Quill
& Ink E-zine Interview by Walter Shuler
1.
What actually drives you to create your artwork? A need for creativity, and
self expression, or is it "just something you do"?
What
drives me to produce artwork is the joy I experience while creating it, I am
very happy while I'm drawing or painting. I look forward to doing it, I think
about it and talk about it all the time. Maybe I'm addicted (laughs). I think
that artists in general are very emotional people. We tend to express our emotions
in our work. Instead of crying for example, we might paint a sad scene. Or if
we're mad, we'll draw a battle scene. My work reflects my mood.
2.
Much of your artwork has somewhat dark overtones. Why is this?
It
must be the artist within. I am not a dark or twisted artist (evil grin), but
I like going to extremes with my artwork. I like using contrasting values and
colors. I always want to get a reaction from the viewer. Either scary, happy,
sad, creepy, inspiring,etc. Mood is the first and foremost feeling I like to
establish in my work. You have to remember that you only notice the light when
it is surrounded by darkness.
3.
What do you use as inspiration for your works? They run the gammut from historical,
to horror, to fantastic, where do the ideas come from?
They
come from the recycling machine in my head, otherwise known as my "imagination"
(laughs). I am inspired from other artists, musicians and writers. I am influenced
by the high contrast "chiaroscuro" and "tenebroso" techniques of the Old Masters.
I am an admirer of Caravaggio, Velazquez, Bouguereau and I attempt to emulate
their style into my work. Instead of painting a character in the comic book
style for example, which I've done in the past, I prefer to paint it in a richer
and darker style used by the masters.
4.
Your tutorials section is quite well realized. Have you had many responses from
it? Do you truly enjoy helping other artists broaden their technique and style?
Yes, the
tutorials section is quite popular. Many people have asked for more fun and
informal tutorials in the same genre. My goal is to show the behind the scenes
steps on how I got there. I make sure that it is clear and to the point by
including many in-progress shots and concise text. I don't take myself seriously
when I'm writing. The point is to see that art is a fun thing to do!
I am
very disappointed by some artists in our field that feel like they need to
hide their "tips or tricks". I want to abolish such petty, childish thinking
and expose art techniques to everyone out there who wants to learn. The most
rewarding part is to get emails telling me how much it is appreciated by everyone
out there.
5.
Do you currently have a project, and if so, can you tell?
Yes,
I am working on a fun little project. Due to a non-disclosure agreement, I can't
talk about it right now. But I'll make sure to mention it on my site once I
am finished.
6.
In your illustrations gallery, you mention that some are done for clients. Are
these private collectors, or is the artwork to be used in a project of theirs?
In the
Illustration section of my website, the first two historical paintings were
for a history book, the little girl was for a preteen book, some of the more
cartoony work was for magazine editorials. On the other hand, the portrait
of the young lady in acrylics was a comissioned painting for a private client.
As a
beginner in the illustration field, sometimes you have to do a certain type
of illustration, even if you don't like it, in order to survive. Eventually,
you can pick and choose the projects you want to work on.
7.
Now, here's a biggy. Can you actually make a living doing something that you
love?
Yes! For
me, it is the only way. First off, I live to create. Many years ago I was
asked by my father to join the family business, but since art was my true
calling, I refused his offer. When you do something you love, you consider
it a bonus when you get paid. You could be doing it all day long, without
getting paid, even without eating or drinking! The smart thing to do is to
somehow market your work so that you won't become a starving artist. Sometimes,
simply showing your work to others gets your name out there and that will
help you to get offers from art directors. I speak from experience. Remember
it's "showing"- not showing off!
8. Who, and what has most influenced your style?
I
can't really think of one person. I am trying to stay away from being too influenced
from modern day artists, from fear of being compared to someone else all the
time. Although I like Giger's work, Brom, Jae Lee and any artist that uses cool
textures. I try to constantly keep my work fresh and versatile because I like
working on different projects.
9.
Do you listen to music while you work? If so, why, and how does it help you?
Totally.
It is a great question because it plays a very big part in my work. Especially
when I'm creating the dark, moody work. My biggest musical influence is Nine
Inch Nails. It helps me get into the "artist within" as I mentioned earlier.
It is a state of mind where you seclude yourself from outside distractions,
forget about you who are, and simply let the creative force take over. You're
not supposed to "think" while you create, simply do it.
10.
And finally, what advice can you give other artists, who are still struggling
to find a niche?
The
same advice I give myself everyday. Draw and paint as much as you can, in order
to get all those bad drawings out of you. Don't get discouraged by other people's
negative comments. Take constructive criticism from others and correct your
mistakes because it is the fastest way to improve. Practise everyday and above
all, believe in yourself because you can do it. And don't forget to eat your
veggies (smiles).
