Aurora Pringle
By Mandy McGee
Aurora Pringle is a mixed media artist & illustrator. She adores vintage issues of Sassy, girls-girls-girls, & projects of heart-wrenching proportions. I found her fun and whimsical art through musician (and her husband) Ben Pringle (The Rentals and Nerf Herder) and fell in love her brilliance right away. She has amazing style, not just in her art but in the way she dresses too. Aurora is talented and creative from head to toe. I am glad I got to interview her and pick her brain about how she creates her work and views art.
Mandy: What first got you into art?
Aurora: I was never not into art! I was always drawing. I can’t remember not having a pen or a marker in my hand.
Mandy: Have you always wanted to be an artist and how long have you been doing art?
Aurora: I always wanted to be an artist in some capacity; I just didn’t know how it would turn out. And it certainly wasn’t anything I gave serious thought to- until I decided to have some serious confidence in my work.
Mandy: How long have you been getting paid for art?
Aurora: My first paid job was in college. My roommate commissioned a portrait of her and her mother. It was black and white with an orange background, acrylic on canvas. Oh, how things change.
Mandy: What mediums do you use for your work
Aurora: I generally am a mixed media artist. That means I’ll use whatever I can to make my vision a reality. Lately I’ve been drawn to watercolor, ink, and gauche.
Mandy: What do you use for inspiration?
Aurora: I keep inspiration notebooks where I cut and paste ideas, magazines, and other pieces. I also use Tumblr and Pinterest like scrapbooks. I follow friends and other artists on Instagram. I read. A lot.
Mandy: How do you describe your art style?
Aurora: I don’t I’m trying to create a mindset, and my art is a key component. I’m a Girl Pop Visionary, and I think that aptly describes everything I’m about, everything I put out into the world.
Mandy: Do you compare your own work to the work of others?
Aurora: Yes and no. I’m always loving on other artists, and assessing what I adore about them. I know their influence makes it into my work. I have moments of hurtful comparison, of course, but I do consciously try to turn it around and ask what I need to learn from the comparison.
Mandy: When you are first trying to come up with an idea do you sketch it out or do you go straight into the work?
Aurora: It really depends. With clients or professional pieces, part of my process is to sketch. When I’m doing a morning drawing on my Instagram or Facebook, I typically won’t do a separate sketch.
Mandy: What else do you do for work?
Aurora: For me, being an artist isn’t just sitting down and drawing, although that’s a huge part of it. I seek opportunities to share my passion and vision online (blogging at www.auroralady.com, or other platforms on social media) and off (in person appearances and workshops).
Mandy: Any hidden talents?
Aurora: It’s hardly hidden but I do a fantastic karaoke medley. I won’t tell you the songs, because I want you to be surprised if we ever go out together!
Mandy: What is important in contemporary art today?
Aurora: Accessibility. Not just being able to get into museums and shows—but creating at the ground level. DIY is seriously important. Zines are important. Messages are important. Finding a way to express at any economic /social level is glaringly important.
Mandy: What is your favourite piece(s) you have done
Aurora: It changes all the time. Right now, it’s my Fang Gang triptych, which has spawned photoshoots, makeup, buttons, and a zine to be released for LA Zine Fest in 2014.
Mandy: You and Ben Pringle are so adorable together...I personally want to know how you met?
Aurora: I was working an office job at a music magazine in Fresno, Ca, and was invited by the company to see The Rentals when they toured through town. Ben was playing in the band at the time. The rest is a story meant for a rock and roll love song.
Mandy: If you could have a super power what would it be?
Aurora: Muscle Memory! We just finished watching season two of Heroes (the whole trajectory of the show is just so tragic), and I loved the woman with muscle memory. Definitely the most useful superpower!
Mandy: What advice have you been given?
Aurora: I seek out advice all of the time! Feedback and dreaming are brain food. I don’t really know where to start answering this question, but I always go back to “Always be making”.
Mandy: What advice can you give those who aspire to be artists?
Aurora: Don’t aspire. Just do. That’s how you become an artist.
Mandy: Do you have any art shows coming up?
Aurora: I’ll be at LA Zine Fest with my best friend and fellow zine maker, Kim Burly. That’s in February and I really hope you come because it is the epitome of all that is wonderful, inspiring, and active in LA. We are both making new zines for the event and have a few surprises up our glittered, colorful, sleeves.
Mandy: Where can people find out more about you?
Aurora: I’m all over the Internet, and I really love interacting. My website is filled to the brim with fun stuff and is constantly being updated. Hang there, and let’s definitely be friends on instagram (@auroralady)!