INKLINGS

WHO WATCHES WHA?

2009-03-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

Go to my space to view the entire 6 page parody!

MERRY WHA?MAS

2008-12-15T21:22:00.001-08:00

Production delays...for ever and ever and ever!

2008-09-22T23:35:00.000-07:00

So the summer has come and gone but I did not want to announce the delay of THE FILLING with out giving you a taste!

Coming Soon

2008-04-14T23:20:00.000-07:00

Yay, me!

2008-02-25T22:58:00.000-08:00

I went a whole year without a new post. That'll learn ya!

Rise and shine!

2007-02-08T20:34:00.000-08:00

Get better soon, Alex!

Phoenix © & ™ Marvel Comics

Get "Blown Away" this Memorexmas!!!

2006-12-22T23:17:00.000-08:00

Brightest Day and Darkest Night

2006-12-13T20:13:00.000-08:00

John Styrk Jr. the last interview!

2006-11-28T13:27:00.000-08:00

A week ago this past Friday, writer Brett Pinson and artist John Styrk Jr. of Boomtown Press were involved in a dreadful car accident. Brett was left to recuperate in the hospital with a broken leg while John went off to that great big comicbook convention in the sky.

Author's note: this may night be the official last interview of John Styrk Jr. but I would like to think that he would certainly agree, that any lie worth telling is worth telling twice.

Bill Wilkison: Brett, I have found a common thread among artists in many disciplines that Dr. Seuss had a big influence on them growing up and that influence continues today. What influence has Dr. Seuss had on your life, work or art?

Brett Pinson: "In a box, or a red fox, Seuss is still the man, I like Sam I Am." Without Seuss, any warped sense of reality would have no clarity. He Simplified the madness that is life.

BW: Art is interpretive. What is this?

BP: A shoulder of the mighty Sasquatch.

BW: How do you know Josh Warner?

BP: I met Josh in 2005 at the Chicago Show put on by the Motor City Crew.

GET WELL SOON, BRETT!

Bill Wilkison: John, I have found a common thread among artists in many disciplines that Dr. Seuss had a big influence on them growing up and that influence continues today. What influence has Dr. Seuss had on your life, work or art?

John Styrk Jr.: "If I had a dime for everytime I used a rhyme my life would be sublime." Dr. Seuss opened up the imagination stored deep down. I could believe the gadgets and names he would come up with. Most importantly he made a career out of what most people consider to be "kid's stuff." Put that in your gobblety pipe and make bubbles, folks!

BW: Art is interpretive. What is this?

JSJr: This is the head of Fonzie from "Happy Days." The Fonz has just combed his hair and the AWESOME reflective sheen of the 10W40 has reflected back into the camera. Who needs Brylcream when you've got Penzoil?

BW: How mush for the t-shirts, fatboy?

JSJr: 10 bucks, beanpole.

REST IN PIECE, JOHN!

BONUS MATERIAL: A Tale of Two Things

I was completely captivated by John's drawing of The Thing. Round rocks! I remember thinking. There was just something about that piece that trancended the original creation. Hours later John gave me the picture. This was in Detroit this past May.

Not to be out done I got to work that night on a piece that John would surely appreciate. Turning a hotel table lamp on it's side I fashioned an impromptu lightboard. The next day I presented John with what picture you see him holding below. This is how I remember him.

©2006 B. Wilkison, of course!

Yeah, I know!

2006-11-08T19:10:00.000-08:00

So, before we even realized it was Halloween we thought it was Christmas!

Not to be out done, I've thrown my hat into the Christmas ring early with this pic of my buddy Joe as an elf.

I inked it with a brush and tried to get that Seuss vibe flowing. Looks like I got a little Muppet on his face. I owe so much to those artists, and every once in a while, especially in these quick sketches, it starts to show.

That's my two cents, now give me a dollar!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2006-10-31T09:54:00.000-08:00

Three Minutes with Ken Wheaton...

2006-10-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

Ken Wheaton is a man of mystery! Luckily over the past few years I have begun to unravel the mystery and learn a bit more about this artist, inker, collector, teacher and hack. I first met Ken when I started attending comic conventions as a guest myself. I was seated between Jon Hull, who is a pin-up artist, and Ken Wheaten, who was never at his table. And so the mystery began. Seriously, the guy was at his table maybe a half hour the entire day...maybe! (Truth be told, I have been know abandon my table during several shows as of late.) I came to realize that Ken wasn't being rude or anything, Ken is a great cartoonist, and while many artists have A.D.D., cartoonists have it a lot worse. If we can't say it in three panels, then forget it! Ken and I consider ourselves illustrators, so if anything goes beyond a single image, we're gone!

Bill Wilkison: Ken, I have found a common thread among artists in many disciplines that Dr. Seuss had a big influence on them growing up and that influence continues today. What influence has Dr. Seuss had on your life, work or art?

Ken Wheaton: Economy of line and fluidity (not as big an influence as Segar, Kelly or Wood.) I wish some of his creativity had rubbed off!

BW: Art is interpretive. What is this?

KW: "Pogo" close-up! EXTREME close-up! That, or it's Bill Wilkison's hairy butt. I wouldn't know.

BW: When you're not at your table--where do you go?!

KW: To get another cup of coffee, look for Popeye comics and cause mayhem.

©2006 B. Wilkison, of course!

Three Minutes with Stuart Sayger!

2006-10-03T22:17:00.000-07:00

Look, if you want to know anything about STUART SAYGER, you can ask him yourself, I'm sure he would be more than happy to talk about himself...at length. Actually, Stuart in one of the most confident artists in the business without being cocky. He is honest with his feedback and passionate about art and artists. Stuart is also one of the most intelligent guys out there. So don't think you can just go up to him and start to spar on his level. You're going to have to bring a lot more than your knowledge of Conan #81.

Aside from drawing the LEGO BIONICLE COMIC FOR DC and his own classic indie comic SHIVER IN THE DARK, Stuart spends a lot of time creating art for his legion of fans. Aside from being a colleague and a friend, I too am a fan...there, I said it! I also happen to own one of the many Joker drawings he's done over the years. Stuart and I also collaborated on a Batman piece at one of the infamous "art nights" hosted by our good friend Josh Johnson!

Bill Wilkison: Stuart, I have found a common thread among artists in many disciplines that Dr. Seuss had a big influence on them growing up and that influence continues today. What influence has Dr. Seuss had on your life, work or art?

Stuart Sayger: Not much. I did enjoy The Lorax though.

BW: Art is interpretive. What is this?

SS: Table saw blade with speed lines...this is Chronos' blade that chased The Atom. (Check your silverage!)

BW: Do you ever shiver in the dark?

SS: I'm a skinny guy...I shiver everywhere.

[Insert embarrassing photo here!]

If you would like to hear more about STUART in his own words go to putfile.com!

Hmmmmmm?
Next week: Who knows?

©2006 B. Wilkison, of course!

Three Minutes with CHRISTOPHER HERNDON...

