Suvudu Universe

Today’s spotlight is on lorna-ka!

Known for her exquisite fan art, lorna-ka (a.k.a. Ksenia) loves a variety of fandoms, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Hobbit, and Star Wars Rebels. She’s captured the hearts of Kanera (Kanan/Hera) fans everywhere and recently added some of her Rebels fan art to her Society6 page. (I can’t wait to get my Ezra “Blueberry” Bridger t-shirt.) Without a doubt, lorna-ka is one of the most talented and coolest artists around, and I look forward to seeing more of her creations down the line.

You can find more of her artwork on Tumblr and DeviantArt.

Tell us about yourself.
Hi! I’m from Moscow, Russia, and I’m a linguistics student (currently in my final year of university). Although, I hope to build a career as an artist someday. Art has always been a huge part of my life and I enjoy drawing fan art to express my love for the things that touched or influenced me in some way.

When and how did you become a Star Wars fan?
The first Star Wars movie I ever saw was The Phantom Menace. It had just come out and I watched it with my parents when I was about 7. I liked it, and even though I didn’t fully understand it, I remember being interested in little Anakin’s story. Then, when I got a bit older, I stumbled upon a DVD set of the original trilogy. I watched all three movies in one night because I was so mesmerized by the universe, the story, the characters. I’ve been a casual fan ever since. I really loved The Clone Wars series, but only after watching Star Wars Rebels, I felt compelled to draw fan art and participate in the fandom. This show reminded me how much I loved that universe as a kid.

What tools do you use to create your art?
I use a Wacom Intuos Pro tablet and Photoshop CS5 for digital drawings, and I usually use watercolor and copic markers for traditional pieces.

What is your favorite Star Wars piece that you have created and why are you fond of it?

That’s a difficult choice, but I think it’s the picture of Kanan and Ezra hugging that was drawn right after watching the “Empire Day” episode. I wasn’t happy with how the piece turned out at first, but after I looked at it again with fresh eyes, I realized that the main purpose of that picture–to showcase the feelings of the characters and to express my own emotions after watching the episode–had been fulfilled. I think it’s one of the most emotional pieces I’ve done. I’m also quite fond of the picture of Kanan and Hera snuggling in Kanan’s quarters. ;)

What’s the best and most difficult thing about being an artist?
The best thing about it, for me, is that it gives me a way to express and also to explore myself. Drawing is such a big part of me; it becomes a way of communication. You can connect to other people, create emotions and thoughts in them, and that’s a wonderful gift. And I hope to give life to my own characters and worlds and to tell my own stories someday. It must be a truly incredible experience.

The difficult part of being an artist is that it can become quite overwhelming sometimes, when you, as an artist, see the potential that you can create almost anything, but feel like you’ll never be good enough to live up to this potential. I’ve known people who almost gave up drawing because of such reasons. In this situation, it’s important to remember that if creating art makes you happy, it’s already worth it, and everything you create is unique. Everyone has the potential to be great as long as you don’t give up.

Star Wars Rebels is ended its first season. What are your thoughts? How do you think the series will progress?
Oh, I love this show so much. As I’ve said, I loved The Clone Wars series too, but it’s easier for me to invest in Rebels characters because we don’t really know what awaits them and what their fate will be, you know? The story is easier to follow too. The writing, the acting, the animation–every aspect of this show is executed perfectly, and we can already see that this story holds a very important place in the Star Wars saga. The first season ended on an epic note and now I can’t wait for season two. I don’t doubt for a second that it’ll be amazing.

Are you looking forward to the future Star Wars films? After watching the teaser trailer for The Force Awakens, what are your hopes or worries?
I’m very excited for the new movie! I really want to like it and will keep a completely open mind until I can watch the movie myself. Most people will love it, some will be disappointed, but I have faith that it’ll be an amazing experience no matter what.

Any final thoughts?
Star Wars was one of the things that shaped my imagination when I was a child and it continues to inspire me today. The Star Wars universe is a part of me now and I’m very excited about new things from this wonderful franchise that await us, with so many talented people putting their hearts and passion in it.

Thank you so much, Ksenia, for taking the time to answer our questions about your art! You have a fantastic technique and expertise when it comes to expressing your favorite fandoms creatively. Best of luck pursuing your passion in art, and may the Force be with you!