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Suzanne Gildert:
1. First off, it's wonderful to have this opportunity to interview you.
Now can you tell me a little about where you were born and raised.
I was born in the UK, near Manchester. I've always lived in the city which
has been quite an inspiration for some of my artwork.
2. What influenced you to get into art and become an artist.
I have been drawing since a very early age, probably influenced by my
mother's love of drawing and art. As a child I always liked to keep
myself busy with my drawing, painting, reading and creating sculptures.
3. How would you describe your particular style of art.
I would describe my art as Dark, Fantasy Gothic art, although my style is
constantly changing so it can be difficult to describe, and there are
pieces which do not fall into any of these categories. I like to combine
contrasting elements such as beautiful angels with a dark undercurrent of
horror, macabre, or sorrow. My art is usually based on a particular idea
around which I have written accompanying poetry or broken prose. The
pieces themselves deal with the complexity of human emotion and
experience.
4. If you were stranded on a far off island, what items would you want to
have with you.
My sketchbook, pencils etc. and possibly some music and books. If the
island was WiFi enabled that would be good too as I spend quite a lot of
time on the Internet! ;)
5. When did you create your first meaningful piece of art?
I started writing poetry before I began expressing myself through artwork,
and I guess I just wanted to try and put down some of the ideas in a
graphical form to complement their textual counterparts. The first piece
that really stood out for me was entitled 'Urban Voodoo' and it was a
collage of newspaper cuttings documenting tragic events in the world,
surrounding a painting of a foetus complete with voodoo pins, in a glass
sphere held in the palm of a hand. The piece was meant to illustrate the
problems of being born into today's world. I may well repaint this image
at some point!
6. Did you to well with art in school?
Yes, although I wasn't very keen on being told what to draw - a large part
of the course involved 'developing' original sketches in the style of
another artist. I always found this idea to be a little counterintuitive;
in my opinion art is more about nurturing your own ideas and expressions.
I did however enjoy the more technical aspects of the course, such as
still life techniques, and I think that teaching the basics of lighting,
composition, perspective and colour theory are very important.
7. What are your biggest inspirations and your favorite artists?
I used to be very enamoured with the idea of drawing and painting in the
Japanese manga style. However, after several years I found a more
realistic style of painting to be better suited to achieve the deeper,
more meaningful (and darker) messages in my artwork. I feel that the
pieces are more able to reach into a person's soul if they can empathise
with the characters and objects in the scene. I love pouring over
beautiful detailed CG images such as the work of Marta Dahlig, Linda
Berkvist, Melanie Delon and many others. I also love the dark works of
Luis Royo and Dorian Cleavanger.
8. Do you listen to music when you paint? What kind?
I listen to a wide range of different music. I like any music that makes
me feel powerful emotions, has lyrics that I can relate to, or allows me
to switch off the real world and enter a fantasy realm. I listen to a fair
bit of symphonic and orchestral metal (as I find it very powerful and
moving), for example Tristania, Sirenia, or The Sins of Thy Beloved. I
also love ethereal music (for example Delirium or Sky cries Mary). If I am
in a more futuristic frame of mind I will perhaps listen to some more
electronic (EBM) or industrial-style music, such as VNV nation or Icon of
Coil.
9. Is traditional art a 'lost art'? What direction do you think digital
art is going?
Traditional art is definitely not a lost art. I spend quite a long time
both looking at and creating traditional pieces, in addition to my digital
art. Traditional drawing and painting are easily accessible to everyone,
and I personally believe that learning to draw traditionally is much
better than digitally, as it is easy to be tempted into using
software-features rather than understanding the basics of producing a
piece of art. I also take my sketchbook everywhere with me, so I can
always sketch down an idea wherever I am. It seems easier to capture the
feeling of a piece using traditional methods, as the person observing the
piece can see the individual lines or brush-strokes created by your own
hand, and of course, each original piece created traditionally is entirely
unique.
10. How many hours do you devote to art each week?
As much as I can; it is my main hobby. About 10-20 hours on average,
depending on how much time I can spare (I spend a lot of time on my day
job!)
11. What are some of the main do's and don'ts that you can suggest to the
upcoming artists.