2006-09-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

What can I say about CHRISTOPHER HERNDON that hasn't been said already. A lot probably since his name is only muttered in hushed and silent half tones after midnight when all the pretty people have gone to sleep. The passing of time for me is measured by CHRITOPHER'S mutton chops...or is that a full beard...I honestly can't say anymore. CHRIS is the co-creator on LIVING WITH ZOMBIES! If you have never heard of it and are thinking to yourself, "Oh, great, another zombie book." Rest assured, Chris and the rest of his crew are not a group of fly by night poseurs jumping on the zombie train. They are firmly set in the drivers seat and have been madly shoveling the coal stoking the fire that all other zombie comics are currently illuminated. There aren't any pictures that I can post to go along with this entry. Chris and his crew have set the bar pretty low for what is now exceptable on the convention floor. Poke around the internet...you'll soon realize that they just ain't right....and we absolutely adore them for their brazen approach! Because with that level of insanity comes a great brilliance. Their humility and professionalism, even through the chaos, is always a welcome diversion.

Bill Wilkison: Chris, I have found a common thread among artists in many disciplines that Dr. Seuss had a big influence on them growing up and that influence continues today. What influence has Dr. Seuss had on your life, work or art?

Christopher Herndon: The greatest Seussian that ever did seuss. His verbage was spiffy and his scribbles did spruce. Have you ever flooced a more flabtasticle goose?

BW: Art is interpretive. What is this?

CH: New Mnt. Hood photo of Bigfoot.

BW: What makes a good zombie?

CH: Any cute lil' guy that doesn't make a lot of ruckus and doesn't piddle on the rug.

Hmmmmmm?
Next week: Who knows?

©2006 B. Wilkison, of course!

TAKE NOTE (Do it for Dina!)

2006-09-15T21:58:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Jacque Nodell (who I interviewed on this "glob" a few weeks back) alerted me to this most urgent of situations. I urge all of my colleagues to take note and respond accordingly then pass it on.

from the desk of
JOE KUBERT

Sept. 12, 2006

Dear colleague:

I don't usually get involved in international controversies. But I am outraged by the refusal of the Polish government to return artwork belonging to a fellow-cartoonist and Auschwitz survivor, Mrs. Dina Babbitt. And I am writing to ask you to join me in protesting this injustice.

Deported to Auschwitz as a teenager, Mrs. Babbitt's life was spared by the infamous war criminal, Dr. Josef Mengele, after he saw a mural of Snow White that she had painted on the wall of the children's barracks to soothe the children in their final hours. He then compelled her to paint portraits of Gypsies upon whom he was performing his barbaric "experiments."

After the war, Mrs. Babbitt relocated to California, where she worked as an animator for Warner Brothers and Jay Ward Productions. Among other things, she illustrated such characters as Wile E. Coyote, Speedy Gonzalez, Cap'n Crunch, Daffy Duck, and Tweety Bird for many years.

Some years ago, unbeknownst to Mrs. Babbitt, eight of the paintings she did at Auschwitz resurfaced and were acquired by the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, a Polish government institution on the site of the former death camp. Mrs. Babbitt visited the museum and verified that they are hers (they are even signed "Dina 1944"), but the Poles refused to give them back, claiming they are legally the property of the museum.

Four years ago, when I wrote the book "Yossel," about a teenage cartoonist whose life was spared by the Nazis because they were amused by his drawings, I did not know that there had been a real-life case that bore similarities to my book. I was stunned to learn of Mrs. Babbitt, and even more stunned by the Polish government's position.

Together with officials of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies, an organization with which I have been active, I have prepared a petition to the Polish authorities. It is intended to be signed specifically by cartoonists, animators, and comic book artists and creators. Adam, Andy, and I are very much hoping that you will join us.

To have your name added to the petition, please send an email to the Wyman Institute's director, Dr. Rafael Medoff, at: rafaelmedoff@aol.com

With thanks in advance for your support,

Joe Kubert

--------------------------------

DRAFT

(date)

Mr. Piotr Cywinski, Director
Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum
Oswiecim, Poland
muzeum@auschwitz.org.pl

Dear Mr. Cywinski:

As cartoonists, animators, and comic book artists and creators, we are deeply troubled that the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum has refused to return the portraits that our colleague, Mrs. Dina Gottliebova Babbitt, painted in Auschwitz in 1944.

The fundamental principle that art belongs to the artist who created it is recognized everywhere except in totalitarian countries. One would hope that Poland, having been liberated from totalitarian rule, would not revert to the mentality that regards everything as the property of the state.

We agree that the display of Mrs. Babbitt's artwork is of great educational value, and we are pleased that the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum recognizes their importance. But that educational purpose could just as easily be achieved by displaying high-quality reproductions of the paintings, while returning the originals to their creator and rightful owner.

Mrs. Babbitt has suffered enough. We implore you to do the right thing and give her back her paintings.

