An Artist Taps into Otherworldly Cosmos and Witchy Motifs for Creative Inspiration
## Katherine Butts' Journey to Creating "Cosmic Witches"
Katherine Butts, an April 2020 graduate from our institution's Illustration program, has been making waves in the world of graphic novels with her captivating creation, "Cosmic Witches." This vibrant story, brimming with magical realism, explores themes of community, identity, and cosmic wonder.
Set in a richly imagined universe, "Cosmic Witches" follows a group of witches who draw their power from celestial bodies and cosmic forces. Their magic is deeply connected to the universe’s rhythms, stars, and astrological signs. Despite its fantastical elements, the setting incorporates recognizable aspects of modern life, offering a grounded contrast to the cosmic elements.
The witches form a close-knit community, often depicted as diverse and inclusive. Their interactions emphasize cooperation, mutual support, and the celebration of various identities and expressions of spirituality. The world also reflects themes of self-empowerment, intersectionality, and the blending of ancient wisdom with modern existence.
The narrative of "Cosmic Witches" revolves around the characters accidentally crashing on Earth from their home planet Azon. As they navigate their new environment, they encounter many challenges, make unexpected friendships, and discover more life in their cosmic realms than they initially thought.
Katherine Butts crafts a narrative that intertwines elements of astrology, spirituality, and witchcraft with contemporary issues, focusing on empowerment, self-discovery, and connection. Her work is heavily influenced by her upbringing in the Bronx, New York, and her personal experiences.
In her studio, located in her home and shared with her husband, Katherine combines traditional and digital media in her illustration process, preferring digital media but recently exploring watercolors. Her studio is equipped with a printer, a Cricut, and a collection of art supplies.
For those interested in learning more about the Illustration program that Katherine attended, information can be found on the Illustration Degree program page. Katherine has showcased her work at various conventions, including Steel City Con in Pittsburgh, PA and Wizard World Con in Cleveland, OH. Future conventions she had planned to attend were rescheduled due to the quarantine and are expected to be moved to 2021.
Katherine's work and online store can be found on her official website [www.nystiquearts.com](http://www.nystiquearts.com), and she can be followed on Instagram at [instagram.com/nystiquearts](http://instagram.com/nystiquearts).
Currently, Katherine is planning to create a short-story webcomic series and submit a series of paintings to a gallery. She also considers "Cosmic Witches" to be more of a graphic novel and aims to turn it into a series. The wall behind her working space is filled with prints and stickers from other artists, serving as a constant source of inspiration.
A student, Katherine Butts, showcases her lifestyle by merging her work in 'Cosmic Witches', a graphic novel, with fashion-and-beauty,home-and-garden, and education-and-self-development, through her vibrant imagery and empowering narratives. Her personal space, a shared studio at home, serves as a platform for her to blend traditional and digital media, thus expanding her knowledge and skills in these diverse fields.
