MARCH / 2021 19over time, as my tastes and inspirations have changed.
What inspired your “Book of Bare Bones” series? I
originally started the series in 2013 for a local art show.
The first skeletons I did were the two main characters
from “Adventure Time.” It was very popular, so I kept on
doing them. Then, when I hit 50, I released “The Book
of Bare Bones,” and that's where the name for the
series came from.
Who are some of your favorite characters to paint and
why? Any of the older, weirder ones—like Ren and
Stimpy or Rat Fink. I guess they speak to me more and
are closer to my generation.
What’s your favorite design that you’ve created for a
band or company? I did an album cover for This Is Hell
many years ago for their album “Black Mass.” It was
the Statue of Liberty wrapped in snakes with loads of
fun little details. That was cool and my first big record
design that went on vinyl. I miss doing stuff for bands,
but I don't miss what a pain in the ass most of them
are.
If you animated an episode of “The Simpsons” in your
style, what would it be about? It would probably be
about death or something else suitably dark. It would
probably end up being a cross between “The League
of Gentlemen” and “Ren & Stimpy.”
What are your favorite bones in the human body to
illustrate and why? I’m a big fan of illustrating hands,
ribs and skulls. Spines can fuck off, because they’re a
pain in the ass.
Many of your pieces allude to Keith Haring. What about
his style inspires you? I think he was the first artist I
encountered who could make huge statements with the
simplest of drawings. His bold lines and use of body
language could speak a thousand words. I went to his
“The Political Line” show in Paris and it blew me away.
What art mediums work best for your style?
Spray paint and acrylic markers. I love getting that
contrast of wild uncontrolled splatter and then perfect
lines over the top. Chaos and order in balance!
When you’re not creating art, what are you doing?
Looking after my son, spending time with my
girlfriend, reading books, drinking beer, learning how
to handstand, walking in the woods and laughing at
humans.
How has the pandemic impacted your creativity and
productivity? It's been fine, if I'm being honest. I think
most artists are trained in the art of isolation and prefer
it. I've never had an issue with productivity or creative
blocks (touches wood).
What’s up next? World domination! Hopefully, I’ll get to
pick back up everything that Corona cancelled. I was
meant to have several shows worldwide this year that
fell through with travel bans. I want to make it over to
Asia, Australia, Canada and the USA. Also, I hope to
reschedule my show “Dead Nostalgic,” which was due
to open the week after lockdown was announced in
London.