Sincerely,

Joe Kubert
Adam Kubert
Andy Kubert

Stan Lee
Paul Levitz
Joe Quesada

Paul Abitabile
Charlie Adlard
Gerry Alanguilan
Jon Alderink
Óscar Camarero Alejandro
Scott Allie
Michael Allred
Bob Almond
Jim Amash
Sal Amendola
Brad Anderson
Renée Andriani
Vincent Andriani
Bill Angresano
Jesus Antonio
Brian Apthorp
Christophe Arleston
Scott Arnold
Terry Austin
Dick Ayers
Mark Bagley
David Baillie
Isabella Bannerman
David Baron
Donna Barr
Eduardo Barreto
Scott Beachler
Jeremy Bear
Gary Scott Beatty
John Beatty
Howard Beckerman
Kurt A. Belcher
Sandra Bell-Lundy
Carole Bender
Howard Bender
Jack Bender
Tony Bennett
Daniel Best
Franck Biancarelli
Jerry Bingham
Stephen R. Bissette
Patrick Blaine
Laraine Blauvelt
Sergio Bleda
Jon Bogdanove
Craig Boldman
Malcolm Bourne
Tom Boyko
Wil Branca
Ken Branch
Dan Brereton
Mark Brewer
June Brigman
William F. Brown
Chris Browne
Roger Philbrook Brunke
Frank Brunner
Stan Burdick
Kurt Busiek
Orlando Busino
Craig Butler
Buzz (Aldrin Aw)
Max Cabanes
Russell Calabrese
Mike Carlin
Sergio Cariello
Stefano Casini
John R. "Jack" Cassady
James Cassara
Michael Chabon
Cliff Chiang
Sean Clarke
Karl Cohen
Mort Cohen
Paul Chadwick
Kody Chamberlain
Keith Champagne
Thomas Chu
Matt Clark
Dan Collins
Daryll Collins
David Coulson
Jason Craig
Greg Cravens
Terry Cronin
Tony Cronstam
Dani Cruz
Doug Cushman
Farel Dalrymple
Rufus Dayglo
Nelson Faro DeCastro
Marc Deering
Gene Deitch
Jose Delbo
John Dell
J.M. DeMatteis
Jim Di Bartolo
Paul Di Filippo
John R. Dilworth
Jean Pierre Dionnet
Robert Donnelly
Colleen Doran
Roy Doty
Arnold Drake
Mike Dubisch
Michael T. Dugan
Jan Duursema
Tony Eastman
Josh Eiserike
Hy Eisman
Jan Eliot
Matthew Ellis
Steve Ellis
Judy Emerick
Luis Enciso
Rick Enright
Benita Epstein
Mads Eriksen
Gary Esposito
Andrew Farago
Mark Farmer
Tayo Fatunla
Jonathan D. Feldman
Al Feldstein
Sean Fernald
Retha Ferrell
Patrick Foster
Dana Fradon
Brian Fray
J. D. Frazer
Neil Gaiman
Sean Galloway
Isac de Menezes Galvao
Phroilan Gardner
Ron Garney
Drew Geraci
Donato Giancola
Anne Gibbons
Brad Gilchrist
Dick Giordano
Thomas F. Gibson
Michael T. Gilbert
Guy Gilchrist
John Gleneicki
Al Gordon
John Graham
Mick Gray
Harvey Green
Sanford Greene
Mike Grell
Peter Gross
Pia Guerra
Jackson Guice
Dave Gutierrez
Paul Gulacy
Brian Jon Haberlin
David Hagen
Bob Hall
Marcus Hamilton
Cully Hamner
Bo Hampton
Asaf Hanuka
Tomer Hanuka
Michael Harnisch
Joseph de Haro
Tony Harris
Sam Hart
Michael Hassett
Steve Haynie
Tom Heintjes
Donald P. Henderson
Bruce Higdon
Michael Higgins
Greg Hildebrandt
Ron Hill
Devon Hodges
Jon Hodgson
Brain Holguin
Matt Hollingsworth
Mark Irwin
Bill Janocha
James Jean
Håvard S. Johansen
Lynn Johnston
Richard Johnston
Jake Jones
Rob Jones
Steven Philip Jones
Jason Jourdan
Joe Jusko
Tim Kane
Ron Kanfi
Jeffrey Katrencik
Larry Katzman
Jeff Keane
Jim Keefe
Dan Kemp
Dave Kendall
Tom Kerr
Rick Ketcham
Lovern Kindzierski
Robert Knight
Stefan Kopiñski
Kari Korhonen
Aitor Kortazar
Ray Kosarin
Terry LaBan
Bill LaRocque
Lewis LaRosa
Batton Lash
Paul LeRoy
Mell Lazarus
KyongWon Lee
Steve Leialoha
Glen Le Lievre
John Paul Leon
Owen Leonard
Jonathan Lethem
Steve Lieber
Jose Luis Garcia Lopez
John Lotshaw
Frank Lovece
Nick Lowe
Jorge Lucas
Javier Lugo
Marc Lumer
John Lustig
Tom Luth
James E. Lyle
Kevin Mack
Dave Manak
Laura Martin
Pat Martin
Thomas Mason
MIke Mattesi
Thomas Mauer
Chris McDonnell
Patrick McDonnell
Garry McKee
Bob McLeod
Nick Meglin
Jack Mendelsohn
Ken Meyer Jr.
Arild Midthun
Tony Miello
Danny Miki
Zach Miller
Andrew Mitchell
Sheldon Mitchell
Jeremy D. Mohler
J. Ira Monroe
Michael H. Moore
Michael Moorcock
Romano Molenaar
Bill Morrison
Scott Morse
Dean Motter
Brian Moyer
Matt Murray
Jon J. Muth
Michael Netzer
Stephan Nilson
Graham Nolan
Chris Offutt
Jerry Ordway
Tsvika Oren
Tom Orzechowski
John Ostrander
Andy Owens
Mike Pascale
Jose Pardo
W. B. Park
Dan Parsons
Paco Rodriguez Peinado
Lincoln Peirce
Jamal Peppers
Don Perlin
Stephen Perry
Michael L. Peters
Scott Peterson
Rina Piccolo
Jack Pittman
Brian Postman
Joe Prado
Frank Quitely
Ron Randall
Masoud Raouf
Martin Redmond
Gail Renard
Adam Rex
Roy Richardson
Robin Riggs
Anna Rodriguez
Enrique Carlos Martín Rodríguez
Spain Rodriguez
John Romita
John Romita, Jr.
Alex Ross
Jeremy Ross
Robert Rowe
Alvaro Muñoz de la Rubia
Josef Rubinstein
Trina Robbins
Steve Rolston
Jason Roth
Robert Rowe
Greg Rucka
Ervin Rustemagic
Paul Ryan
Steven Sanchez
Nick Schley
Joe Schmidt
Diana Schutz
Gary Schwartz
Damion Scott
Bart Sears
Martha Seidner
Mario Sermoneta
Eric Shanower
Mike Shapiro
Marlin Shoop
Bill Sienkiewicz
Bruce Simon
Joe Simon
David Simons
Louise Simonson
Walter Simonson
Andrew Simpson
Tom Sito
Steve Smallwood
John Smallwood-Garcia
Andy Smith
Beau Smith
Cam Smith
J.D. Smith
Jeff Smith
Tom Smith
Ian Sokoliwski
Taki Soma
Aaron Sowd
Greg Spalenka
Art Spiegelman
J. David Spurlock
Rob Stolzer
Rick Stromoski
Dana Summers
Mark Szorady
Philip Tan
Lino Terlati
Greg Theakston
John Totleben
Jim Tournas
Tim Townsend
Albert H. Tudor, Jr.
Koi Turnbull
Colin Turner
Ron Turner
José María Varona
Brian K. Vaughan
Adrian Velez
Sal Velluto
Sam Viviano
Steve Voldseth
Mike Vosburg
William M. Vrscak
Lan Hoang Vu (aka VAL)
David Wade
Ches Wajda
Brian Walker
Mort Walker
Neal Walker
Liz Wassell
Bill Whitehead
Jim Whiting
Larry White
Malcolm Whyte
Bill Wilkison
Dwight Williams
Kevin L. Williams
P. Williams
Terry 'Wooket' Willis
Charles Paul Wilson III
Phil Wilson
Ilene Winn-Lederer
Barry Windsor-Smith
Walden Wong
Matthew Z. Wood
John Workman
Joe Wos
Dean Yeagle
Craig Yoe
Larry Zelen
Craig Zablo
Mark Zingarelli
Mark Zug
Jeff Zugale
Michael Zulli

Three Minutes with ???? (includes bonus interview)

2006-09-01T00:07:00.000-07:00

First off let me apologize for not being up to the date on my "weekly" updates. As long as I do it once a week, I feel pretty good about it. I know a lot of you would visit more often if I were a bit more consistent. Well, the art world is anything but consistent. Given to fits of inspiration and procrastination we end up following deadlines more than anything. I'm lucky because people know that if they contact me and say they need another page for issue two...I'll be able to turn it around in a couple of days. That said...I had two such deadlines this week. One of which was an ad for INCESSANT YARNS #2. All I can say about it is that you'll have to pick up a copy of it from Hanging Chad Entertainment if you are into collecting every piece of WHA? art there is...not to mention I (Heart) Zombie!

