HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING ART?

My first works were created in 1976, when I was three. Been doing it ever since.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN ARTIST?

If memory serves, my earliest inspiration to draw was sparked by my parent’s record collection, and cartoons. My folks really exposed me to some amazing music at a young age, as well as my oldest sister that indirectly   introduced me to punk in the late 70’s, early 80’s.

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS?

I have many. Rick Griffin, Norman Rockwell, J.C. Leyendecker, John Fogerty, Jim Phillips, Preston Blair, Ub Iwerks, Keith Moon, R.Crumb, Stanley kubrick,  and Gil Elvgren to name a few.

I NOTICED THAT THE TYPE OF ART YOU CREATE WHEN USING PEN AND INK DIFFERS FROM YOUR OTHER WORK, IS THIS AN ADJUSTMENT TO THE MATIRIALS OR DO YOU CREATE FROM A DIFFERENT MINDSET WHEN USING INK?

I love working with Pen and ink. In fact, I only worked in that medium for many years prior to working with acrylics. I think the approach is definitely different, because you have to think of things in a different sense so to speak. for example, with acrylics, the lighting and highlights come last, but with pen and ink you consider the lighting early on, due to the fact it is more like negative space. The content isn’t that much different, unless it is just a very graphically driven piece.

YOUR ILLUSTRATION WORK WOULD BE GREAT IN PRINT, HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF CREATING ANY COMIC BOOKS?

Some years ago, a good friend of mine inquired about potentially doing a graphic novel. We started work on it, but I was not quite focused at the time.  I’ve never been into comics. Although I would love to do a book or comic cover.

IN REGARDS TO GRAFFITI, WHICH AREA HAVE YOU BEEN MOST PROUD TO GET UP ON?

I enjoyed painting at the Belmont Tunnel, and the Motor Yard more than anywhere else in the world straight up.  Mainly because those were formative years in my life, and I met some of the best people there.

OF ALL THE MEDIUMS YOU CREATE IN, WHICH DO YOU FEEL BEST REPRESENTS OR EVOKES YOUR TALENTS?

I enjoy all mediums, primarily because I learn something new each time I use one.

IF YOU COULD RE-DESIGN THE COVER OF ANY BOOK, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

The Holy Bible.

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE BRAND OF SNEAKERS/SHOES?

Vans Old School High tops.

WHATS IS YOUR HIGHEST GOAL OR ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE AS AN ARTIST. IF THE SKY WERE THE LIMIT?

The sky IS the limit. I just want to be comfortable. Not fame or fortune, just comfortable. For example, if I wanted to purchase a new Bentley, I would have that option.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PAID JOB, AND WHY?

I would have to say the t-shirt graphic I did in 1994 for ACDC, for three reasons. One, I drew their logo on every pee-chee folder I had from 1980- 84. secondly, because it was the first time I felt I made some decent money for my work. And third, because of how I got the gig. There were about 8 other artists that were asked to submit pencil sketches in 2 days. I stayed up those 2 days doing a full color painting. They picked mine immediately. The gig was presented to me by my friend Ash (Owner of Conart). Thanks man!

I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO INTERVIEW SAINTY AND DAVE FROM BRISTOL, DID YOU ACTUALLY GET TO WORK WITH THOSE LADS IN PERSON FOR THE ACURA COMMERCIAL?

Yes. They were fun to work with. Actually,  I think they’re from Leeds. The commercials and ads for “Leeds” matresses, drove them nuts! “I won’t be beat!”, and some Stella Artois, made for some laughter and good times!

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SUPER HERO?

My favorite super hero is Thor. He’s a viking. need I say more?

WHAT MUSIC DO YOU PREFER WHEN YOU ARE WORKING?

I listen to everything from Django Reinhardt, Public Enemy, Black Flag, Blues, classic rock, Motorhead, psychadelic 70’s rock from England, to classical, even Britney Spears and tons more. I do listen to certain types of music when doing certain things.

ANY UPCOMING GALLERIES OR PROJECTS YOU WOULD CARE TO LET PEOPLE BE AWARE OF?

Sure. I just inked a deal to produce my own toys, and a small line of t-shirts, both of which will be available by fall, or earlier. I am also working with an MMA company called Sanctioned Violence. I train and I am a big enthusiast of the sport so it’s awesome to be a part of that. I’m re-vamping the whole line. It’s a lot of work, but they are good folks. Other than that, just tons of graphics, and planning a two-man, and solo show for the end of 2009, and early 2010. I will be running in the AIDS Marathon on march 21,2010, so I am training for that as well. Working on my band too. We will be playing a lot this summer. Look out for “The Pain”. Myspace.com/thepainhc

to view some of  my work visit www.stylepig.com

Cheers and thanks to Guerilla One!