I will be holding contests every month and giving away various prints and other paraphernalia to the winners. So if you want something for free, sign up!

What paint brands do you use?

Good question. I use artist quality paints in the Winsor & Newton brand. I usually use pan colours, but I often mix with tubes. This is for watercolours. If I’m working in acrylics, I tend to go for Daler Rowney System 3 acrylics. Currently I don’t paint with any other medium.

Is your art licensed anywhere?

Not at present. I will update the FAQ if I ever decide to go that route.

I saw someone claiming your art as theirs on another site. What should I do?

Please contact me. As a full-time artist, I can not have my art being used without permission.

Can I use your art for a signature?

I allow my art to be used only under certain conditions. Firstly, you may only use the low-quality scans which appear on this site. Second, you MUST ask permission first. Third, a link to my site MUST accompany any usage. Finally, you can not profit from my art in any way.