©2005-2006 Warner/Wilkison

Next, let me send you over to my good buddy Paul Schultz who will conduct this weeks Three Minutes with...

But, wait...there's more! I want to conduct my own Three Minutes with... this week and I want to shine the light on a guy that I have seen at almost every show since I began...Andy Price! This guy is amazing! Illustrator, painter, kit-builder and the keeper of the cheese. He draws some of the best Universal movie monsters I've ever scene and does a lot of sexy superhero pin-ups and as you'll soon see...he's a pretty great cartoonist as well...

Bill Wilkison: Andy, I have found a common thread among artists in many disciplines that Dr. Seuss had a big influence on them growing up and that influence continues today. What influence has Dr. Seuss had on your life, work or art?

Andy Price: Other than selling his books for a living for 11 years, not much at all. Heavy influences are Don Newton, Jose Luis Garcia Lopez, Joe kubert, Steve Rude, et al...

BW: Art is interpretive. What is this?

AP: This is the broken and jutting edge of a cliff.

BW: Do you think your name "Price" helps with sales?

AP: Customers, I think, are a bit more cautious--thoughts of price tags make them nervous!

Next week:

Christopher Herndon

STAY TUNED!

Oh, you might be curious about that second deadline this week...well, you'll have to wait...I won't be able to make any announcement until mid to late September. Let's just say the LUCIUS HEARS A WHA? train keeps a rolling.

©2006 B. Wilkison, of course!

Three Minutes with JUSTIN BLEEP!

2006-08-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

Justin Bleep is an illustrator and friend. (I spent 5 hours in the same room with him once working on a mini-comic anthology with about eleven other people...so, that counts in my book.) He is one of the greatest indie comic guys around because he totally gets it. He gets it, he has it and he ain't letting it go any time soon. His name is synonymous with "style." So, visit his web site www.urbansequence.com, visit with him at an upcoming convention, or just sit around wishing you were him. All of these things will help you to be a better person.

Bill Wilkison: Justin, I have found a common thread among artists in many disciplines that Dr. Seuss had a big influence on them growing up and that influence continues today. What influence has Dr. Seuss had on your life, work or art?

Justin Bleep: As a kid I liked One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. It reminds me of my mom reading to me. As an adult I can't say I have called upon the genius for inspiration.

BW: Art is interpretive. What is this?

JB: Well, because of the multi-lined, incomplete and disrupted border on the image, I get a feeling of chaos.

BW: You're not the first person to say that about my work.

JB: For that reason, I would say the internal object reminds me of a chainsaw blade. Otherwise I would say hair.

BW: Do people think you're cussing when your say you [bleepin'] name?

JB: They usually think it's french!

Next week: Andy Price

Coming soon:

Christopher Herndon

STAY TUNED!

©2006 B. Wilkison, of course!

We now return to our WEEKLY three minute interviews...

2006-08-13T23:59:00.000-07:00

Jacque Nodell is a historian and in my opinion a hell of an artist and writer. She can draw an octopus like nobody's business and is the best friend comics ever had. That's a picture of her taking a picture of me! She has no website and no fixed address, but lives in the hearts and minds of everyone she comes in contact with. If you aren't that much happier after spending a few moments with Jacque, than you ought to either quit being an artist or throw away your entire comic book collection, because you are a tragic person with no hope of ever feeling joy. Yes, she's that special! I had some fun with her during this interview, so, please...read on.

Bill Wilkison: Jacque, I have found a common thread among artists in many disciplines that Dr. Seuss had a big influence on them growing up and that influence continues today. What influence has Dr. Seuss had on your life, work or art?

Jacque Nodell: The short film "The Lorax" has always stuck with me and reminds me to use my resources wisely in both my personal and professional life.

BW: (See, people, anybody comes up with "The Lorax" when you mention Dr. Suess is pretty special indeed.) Art is interpretive. What is this?

JN: I see a wooly mammoth walking towards a window!

BW: Who's your daddy?

JN: Haha! Well my father is Spencer Nodell, an awesome guy who is a retired postal worker. He is also the son of Mart Nodell who created the original Green Lantern and that is how I got into the comic book world!

Next week: Justin Bleep

Coming soon:

Andy Price
Christopher Herndon

STAY TUNED!

©2006 B. Wilkison, of course!

Three Minutes with Connie Persampieri

2006-07-01T23:04:00.000-07:00

Connie Persampieri, Fantasy Artist...searching for words of introduction I would have to say she is one of the most consistent human beings I've ever met. I think her success and popularity is due, in part, to the fact that she knows exactly who she is. This is not to say that she is not spontaneous. In fact, her consistency just points up how spontaneous she can be. She is one of those rare artists that you know what to expect but are surprised everytime she reveals a new piece of art. And come to think of it...her art is just that, a revelation!

Bill Wilkison: Connie, I have found a common thread among artists in many disciplines that Dr. Seuss had a big influence on them growing up and that influence continues today. What influence has Dr. Seuss had on your life, work or art?

Connie Persampieri: I enjoyed Dr. Suess as a child and I still love the cartoon adaptations of his stories, but as far as my art, he wasn't an influence. I think one of the biggest influences for me were Olivia De Berardinis, James O'Barr, and Brom.

BW: Art is interpretive. What is this?

CP: Chewbaccas Tummy?!?

BW: Do you believe in reincarnaton? And if so, where do I know you from?!

CP: Yes. I think I was a cat in my former life...maybe you fed me once? :)

Hmmmmmm?
Next week: Who knows?

©2006 B. Wilkison, of course!

Two and a half minutes with MATT FEAZELL!

2006-06-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

MATT FEAZELL is a Cynical Man...or at least that is the character he has created and entertained millions with over the past 75 years...well, maybe not that long! Matt is one of the greatest independent artists of all time. You can check out his unique vision by simply picking up a DISNEY ADVENTURES COMIC ZONE anywhere fine magazines and digests are sold. Look for his DIZZY ADVENTURES inside...I personally recommend the Spring 2006 Collector's Issue. (Summer 2006 ain't too shabby though!)

Bill Wilkison: Matt, I have found a common thread among artists in many disciplines that Dr. Seuss had a big influence on them growing up and that influence continues today. What influence has Dr. Seuss had on your life, work or art?

Matt Feazell: Made me nervous to be around cats in hats!

BW: Art is interpretive. What is this?

MF: A bear's butt!

BW: How right you are. Who is Cynical Man?!

MF: America's laid off superhero!

Oooooo!
Next week: Three minutes with VORONDE...Connie Persampieri

©2006 B. Wilkison, of course!