I get quite a lot of questions like this. The biggest thing I would say
would be to practice. Don't ever 'give up' - every artist has days where
they doubt themselves (in fact I have many such days). I would recommend
some form of technical training, for example drawing classes, if you can
afford the time and money. If not, try to get into a routine, for example
I try to do at least one sketch a day (it may be based on a magazine image
or something).
Finally, always work for your own enjoyment, even when doing commission
pieces etc, or the true meaning behind the pieces won't show through.
12. Could you see art going through more big changes as it did in the
Renaissance and Pre-Raphaelite periods? In what ways could you conceive
these changes?
I don't see that there will be a 'big' change; with the Internet
everything is so connected now that most people have access to a wide
variety of different styles. I don't think anything major will 'sweep' the
community. Perhaps if holographic displays continue to advance, digital
sculpture may in the future become quite popular, as there are many 3D
programs available to produce such works, but they currently must be
rendered down to a 2D representation. This may be somewhat of a revolution
in the field of digital art.
13. What other studies and interests are you involved with (outside of art).
My current job is a University researcher in Physics and Electronic
Engineering, so I have quite a strong interest in technology, and
advancements in the field of science. I read a lot of books, both fiction
and non-fiction, especially popular science books.
14. Tell me about: Haunt Your Dreams.
This piece depicts a ghostly apparition, the feeling you get when an idea
haunts you, something that goes around in your head again and again. When
your imagining of a person becomes more important than the reality of that
person, they become iconified and worshipped. This is symbolised in the
piece by the regal headdress and attire of the woman, and her
manifestation in a church or cathedral, with a deliberate soft-focus to
depict the dream. The person however, although magnificent and beautiful,
exists only in the dream, trapped forever.
15. Tell me about: Fog Lights.
This is quite a sorrowful piece, about a person fading away, almost
disappearing at the edges, being eaten away slowly by the cold stark light
of their own obsession. The imagery of the piece shows how sometimes you
can only obtain what you truly want at the expense of your own sanity and
reality, for example the woman's porcelain face has been distorted by her
own attempts to create her idea of perfection.
16. Without giving away all your trade secrets, tell me a little about how
your art takes shape. For example, how much studying and research at the
point of conception.
The process begins with a single idea, or a collection of ideas, which I
develop in my mind. The idea may be based on a feeling of guilt, a
longing, a fear, or a past experience of myself or someone I know. I
usually find a way to represent the idea metaphorically as objects in the
image, for example bones, feathers, a mask, a dress, the way clouds hang
in the sky, or a facial expression. At this stage I may produce a very
rough sketch to get an idea of the composition of the piece. The research
comes after this main thought process, by studying the individual objects
from a technical point of view, to help bring the painting to life.
17. Modesty aside, do you feel that you could leave a legacy behind for
other Artists and Art lovers to cherish?
I hope so! I like to think that art is a bit more timeless than other
media. People have been producing artwork since before language developed,
so I can imagine it will survive long into the future. I also think that
in modern societies, most people are able to afford basic needs, so they
tend to look for other things for fulfillment, and I think that art fills
that need quite well.
18. Now, for the benefit of yourself and others. What link would people
need to go to if they wanted to buy some of your art?
I have some information on my website: www.gothicfall.co.uk I am also
currently illustrating and authoring a book entitled Gothic Fall, which
should be available in early 2009.
19. What's in the future for Suzanne?
I am looking forward to seeing how my style will change over the next few
years, and also exploring some of the older Gothic Fall art; reworking
some of the very old pieces where the ideas began. I'm also hoping that
the book will be successful when it is published. I would like to continue
providing commissioned images for book covers and similar projects, in the
future I may well spend more time on this. In the future I would also like
to spend more time producing traditionally painted originals, which I
would sell to collectors, as I like the idea of not knowing where
individual pieces of art will end up.
20. Finally: What challenges to you still want/need to fulfill?
I am always looking for ways to improve my art. I am still learning the
basics: Exploring lighting, composition and experimenting with different
techniques. I am very self-critical as an artist, which continues to drive
the improvement. However with a full time job and several other
commitments in addition to the art, my main challenge is, as ever,
learning to manage time more efficiently!
Carl Gookins
1. Tell me a little bit about where you were brought
up and the area you now reside at.
I live in the same area I grew up in (Kennesaw GA) It
is a really great place and is part of Metro Atlanta.
It is nice here because there is less of the "Bad"
things about Atlanta...but still most of the "Good"
things are still within reach.
