Who?

The name ANTIMONI goes way back. Bored in science class, we decided to find our names on the periodic table, either initials or just something that sounded similar. Well, Suzinium Brattinogen wasn’t on there, but Sb was. Enter antimony, the relatively unremarkable and toxic semi-metal that barely conducts electricity. Don’t let its odd scientific credentials fool you though, it has a long and interesting history of cosmetic use, medicinal remedies and slow acting poisons. The Ancient Egyptian’s used it as a mascara and associated it with the Eye of Horus, the Alchemists used it abundantly as the grey wolf and it has even been suggested that it may have contributed to Mozart’s death. 

Not only did I like the word and its relation to my name, a great mask to hide behind when you want creative freedom (inspired by pioneering graffiti writers and street artists), but the history and chemistry of the substance intrigued me. I love the occult and semiotics so the symbolism of antimony within alchemy was fascinating. 

So, could I be the grey wolf of art? Not quite, but the name remained part of my personal allegory, the signs and symbols that represent who I am and the work I make. The wolf became a badger, an animal more linked to the sleepy countryside in which I grew up, and eventually I decided that I no longer needed to hide behind a name to be creative. Now I exist in both states, Suzi throws paint around and spends time labouring on a canvas while ANTIMONI doodles on her iPad and creates colourful designs and illustrations. It’s not a bad way to live, though it can get a little confusing sometimes. That’s just life I guess. 

The Bizarre Badger Sett

Digital Illustration, 2020