Three Minutes with TIMOTHY LANTZ

2006-06-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

TIMOTHY LANTZ
is a mystic...or at least what I imagine one to be. I first met Tim at the Pittsburgh show and was captivated by his art. I was glad to see him at the Motor City show! Turns out we had a friend in common which immediately gave us a lot of cred to fully appreciate each others world and sense of humor. The other thing that did it for me was that when I asked him where he got his inspiration he simply replied, "DIO lyrics." 'Nuff said!

Bill Wilkison: Tim, I have found a common thread among artists in many disciplines that Dr. Seuss had a big influence on them growing up and that influence continues today. What influence has Dr. Seuss had on your life, work or art?

Timothy Lantz: It's all about the Truffela Trees and these damn star belly sneetches!

BW: Art is interpretive. What is this?

TL: The saw blade cod piece of Blackie Lawless, front man of W.A.S.P.

BW: Don't think for a minute that I'm not going to do a ROCKHEADS! of that. (Tim and I have been aisle mates at more that one show this year. His art is fantastic and in my opinion...dream like. At the most recent Motor City show Tim sat on the end of the aisle.) So, what's it like sitting on the end of the aisle?

TL: It's like an orgy with the three girls from CLEOPATRA 2525...or at least how I imagine that to be!

THIS JUST IN!!!
Next week: Three minutes with The Cynical Man himself...MATT FEAZELL!

©2006 B. Wilkison, of course!

Three Minutes with CHRIS MORENO

2006-06-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

CHRIS MORENO is one of the hottest and most talented illustrators currently working in comics. He still has a heap of indie cred. I suggest that if you see this extremely talented artist at a convention you buy as many of his originals as you can. I know I've been saving my pennies ever since I saw his drawing of The Invisible Man!

B. Wilkison: Chris, I have found a common thread among artists in many disciplines that Dr. Seuss had a big influence on them growing up and that influence continues today. What influence has Dr. Seuss had on your life, work or art?

Chris Moreno: I think most importantly, Seuss taught me how line quality and style can impress upon the viewer the tone of one's storytelling. His curved, whimsical lines help reinforce the sing-song atmosphere of his story in a beautiful marriage of words and pictures. It's what I try to do in my own work.

BW: Art is interpretive. What is this?

CM: A Muppet's Rump

(Chris and I were too busy to do a face to face interview, so he was gracious enough to answer my questions in written form. I'm glad he did. This afforded him the opportunity to fully realize the answer to this question. If you haven't clicked A Muppet's Rump, do so now!)

BW: Are your 15 minutes over yet?

CM: Yeah. I spent them filling out this questionnaire. Thanks a lot, jerk!

Three Minute Interviews are an attempt to promote indie artists in their natural habitat: the comicbook convention. Hopefully this will not only entertain, but introduce you to creators that are not only currently working in comics but hold the key to the future of comics.

Fans are a vital part of the comicbook industry, just as customers are to the success of any retailer. Let the retailers know what you think. Artists thrive on feedback. We would rather you told us you didn't like or understand something than let us flourish in our ignorance. Also, it is of the utmost importance that you let comicbook publishers (including Marvel and DC) know what you are thinking. Convention promoters (like Wizard World) and distributors (such as Diamond) need to know if you cannot find the kind of comics you want to see in the comic book shops. Talk amongst yourselves! It's still a free country after all.

Check back next week when I interview author and artist TIMOTHY LANTZ!

Coming Soon...

Connie Persampieri

Christopher Herndon

and

Tod C. Parkhill

©2006 B. Wilkison, of course!
(Special thanks to Pren for the use of his Photobucket.)

Three Minute Interviews

2006-06-03T20:55:00.000-07:00

With the release of LUCIUS HEARS A WHA? I came to realize that all artists are essentially the same (if they are honest with themselves and their audience, that is.)

I set out to talk to these artists and ask them questions relating to art. I use "art" as a general term. Our "work" is our "art" regardless of the "disipline". It is with their graciousness and honesty, not to mention creativity and humor that I present my
Three Minute Interviews.

All participants were asked three questions. The first two were always the same. The third was created especially for them. I realize that many of you may not be familiar with each individual artist. If not, I invite you back to ARTIST ALLEY! At every convention there is an area where these independent artists gather. Regardless of our credits we are there voluntarliy to meet and greet our fans and hopefully make new ones along the way. I think I can speak for everyone here when I extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you that stand in the lines, return to our tables when we take our breaks and spend your hard earned money to support indie art. Hopefully this will introduce you to more of us. We'll see you soon!

Now, on with the interview...

My first victim is ANDY LEE, Painter (zen style)

(I'll let Andy's work speak for itself, so click on his name to be directed to his elegant web site.)

B. Wilkison: Andy, I have found a common thread among artists in many disciplines that Dr. Seuss had a big influence on them growing up and that influence continues today.
What influence has Dr. Seuss had on your life, work or art?

Andy Lee: His sillyness has entered me.

BW: Art is interpretive. What is this?

AL: My dad's back in front of a T.V. (Soprano's)

BW: How long of a shower do you take after every show? (Andy paints in what can only be described as an "aggressively playful" style...if you stand too close he may get some on you.)

AL: I live in an acid bath...like M.J.

My Three Minute Interviews will continue WEEKLY over the summer.

NEXT WEEK: CHRIS MORENO (You do not want to miss this one!)

COMING SOON:
ANDY PRICE

MIKE INDOVINA

JUSTIN BLEEP

and

LAYNE TOTH

All content ©2006 B. Wilkison (as if you didn't know that already!)

JUST ANOTHER MOTOR CITY COMICON RECAP

2006-05-31T02:01:00.000-07:00

"I love the smell of comics in the morning." Actually it's pretty empty and serene before all hell breaks loose. It's wonderment!

"It's real pretty when everybody shows up!"

This is me and JC Filer with the book that took eight months to make...we're real proud! If you go to the T&A page (tributes and artwork) of my home page (use the "find your way home" link to the right) you can see the original vision of Lucius that started the ball rolling on this artistic celebration known as LUCIUS HEARS A WHA?

"My good buddy LayneToth! I said it once and I'll say it again. Without her I would probably not be doing comics right now...at the very least I wouldn't be having this much fun." (Big thanks to her for her major contribution on LUCIUS HEARS A WHA?)

The thing about conventions for artists like myself is that we get to visit with this extended family of artists. Artist is a general term to include writers, illustrators, models, actors and the like. And that is what makes the MOTOR CITY COMICON so special. Everyone attends and as it is a "medium" size show there is a great balance of business, fun and most of all family. And yes, many "fans" are apart of that family. You are as important to the convention experience as the "artists". I encourage you to stop and talk to as many artists as you can...there are so many talented people all around you. Knowledgable vendors, entertaining artists and fans just like yourself that are there to have fun. You should not leave a convention wanting. (Unless of course it's the third version of the fifth X-wing fighter pilot from the first film which is actually the fourth episode in the six part trilogy etc., etc., etc...) But then again we can't have everything, now can we?

