Dan Harding, Eclectix Interview 23

The artist, Dan Harding

” Textures play a big role in inspiring me. Whether it’s a piece of wood with some cool pattern to it or just the way dried out grass looks. “

Sunburn - Dan Harding

A New Jersey based artist, Dan’s art is scary, gooey and magnificent in all it’s gory details. The flesh on his creatures  melt and drip down their skeleton armature, while bones jut sharp through the transparent and sometimes frail, skin. Bodily fluids glisten and congeal with a masterful realism, flesh rots in a mottled, bruised and peeling despair and reptilian scales form in unexpected transformations. One can feel the creative and imaginative trance Dan must immerse himself in while working, luminous layers of color and radiation flow into his fantasy brain children.

Maw - Dan Harding

My favorite art memory from my childhood is… One of my favorite things to do when I was a kid was to stay up late on Friday and Saturday to watch Fright Night and Chiller Theater. I would have a pad of paper so I could draw while I watched all of these great horror movies. I’d try to draw what I saw and at the same time was inspired to create my own monsters. That was a blast!

Untitled - Dan Harding

My interest in art started …. As far back as I can remember I always loved to draw. I always had some paper and a crayon, pencil or whatever. One of the first things I remember drawing were these little stick figure, battle scenes. I could go through an entire pad of paper in one sitting doing that !

Dan Harding

 I am often inspired and motivated by…. Aside from horror movies, textures play a big role in inspiring me. Whether it’s a piece of wood with some cool pattern to it or just the way dried out grass looks. I get a lot ideas from that and it definitely gets me excited to start sketching a bunch of concepts or jumping right into a painting.

Pestilence - Dan Harding

If I could spend the day with any artist (dead or alive) it would be… And we would….  It would have to be Frank Frazetta (below) and we would definitely sit down and paint. To watch him paint would be a dream come true! Plus a huge learning experience. I was lucky enough to visit his museum in East Stroudsburg, PA and see his work up close. The man was brilliant!!

The Snake's Hug - Frank Frazetta

The tip or art technique (a specific tidbit of craft, advice or mechanical expertise) that has helped me the most is ….  Don’t try to fix a mistake with more paint. Sounds funny but after I heard that things got a little easier (lol). I remember saying “all of this looks really cool except for this one spot” and instead of wiping out that section, I’d try to work it out with more paint and wind up ruining the whole damn piece! When I first started using oil paint, I did that a lot. It’s way less stressful and a lot cheaper to ” wipe it out”. I “wipe it out” by putting some thinner on a rag and gently scrub, removing the part I don’t like. Being careful not to use to much thinner so I don’t get drips on the parts I want left in there.   I can’t tell you how many pieces of canvas and masonite I’ve thrown away or painted over, before I discovered this. For me, it always killed the idea too.

 

Pickman's Model - Dan Harding

If I could own one piece of art, out of the world’s collections, it would be … Again, it would be a Frazetta. I know there is so much amazing art in the world but none of it had the affect on me the way Frazetta’s “Death Dealer” did. (below)   When I saw that for the first time I was so blown away! I knew then I wanted to become a better artist. Though, if I had that I’d get nothing done because I’d be staring at it all day (lol).

Death Dealer 1 - