Talon’s Attack

Talon is a renowned professional artist with over 20 years of painting, drawing, writing and crafting, especially concentrating within the Wiccan / Pagan mythology and philosophy.Aside from being known, nationally and internationally, for her famed greeting cards, she currently has a line of t-shirts and does commissioned work as well. We had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with her which you can read below.

You’re a very well known artist, your art is somewhat controversial, unique and definitely ‘occult’ if I may say so, from where do you take your inspiration?

It’s very influenced by my long-time interests in ancient mythology, especially Egyptian, Greco/Roman and Celtic.  I’ve been a practicing Wiccan (Nature-based spiritual path) for many years, so this has a great impact on my personal creativity.

We know you are a painter, what other sort of art are you practicing?

I’ve been doing a lot of photography over the last few years, both 35mm film and digital.  I love to travel and shoot images of different locals, especially old architecture, sculpure and the environment.  I also do a lot of pen & ink and watercolor illustrations for magazines and crafter companies.

What motivates someone to grow such long nails?

HHHHMMM, I don’t know! LOL  I never planned on growing them…I just started to when I was about 15 and never stopped…I just like the way they look.

Do you think long nails are more fashionable or functional?

LOL.  Definitely not more functional, although I don’t really have any problems doing the things I need and want to do…for me they’ve become kind of my calling card, especially in the art, Wiccan and Goth scenes.

Do they hinder you from doing basic tasks?

Nope, not really…I just have gotten used to doing things certain ways over the years.

How long have you been growing to this length?

It’s been over 20 years since I started and they’ve been at about 14 inches for the last few years.

Are you planning to grow them longer?

If they want to grow, I’ll let them!  I’ve only trimmed them a small amount 2x’s when they started to curl too much.

What’s people’s reaction when they notice your long nails? I’ve gotten just about every reaction from repulsion to people thinking they’re the coolest things they’ve ever seen, but I’m growing them because I like them and not for anyone else…although I do greatly appreciate when people ‘get it’!  I’ve met a lot of great people because of my nails!  And gotten art sales, too! 

Have you ever had a nail break? If yes how did you repair it? Oh yes!  I should be the Crazy Glue spokes-model! Crazy Glue…if you’re reading this, contact me!

Can you give us a few tips for healthy long nails?

I really don’t do anything special..I HATE milk and I don’t believe any of that nail strengthening stuff works, but hey, give it a shot, ya never know!  The main thing is patience!

Do you think long nails are back in fashion?

I don’t think they ever really went out, but my nails are an extreme…I don’t think growing them to this length could ever be a trend since it’s not something many people could do…or would want to!

What kind of “fan” input have you received about your long nails?

I better be careful here, LOL.  Most of the people that have contacted me have been great but there’ve been some creepy folks as well….I realize it’s a fetish for many people but that’s not why I’m growing them….to me they’re my living sculptures.  As I said though, I have met a lot of cool people because of the nails.

How do other women react in the sign of your nails?

Same as guys…from repulsed to amazed…just depends on the person themselves and they’re tastes…many ‘alternative’ people really like them, and that’s basically my ‘scene’ so compliments from other creative people mean a lot to me!

You can see Talon’s wonderful art at www.TalonHandCraftedCurios.com and you can drop her a line in her MySpace profile.

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