What gives you the most pleasure about the whole process of creating art?
Surprising myself....sometimes it might be a reaction to an accident....sometimes it might be a solution to problems that I didn’t anticipate. Most of the time, it’s things that may be barely apparent to anyone but me. It could be a series of textures or brush strokes that come together in a way that’s better than I imagined... maybe it’s a compositional brainstorm that arrives in the nick of time... it’s definitely the surprises.
You’re exceedingly generous to other artists and I know you’re more than willing to help out new artists. Who have you seen in the last couple of years that you believe we’ll be hearing a lot more from in the next decade?
I think more and more Westerners are realizing how much phenomenal non-American talent is out there. It’s not just all about the Americans and the Brits any more, if it ever was to begin with. Shaun Tan has been a monster for years in his home country of Australia, but he’s finally broken out huge here in America with his book The Arrival. At any rate, it’s hard to call him a secret when he’s already won two World Fantasy Awards, but he’s always terrific. Aleksi Briclot is doing amazing mixed-media work over in Paris. I like a couple of Raul Cruz’s latest spacescape oils a lot; he’s based in Mexico City. Other artists that’ve really struck me lately: Nic Klein (Germany); Xiao Chen Fu (China); Joao Ruas (Brazil); Skan Srisuwan (Thailand); and Maurizio Manzieri (Italy), amongst others. We’re seeing more and more international talent getting American exposure. That’s a good thing.
What else are you currently working on?
I’m juggling a few hot ones right now — a couple of wraparound book covers — one’s for Lou Anders’ Fast Forward 2; the other is for Robert Silverberg’s Son of Man (both for Pyr); a couple of STAR TREK covers for Simon & Schuster/Pocket. Around all that, I’m diving into the aforementioned cover and interiors for the sixth and final ELRIC edition from Del Rey. So I get the honor of bookending that series, and that’s a big deal. It’ll be great to see the work of my fellow ELRIC artists in the series — Michael Kaluta (Book 2 and Book 5); Steve Ellis (Book 3); and Justin Sweet (Book 4). 2008 should be an interesting year. Whatever happens though, as long as I’m working, I’m happy.
(A small portion of this interview first appeared on Amazon’s Omnivoracious blog.)
More of John’s artwork can be admired at his website and blog.
About the Author
Jeff VanderMeer is an award-winning writer with books published in over 20 countries. He has collaborated on short films with rock groups like The Church, has had his fiction adapted for promotional purposes by Playstation Europe (by filmmaker Joel Veitch), and writes for the Amazon book blog, io9, New York Times Book Review and The Washington Post, among others.
Jeff’s novel Finch and writing book, Booklife, are forthcoming this Fall.
Clarkesworld Magazine - Issue 20 Page 4