John Styrk Jr. does a fantastic THING...

...and doing what I do best...I inked it all up and made it my own...

...actually, I made it HIM! John Styrk Jr. "The man, the myth, the legend, the thing!" A great artist and fellow creator on INCESSANT YARNS by Hanging Chad Entertainment.

Nicole McClain...I can do her QUICKSKETCH...

...or ROCKHEADS!

"The historic first representation of the lead, Kerry Connelly (as portrayed by Nicole McClain) of SALEM, AZ by Pickle Press by future inker B. Wilkison. The comic will look nothing like this. But, you can get a good sampling of it by going to my merchandise page and purchasing a copy of LUCIUS HEARS A WHA?. Nik Havert and Paul Schultz graciously allowed me to run a one page preview of SALEM, AZ in LUCIUS HEARS A WHA? That's first appearance cred folks...you don't want to miss that!!!"

"I don't normally post photos such as this, but...

...when John Saxon recreates a classic Bruce Lee photo with you, how could I not?!"

Of all the people you reunite with I was sadly reminded that those reunions are not to be taken for granted. There has been alot of debate of the past several years on whether or not "models" should be a part of a "comicbook" convention. Jasmine (Grey) passed away last year in a car accident. This sent a shock wave through the convention circuit. Jasmine was the real deal. A celebrity. What makes you a celebrity? Basically, having a fan base. Jasmine had that. Why? Because she spoke directly to her fan base. She new if you got a haircut since the last convention. She met her fans face to face on a one to one basis. If you have attended the conventions over the years you know how important this is...both artists and fans want to be remembered. And as we move beyond the convention circuit we want are contributions to continue. Her presence was felt at Motor City this year but she was missed. This is one of the reasons I dedicated LUCIUS HEARS A WHA? to her. More was lost to this convention than we may ever know.

I just love a parody! Ah, Pittsburgh! I can't believe we were there only a month ago.

Photo by Connie Persampieri

"Apparently I was interviewed by a puppet. If any of you get Detroit Public Access, see if you can grab me a copy of this. I need proof that this actually happened...in the age of Photoshop I can't be sure."

Photo by Connie Persampieri

"Proving once again that parody is lost if you are not familiar with the source material. If you are familiar with THE SOPRANOS than you probably think this is hilarious!!!" (Feel free to leave a comment and explain it to me.)

Photo by Connie Persampieri

"Connie knows I like candid photos at the convention and she is a master at them. I think it's because she was in the service and was trained to kill."

STARTING NEXT WEEK!!!!
THREE MINUTE INTERVIEWS WITH SOME OF TODAYS GREATEST INDEPENDENT ARTISTS!

These will continue weekly through the summer as I have conducted over 15 interviews this season alone!

ARTISTS INCLUDE:

Chris Moreno
Andy Lee
Ken Wheaton
Christopher Herndon
Jacque Nodell

Just to name a few....

STAY TUNED!!!!

Pittsburgh

2006-05-17T00:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know...I just got back from Columbus...but I wanted to share with you just a lingering thought or two about Pittsburgh.

First of all I was so glad to have my buddy Nik with me...we seemed to learn a great deal from each other that weekend. One of the things he taught me is that not everyone we talk to at these shows might realize that we are the creators of the books they see before them. I don't think they realize that quality top of the line books can be made by individuals.

We are the independents. Seriously, we both work with talented people to comeup with the ideas and execution of our books and we consider every aspect of what that work looks like and feels like. The "industry" or maybe we should call it the "outustry" is FULL of hand made, Xerox copied mini-comic (and as we learned from S.P.A.C.E. this weekend in Columbus...these are full of intensly original well thought out creative stories.)

One of the best examples of this was a discovery that I and a lot of other people discovered last year...the work of Rober "Hollywood" Swinton. His comic BLOW was a diamond in the rough. Now I love Sharpies, but this dude rocked it out on the chisel tip my brothers and sisters...but it needed something more. I'm glad I was able to help excavate this story and polish it. I try with every stoke to retain a sense of that original gusto that Hollywood first layed down the story of Big Fro Brown.

Here are the pencils done by Paul Schultz, another brother in love with not only the future evolution of independents comics but finding great stories to tell through illustration.

Yeah, that was a tangent, now back to Pittsburgh...
Got to spend time quick sketching with my idol Amanda Connor, my contemporary Chris Moreno and my buddy Stuart Sayger.

Then it was off to the Warhol Museum and a room filled with mylar pillows
...I strongly suggest that if you find yourself in Pittsburgh you visit this museum. You will be transported somewhat to the factory days.

I could not leave without signing the guestbook
...could you?!

2006-04-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

Now, you didn't think I was going to show you the entire image here...did you?!

This is the first (partial) image conventioneers in Pittsburgh will be treated to this weekend. The book has gone to print and while I won't show you the entire picture, I will tell you the story of how it came to be.

First of all let's begin with the artist responsible for the image you will eventually see. As you know, my covers for WHA? have traditionally been parodies of either album covers or rock albums. Pink Floyd's WISH YOU WERE HERE, The Exorcist and for this one I decided to bring back an image that I drew on every book cover I ever had in high school, The Cramps' BAD MUSIC FOR BAD PEOPLE. Then I got to thinking, why not have the original artist do the parody himself?! Enter Stephen Blickenstaff. All I can say about working with Steve is that it was a dream come true. Never in a million years did I think the artist that I immulated all those years ago would not only apply his hand to one of my characters, but to parody that character in one of his most recognizable works. And to do it with the care and respect ans well as his sense of adventure and daring. A perfect example of what this comic has come to represent...coming full circle.

I don't want any of this to over shadow or diminish in any way Jaimie Filer's contribution to this book. In fact, it may not have even been with out his maniacal view of Lucius. There was a side of Lucius that I could not tell. I was to close to the character and could not be objective. J.C. blew that out of the water and brought a bit of Seuss in for good measure. Infact, one of the the things that brought the three of us together as artists was our individual love for that which is Seuss. It was Jaimie's vision that I sketched roughly for Steve. It was in that moment that I knew this book had to have as many artists as would contribute. I threw a party and people showed up.

One of the most welcome guests was William Messner-Loebs. His sense of humor alone, his gratitude and humility lifted the party to a level of sardonic sophistication. When I got back into comics, his were the first I grabbed. His stint on Wonder Woman is some of the best writing you'll read from the past 15 years. Wild Bill puts the "pen" in independent. As writer and artist he compares to none. I lettered the image he provided for the book. Call me a big geeky fanboy, but the thrill lettering one of your idols is beyond description!

Then there's Layne. Layne Toth...the hardest workin' kid in comics. Since her pinup of Walter appeared in S.O.S. I new I had to have her back. This time she illustrated and lettered a four page story and layouts by yours truly. We gave a big hat tip to her dad, Tornado with a parody of ROCKY. Her attention to detail and her sense of movement pushed me to create the same effect throughout the book. Even though this book began in August of 2005...the actual pencils, inks and letters were done in three weeks. I wanted all of the artists contribution to help tell the story. Not only directly, but the images I created were greatly inspired by those that believed enough to help keep the spirit of independent comics alive.

