The following is an interview with Olivia Sullivan regarding the upcoming release of her debut graphic novel, Oracles, with Avery Hill Publishing. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Sullivan about her creative process in bringing this meditative story to life on the page, the themes that she hopes may resonate with readers, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of Oracles! What can you share with us about the premise of this meditative story?
Olivia Sullivan: Thank you very much! Oracles a journey through grief and loss; it is explored through different ecosystems and spiritual teachings. The narrator is at odds with themselves and their life situation and leaves everything behind to search for new meaning and purpose. Loss can hollow out our sense of self and belonging – how can we remain at peace when life is guaranteed to cause suffering? Is pure detachment the answer or loving awareness?
BD: In balancing the writing and illustrative duties of the project, how would you describe your creative process in bringing this story to life on the page?
OS: My creative process usually stems from what I have in my journals and sketchbooks, recurring themes start to become clear and from there I can see potential for a narrative plot or journey. My writing and scripts are the foundation and from there I thumbnail images that are inspired by my surroundings, sketchbooks, and notes.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums and genres. How do you feel that this story might connect with and impact readers (especially in these challenging times), and what, if any, conversations do you hope that it might inspire?
OS: Oracles is a story that is based on my own personal feelings about grief. Past grief, present grief, and future grief – through family, friends, or failed relationships. I feel that an honest discussion about these vulnerabilities can help people feel less alone, and that it is normal to be fearful, impulsive, and irrational in response to traumatic events. We should be allowed to be human in this current society that seems to want to be remove all traces of vulnerability. Oracles is a place I hope people find solace and access to some spiritual and philosophical insight inspired by teachers that have helped me such as the Buddha, Ram Dass, and Krishnamurti.
BD: What makes Avery Hill the perfect publishing partner for Oracles?
OS: Avery Hill has been the publisher I have wanted to work with since I started comics and was in art school in my late teens/ early twenties – so it is a dream come true for me. They discover artists who push boundaries of what comics and graphic novels can be. I am inspired by a lot of their books and without them we wouldn’t have as much access to unique and powerful stories.
BD: For readers who may be feeling the need to unplug, what is your advice for the best way to start on their restorative journey?
OS: Everyone has their own approach in how to unplug. For me, I try and make sure I do something for myself that isn’t for any validation from others – such as simply going for a walk with my dog or drawing or writing something that I won’t put on social media. I listen to talks from spiritual teachers and philosophers that I resonate with – but also artists and musicians that I am inspired by like David Lynch or Fiona Apple.
I aim to do some physical activities I enjoy such as martial arts, rock climbing, and hiking as this helps my mental space the most. I try to find like-minded people through travelling or just at local events, that way life becomes fuller. I also think risks and doing things you were scared to try are important – even if it all goes bad, you learn that lesson eventually and it shapes you better for future situations.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell readers who want to learn more about Oracles?
OS: If you would like to learn more about Oracles, you can get a copy from Avery Hill Publishing and most major bookstores online. You can also follow my Instagram (@zeb.ko) for all updates on events for Oracles such as signings and talks, and my website: oliviasullivanillustration.co.uk.
