It's FanArt Wednesday again! This week’s chosen artist is Jen Manning from Stratford-upon-Avon, England. You can connect with Jen on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and her website.
Here's a little about Jen:
1. When did you become an X-Phile?
I first became an X-Phile as soon as the first season aired over here. I think I was 14 at the time. I was instantly hooked, mainly because of the relationship between Mulder and Scully, and how a unique and special friendship can develop by working so closely together. I imagine that when decisions are made regarding life or death that the power of friendship will pull you through. I have a close friend who volunteered to do my social media and through illness (and our rabbits!) we have developed a huge bond. One I imagine that in reality would be similar to Mulder and Scully if we were working in such a dangerous field after experiencing so much pain together that no one else could really feel.
2. What is the first episode you watched?
The first episode I watched was the pilot, which fascinated me and like millions of others I was instantly drawn to their intimacy and the strength they have together. I think I almost envied it at that time!
3. What was your favorite part of the revival?
With the revival I am a bit mixed. I would have liked Mulder and Scully to be back together and felt the tone had changed a little (which was inevitable to appreciate the changes that happened in our lives in 20 years. I was also very happy they brought back some familiar characters, especially Skinner. "Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-monster" was my favourite as I felt it more true to their original characters and had the dark comedy that everyone loved.
4. What inspired you to create X-Files fanart?
I love The X-Files and I am a part-time artist, but Sci-Fi is more my passion and The X-Files fit perfectly with the colours and dark backrgrounds. I try to make my paintings a mix of realism. It came out of nowhere really, I am revisiting all the old episodes currently and observing little things I hadn't noticed before.
5. Who is your favorite character?
My favourite character is Scully, the change in her is incredible and I particularly like the dichotomy between her conflicting views of Science and religion, which I think many people struggle with. I love that she kept her faith, stayed strong but also opened her mind to something bigger (and stranger). I also think Scully inspired many young people, such as myself to go into a scientific field, I know several ladies on my generation who have migrated into Science or research after being inspired by Scully's strong, fearless character and her need for 'undeniable proof', before she could accept something herself.
6. List your top 5 episodes.
My favourite episode by far was "Memento Mori", followed by "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose" (for the humour), "Emily", then "all things" and finally "Three words".
7. Favorite X-Files quote.
Favourite quotes, (I have two!) "I've always figured that dreams are answers to questions we haven't figured out how to ask yet". Favourite of all (from Scully) "Time passes in moments ... moments which, rushing past define the path of a life just as surely as they lead towards its end. How rarely do we stop to examine that path, to see the reasons why all things happen, to consider whether the path we take in life is our own making or simply one into which we drift with eyes closed?"
8. How has The X-Files impacted your life?
The X-Files impacted on me hugely. It brought me friends I would never otherwise have met. When I was in school and connected with no one, I happened to see a girl had written about The X-Files on her pencil tin. We were instantly friends and it helped us both through periods of depression. It also drove me into a psychology degree, where I learned so many things that are now loosely featured in my artwork. One piece with the cross is supposed to represent the confliction between religion and belief in the paranormal, and how people can open their minds to one, but not the other. I grew up with two scientist parents, so I always identified more with Scully. I was lucky enough to study paranormal psychology and it was extremely fascinating how people's beliefs differ and what they are based on. I believe The X-Files in general saved me from a period of dark depression, and now 20 years on nearly, it is driving me to create artwork based on what I know from religiously watching all the series.
Thanks, Jen! FanArt will be back in two weeks. See you next Wednesday with a new FanWorks!