I must mention also the contributions of artist such as Doug Klauba and Bryna Smith. Artist that brought there style directly into the world of WHA? and allowed their work to be altered by it. Their work certainly transformed LUCIUS HEARS A WHA? into a book that I am most proud. I guarantee you will enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PIE.

B!

Truckin'

2006-04-10T03:32:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd succumb to peer pressure and post. One of my favorite parodies from the new book. Since I print in black and white, I thought this would be a good preview image, and show it in all it's technicolor glory. Hope you all dig it.

My apologies to Robert D. Thomas!

"Dum-dee-dum. Dee-doodle-dee-doo." -The Grateful Dead

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2006-03-12T19:57:00.000-08:00

Here is a good example of what goes down...

My pencils are loose and a bit messy. I've given up on buyin' some fancy hard pencil or HB. The fact of the matter is, they were all different no matter what they had printed on them. Actually, Joshua Warner turned me on to the Paper-Mate® Sharpwriter® mechanical Twist-Pencil™. No need to sharpen and it has a shock absorbing tip!

I actually ink a lot more that you actually see! Aside from the lines in the socks, I added the hat band and the head of beer, a few details here and there...but, at one point there was smoke coming out of the pipe. It got too messy and was not needed.

While most of you consider me a purist...I do colour with the computer occassionally. I like the solid colours and us a simple drop and fill program. I don't really plan my colours, I just try to match what's in my head. William Messner-Loebs once told me that he feels his illustrations need words to come alive. So, in honor of "Wild" Bill...I had a caption already to go!

Inkstinctually,

B!

2006-03-03T18:09:00.000-08:00

2006-02-22T20:03:00.000-08:00

27 minutes left...

2006-02-14T20:21:00.000-08:00

...happy valentine's day!

Thanks again to Josh Johnson for the use of his printing press.

With independents you are never alone.

2006-02-11T19:37:00.000-08:00

It's been an incredible week. So many things seem to be coming into focus. I want to turn the focus from me for a moment and onto an artistic team that I feel is about to make a major and significant break through in the world of independent comics; Nik Havert, Paul Schultz and Nicole McClain. Their book SALEM, AZ will be one of two things. Either, the next big property to be snatched up by the majors and exploited making Nik, Paul and Nicole a small mint while the majors capitalize on their own limited vision and consumptive nature destroying what otherwise would be a pure example of artistic expression...or it will prove to be, overtime, the greatest independent comic since Eastman and Laird's TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES! Either way you will get to enjoy it and if you know what is good for you you will head toward the tallest mountain and shout, "THERE ARE TWO EYES IN 'INDEPENDENT COMICS' AND THEY'RE LOOKING OUT FOR YOU!"

I am lucky enough to know Paul (and Nik) personally and call them friends. Paul has blessed me with some tribute art incorporating my character Lucius into a portrait of the star of SALEM, AZ Kerry Connelly (Nicole McClain). Nicole, if we ever cross paths you must pose with Lucius yourself. (He's not a "cardboard cut out"! He's a two dimensional facsimile of an ethereal concept!!) Check out Paul's Blog (IF THEY MOVE...) and Nicole's Blog (All you need!) before you leave.

Baby Elephants

2006-02-08T16:15:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I am a big fan of Edward Gorey. I was definitly thinking of his influence when I slung this one. A friend told me that circus elephants are often chained when they are babies. They, of course, tug on the chain in attempt to escape. They soon learn that they are too small to break the big heavy chain, so, they stop trying. When they get older, the circus owners can then use a flimsy rope and a stake to keep the paceyderms in line. You see, as babies they learn that they are unable to break free. This is refered to as a learned or assumed restraint. And, being that elephants never forget, it is a perfect object lesson. I, of course, countered with the idea that every once in awhile you hear about the elephant that broke free and rampaged ten city blocks. As artists, we know a lot about assumed contraints. We also know about breaking chains. Thus, another illustration was born. Look closely...how many elephants do you see?

I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT TO CALL THIS (PART II)

2006-01-30T12:40:00.000-08:00

When it all starts to take shape, there is little that can pull you away from the piece!

Once I begin layering on the colour, the piece begins to take on a life of it's own. My only hope at this point is that I don't let my creativity get too far off track. Many things begin to run through your thoughts. Some of which have absolutely nothing to do with the piece. Some say that this is when you are in "the zone."

I say it is the point when the markers go to my head. I realize after finishing this piece in about 6 hours (in an open space) that I still need to invest in a small, personal size, table fan. The headache I developed on this one is not something I wish to repeat.

The "melting pot" idea came to me on the way to the event. I didn't know what kind of pot, but on the page I decided that a two handled stockpot would do the trick. The boiling over came out quit nice and I just let my hand do what it needed to do. Not much control. Just let my creativity bubble over, as it were. Sometimes (most times) art needs that freedom. I think the skill really kicks in when you can take those rough sketches and let the image emerge. You really don't have to force it, just let the ink sit on top of the pencils, finding it's own position of comfort. Look at people as they lay on a sofa or sit with a leg over the arm of a chair. It may not be the way the furniture was intended to be used, but as long as it looks comfortable and not forced, then, well...as Dorian Clevenger once told me, "If it looks right, it is right."

Seriously, skill and influence really come into play here. You think of your heros, those who inspire you. The "bubble, bubble, toil and trouble" of it all came from influences of Big Daddy Roth and Stephen Blickenstaff. The colour choice here was directly impacted by my fascination with psychedelic art. Griffin, Mouse, Arminski, Thomas! All influences that unwittingly find their way into my work.

Then there comes a time when, in my opinion, the magic happens. That one addition that makes it's way to the page at the very end. The final brush stroke if you will, it may have been germinating since the piece began, but when you step aside and actually see it there before your very eyes (before you have even committed it to the page). And you "know" it's right. The final steps are like that of a child. Not broken and uncertain, but gleefully reckless!!! Like a child, like a child. The flag was there, so I let it fly.

This piece will be on display through July at the Garfield Park Arts Center in Indianapolis Indiana. There are some terrific works by other artists there as well. If you have an opportunity to do so, please stop by. As for "Melting Pot", some are amazed that it is all done in marker. Some think I'm crazy for not just colouring these pieces on the computer. But, that's not art. It's not! You are! Use you whenever possible.

I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT TO CALL THIS (PART I)

2006-01-23T20:51:00.000-08:00

Art provides an experience. Those that do not take advantage of that experience have no right to call themselves artists.

