Tilteed

Artist Interview: Drakxxx

Curator’s Statement:

I’ve always loved the mix of creepy and beautiful in this piece… there’s just a perfect sadness that is almost comforting in the guiding embrace of death. It’s classic Drakxxx, and it’s only here for 72 hours, so don’t miss out!

It’s important to start with a bang, so tell us something exciting about yourself!

Ah, my existence in reality is usually pretty normal, and not really that exciting. I play too many video games, and watch too many films. The exciting stuff is endless in my own imagination however. Yes, very exciting, and sometimes, a little scary.

Your work often has a definite darker side. What is it about monsters that intrigues you, and what are some of your favorites?

I was always fascinated with horror, even at a young age. Creatively, all elements of the supernatural are most intriguing to me since they are always up for individual interpretation.

My favorite monsters are mostly the classics, Dracula, Frankenstein, and any and all of Lovecraft’s cosmic horrors.

What and who inspires your work most, and are there different inspirations when you produce more lighthearted work?

Through actual technique and composition, I have always found great inspiration from the works of Arthur Rackham and along with the strong horror influence, I also take much inspiration from classic folklore and fairy tales. Nowadays, I am influenced mostly by mediums that aren’t the form of art I create, and I always enjoy interpreting a concept or idea with my own artwork, outside of the inspiration’s medium.

For more lighthearted ideas, I usually think of what I would like to do for a children’s book illustration, and I take it from there.

Do you do art professionally as well, or have other artistic hobbies besides shirts?

I don’t do art professionally. Though I have down a good number of things artistically for compensation, drawing and artwork has really been an on going hobby for me since I was really little. I enjoy creative graphic arts, and I experiment with music composition every now and then.

In the context of this image, what song would you imagine the pianist to be playing, and why?

He’s most definitely playing “Pathetique Sonata” by Beethoven. Schroeder plays this piece in “A Boy Named Charlie Brown”, which was my first time hearing it. Since then it has been reigning champ of the saddest melody I’ve ever laid ears on.

Links and projects: do you have any you’d like to share?

Please follow my work on my Deviant Art page:
http://drakxxx.deviantart.com/

And also, my art blog:
http://drakxxxart.blogspot.com/

Any final thoughts you’d like to share?

I’d like to thank all the people in my life who constantly keep me motivated with artwork in general, and to those who have supported my madness within the world of t-shirt design so far. I appreciate it endlessly.