There is EVERY kind of restaurant and Retail Store
just down the road in either direction here. Its the
best of both worlds.
2. What are the basic steps to becoming such a
wonderful Artist?
Well, everyone will walk a different path. I only know
the path I walk. (it may not work for everyone).
I just look at and toy around with all the pictures
and ideas I really love or that inspire me. I will
open a magazine and end up ripping several pics out to
use later in a piece of art. (only after I've actually
bought the magazine though....lol)
To be the best artist one wants to be ....one must
first learn what he/she likes and dislikes...then one
just creates new visuals that fit that genre and has
never been seen before, in that form, by ones mind's
eye.
Music is also a good source for "mood" inspiration and
such. I am always listening to the band
"Type-O-Negative" when I want to create a dark yet
passionate piece.
3. If you were stranded on a desert Island, what
things would you want to have with you?
Hmmmm...that ones hard...haha
I would have to say a guitar...
and a Chinese Food buffet! ha ha ha ...(I LOVE
Chinese food)
4. When did you develop the first piece of art that
you were truly proud of? What was it?
The first one that stands out in my mind
was...Kinder-garden class. We were supposed to take a
string and glue it to a piece of paper and draw around
it. Most other kids just "Plopped" the string on there
with some glue and "Doodled" all over the whole rest
of the page. Not me, I glued the string in a straight
line half way across the paper and then made a loop,
followed by a smaller loop, then back straight again
across the sheet of paper. I then took my crayons and
drew little spider webs inside the circles of the
loops. Then, I went to the corners of the paper making
designs that made the whole thing sorta look "framed".
I left the rest of the whole page blank. I can
remember feeling like if I were to fill in more around
the string ..it would take away from the beauty of
it...but i wanted to empty space to be beautiful
too....so thats why a drew some framing designs around
the outside of the page.
Now, looking back, I didn't know why or what I was
doing then...but I knew what I liked and what looked
good.
the funny part is....NOW I know what I did way back
then.....
Who else can say they did their first piece studying
the art of "Negative Space" in Kinder-garden?! hehehe
5. What are your biggest inspirations? Which are your
favorite Artists?
I love all artists and anyone who dares speak their
minds and such...or show the beauty of their ideas to
the rest of us , knowing they may be criticized for
it.
Though, Id have to say.....by far the ONE artist I
like to take inspiration from the most is "Luis
Royo".
(His work can be found on many of the covers of "Heavy
Metal" Magazine as well as countless other Fantasy
Novels and even comic books)
6. Do you listen to music when you paint? What kind?
Yes, as you already know I do, but it is important to
find the right music for the "mood" of the
painting/drawing. If you were drawing beautiful
flowers with a butterfly on a summer's day....would
you want to listen to heavy metal music or classical
music? See my point? hehe
7. How many hours a week do you devote to Art?
I try to do art every second I have a spare moment to
use to create something. But, sadly, lately my "other
Job's" work schedule has left my wantings to create
anew very unfulfilled.
Hopefully, soon, I can nail down a set work schedule
and start to post new work on the Internet on a
regular bases.
Every piece can take me as long as 60 hours (depending
on size and color etc.)...so I have to work on my art
EVERY time I have a moment to do so.
8. What are some do's and don'ts that you can give to
the up and coming young Artists out there?
Don't.....let anyone tell you that you are "Not good
enough" or that "It's childish to be drawing instead
of getting a REAL job". By all means keep your
"normal" day-job...but NEVER stop trying to live that
dream of being an artist.
Do......read EVERYTHING you can get your hands on
about art....even if its not about the style of art
you like. You may still learn something from even the
most stupid, "hokey" beginners book out there. (I know
I have!!!)
And, also....if at all possible, get some formal art
training in school or classes at a local art store.
Even if you are primarily a "Fantasy" artist, you will
be amazed at how much, learning to draw and paint
"reality" can improve on your fantasy pieces. Every
fantasy thing you do after that will seem even more
believable because you understand "real" life and can
include that in your fantasy work. (in other words:
You might be able to draw a cool fairy without drawing
many woman first to learn how they look...but.....that
tree shes standing next to....it may look a lot
better, and more believable if you drew a detailed
type of tree that actually grows on Earth.)
9. How do you see Art changing for the future?
I don't really know for sure....so I can only guess.