Pretty bold statement, I know. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I signed on to be a part of an all day art jam this weekend at Garfield Park. It was actually a two day event, but I draw pretty quick and I could only attend one day. All you had to do was to create a piece of art on site at the Arts Center. The purpose of the Creative Native Art Competition is to engage the visual arts community in the creation of their individual "Masterworks" in various mediums. The only "rule" was that the art be based on one of the following themes: The Arts, Diversity, Garfield Park. Before I reveal the theme I chose, I thought I might take you through a step by step of my creative process. As you can see in the first photo, much of the process involves erasing.

Seriously, though...I never really put pencil to paper without an idea in my head. When I started drawing as a kid I could never get the picture I was drawing to look like the picture in my head. I finally figured out that I had to make the picture in my head look like the picture I could draw. That to me is how you develop your style. It's a hole horse before the cart thing.

I decided the night before to "go with what I know". ROCKHEADS! I had to work with their poses a bit. The images in my head are animated and it is difficult for me to view the images stationary. I think that accounts for something in my art, but I have yet to define what "that" is. The other difficulty I had was making sure I got the hand positions right. For some reason I need to see the intricacies of two hands entwined. It's a beautiful thing and since I am self taught, I don't have the understanding of anatomy that some artisits do.

I love that feeling when I've gotten the pencils to a point that I can begin to ink them. That first line of thick, wet, black ink is exhilarating. I start with the lines that will be filled in with black. The first lines are always the roughest in my opinion. I'll talk more about "the freedom of the ink" a bit later.

One of the most exciting parts of the process for me is "the discovery." I keep my pencils very light and very loose. I will often put down the brush to add a line here or a line there. I know it sounds cliche, but the piece does begin to speak to you. You've got to go with it! That's why we have erasers. Actually this happened twice. The background came to me in a flash...more on that later.

Once I've slung all the ink onto the canvas, it's time to color. I taught myself to draw with charcoal, so my work never had colour for a few years. But, thanks to many fellow artists that saw that early work, they encouraged me to work in colour. I hope if they ever get a chance to see my work that they are happy with the results. The ROCKHEADS! by nature are intended to be coloured in marker. I wanted to capture the feel of all those book covers I drew on in grade school. I tend to favor Sharpies. If I can do a piece entirely of Sharpies, I will. Tria Markers provide a shocking array of colour that cannot be denied though. I will use Prismacolor, but hope to weed them out eventually, they just dry up too quickly and just aren't worth the trouble to drain every last drop out of them.

At this point is when I really start getting into the zone! (But, remember, I'm working in very close proximity to markers!) We're about halfway through, so, it's time to take a break...tune in next week as we go deep inside The Inkslinger's mind and I reveal the last stages of my "Masterwork."

This is another dude that was there. I'm not sure what he's doing, but I'm pretty sure he shouldn't be smoking a cigarette while he's doing it!

Pressing matters!

2006-01-19T17:00:00.000-08:00

That's right! The ol' inkslinger has taken his first steps into the relm of self printing. My friend and associate Josh Johnson (a master ink slinger in his own right) let me play around with his letter press the other day. Josh, as always, was a generous and delightful host, who wanted to make the experience as fun and pleasant as possible. He taught himself on the ol' letter press, so I was able to learn from his mistakes, from the setting to the mixing of ink right down to striking the image. But, when it came time to clean the thing, most artists would have run for cover (or at least more coffee. Not me! I was in there takin' care of business. I by no means wish to claim any expertise, but at least I now know a little bit more about how it works.

Josh promised me another rideon the press, so, if you're lucky you might get a Valentine card....cut, inked and pressed by yours truly!
©2006 Josh Johnson/B. Wilkison

A Rick Griffin thing...

2006-01-13T21:35:00.000-08:00

It's really just a Rick Griffin sort of thing. It's called Marybeth for a reason. Figure it out! Actually I got talking to Doug Klauba Sr. who, back in the day, did pin stripping. It's a lost art and I hope someday I have the opportunity to learn a little of this incredible art form from him. The art form has come a long way, but you just can't beat a straight line. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, it just goes to prove my point. All that pin stripping you saw in the 50's and 60's, that was done by hand (no decals), and until you've seen a dude walk down the side of a '57 with a paintbrush and an attitude, you really haven't seen much.

This is my most recent. It's called Amy. I know you can figure this out. Anyway I like having to figure these out and at some point they just start to flow, like all art should.

Mailable Art

2006-01-06T01:35:00.000-08:00

Well, I thought I'd follow up with a second round of "mailable art." It's really a trip and the outcome is quite surprising even to me. It's all about imagery and letting go, trying not to control the image, but slinging the ink and letting it fall where it may. This style is more like my thumbnail sketches, but they are more committed as I draw them straight to ink!

The first is simply called "Bird House". There is no background and no perspective but somehow the scanned image seems to jump off the page. I'm not sure if that is because of the colours or the optical illusion created by the horizontal and vertical lines coming together. Or if it is just that fascinating way computers sometimes WILL make an image look better.

The next is "Catbone". Simply put it's just two images that you would not normally see together. When I stepped back to look at it I could hear that familiar riff by George Thorogood and the Destroyers...b, b, b, b, b, bad to the bone!

Which came first, the camera or the cheese? Well, in any event I sent this one to my favorite photographer of all time, Beatrice Neumann. You can and should visit her at http://www.photokat.com. Tell her I said, "Hello!"

And then we come to one of my personal favorites. These "full-figured" stick figures really don't get enough play time with me so I decided to feature them in a few this round. What I love about this one is that the slide started out to be a normal park slide. But, it just didn't look right. As soon as I added the swimming pool it seemed to fit. Well, I always like to show some action or at least the "evidence" of some action in my illustrations, hence the ripples. I can't remember what happened next but I made an accidental mark on the card. That mark became the reflection of the ladder in the pool of water on the side of the pool. Why I felt I needed a witness to all this in a red bathing suit is beyond me! But, what I absolutely love is that the first person to lay eyes on this said, "He did a cannonball!" Who knew?!

Remember, my work is best viewed at a distance while squinting.

First inks of 2006!

2006-01-03T00:25:00.000-08:00

I didn't waste anytime inking for the year 2000 and 6! I created 20 "mailable art" cards for friends. Maybe you were one of them?! If not, fear not! I'd be happy to add you to my list of victims. Just contact me at http://homepage.mac.com/bwilkison. I will not sell your address to any third parties. However, I may lose it...so, keep those cards and letters coming! You have to send mail to get mail!

The first one is "The Bat." Which is basically an illustrators generic name for any drawings of Batman™ without having to deal with all the legal mumbo jumbo. I love the character of Batman™ because it is really one of the most perfect images ever created. Anybody can draw him. You can throw down any ol' crappy drawing of Batman™ and people are going to know who it is.

The second one is "Buddha Balloon." It turned out so good I decided to do another called "Christ Kite." That one didn't go over so well. But, similar to "The Bat", you don't even have to see the drawing "Christ Kite" to know exactly what it looks like!
All 20 images were then colour slung with school approved washable watercolors (none of that fancy expensive stuff for me.)

Well, I hope I didn't get any on ya!