I do want to become a really good airbrush artist
after I buy my first airbrush.
I might also like to try my hand at painting custom
motorcycles and even doing tattoos in the future, thus
having to progress my style to fit on things other
than a rectangular print to sell. It will be an
awesome challenge to make my art work one a motorcycle
or a tattoo.
10. What challenges do you have yet to fulfill in your
life?
Wow, another "Deep" question...(good thing I'm a deep
person though).
The biggest thing I think I'd like to do now is...
One: Make my family even more proud of me and make
them feel like they don't have to worry about my
future.....
Two: Finding the right girl for me has always set
heavily on my "to-do before I DIE" list. So right now
I'm taking applications! ha ha ha
11. How would you describe you style of Art?
My style of art is: Bleak, Dark, Gothic, Tragic,
Fantasy, and Sci-Fi....without the inclusion of horror
or demonic stuff. (maybe sculls, evil robots,
skeletons etc...but thats all.....no Devil worshiping
stuff and such)
12. Do you have a style that you like over your other
styles?
I mostly like my "Dark Fantasy" style, even though I
can draw or paint in ANY style.
13. What other studies, hobbies or learnings have
assisted you in portraying your Art?
Being a musician and an avid reader has helped me
immensely over the last few years. My playing the
guitar has opened up many creative doors in my
mind...and reading so much not only helps my
imagination but also helps my speed and comprehension
skills too. Now I can read an understand any of those
"wordy" art books ,without taking ten years to "get"
it.
14. Tell me the history behind what I consider your
best piece of art.... Red Vixen Fairy.
The "Red Vixen" was my first serious piece included on
my main artist portfolio and bio on the Internet. I
wanted to go back to the feel of another sexy red head
fairy I had drawn before and sold to a private
collector. I looked for a pose that spoke to me and
redrew the stance for my fairy, adding a new face,
hair and wings etc. The end product was larger than
most of my pieces, thus resulting in a bad scan of the
pic. I had to use a digital camera to make a scan of
it in the computer and the lighting is never as good
as a flatbed scan.
I then put her up on the Internet on my new "EBSQ" art
member page and waited for the comments to start
rolling in. I've never looked back since.
15. Tell me about the time you usually spend on
studying your subject matter.
Well, I like to use photos I have taken myself.(this
is not always possible ...but works best) So, that
gives all my friends that are female a cool way to
have free glamor shots done! ha ha (though glamor
shots most of the time aren't nude...but fairies are)
.......a lot of my friends are good sports and gladly
help me achieve the looks I need and poses I need to
complete a custom piece of art work.
All of this results in lots of time spent looking at
photos and studying figures and lighting etc.
16. Do you feel as if you'll be leaving a legacy
behind for other Artists and Art lovers to cherish?
I'd love to think so....yes.
I just hope that my work will be fully recognized
before I die....unlike so many other of the great
masters. Even still, I would take it if I just knew
that somewhere my style and vision would never die and
people would still look at my work somewhere on Earth
or in the stars (when we start doing the whole Star
Trek thing for real...I want one of my paintings to
hang in the captain's chambers on the Star Ship
Enterprise) he he
17. Where would you direct me if I wanted to buy some
of your works?
Ebay is a good place to look ...but there may or may
not be any auctions there at any given moment. The
best thing to do is just do a search for my name (Carl
Gookins) and then look at the sites you get back to
see what is available. (most all are sold on ebay
though) Most of the time people will just order a
custom piece they want done and then Ill do it for
them as a private collector. Details for custom work
are always posted on my profiles on the Internet. Or,
if all else fails....just email me at :
artbycarlgookins@yahoo.com ..and Ill write you back
with the info you request.
18. Anything that I may have missed that you'd care to
comment on?
Yes, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ...are the
coolest comics and toys ever made!!!
(I'm an old and new school TMNT fan)
19. What's in the future for Carl?
I see me living a good life....with family and
friends....maybe traveling some ...maybe try to give
something back to this world that has given me so
much. Always hanging with those friends that loved me
no matter what happened and that one special girl (I
have yet to find on the date of this interview)
....just loving and living out the rest of our days in
happiness.
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Thanks everyone for reading about me. Good luck to all
those out there that are on hard times.... your
vision, your art ...is for a reason....even it is only
ever meant to be your own.
The END. (Though...not yet even really the whole
beginning)
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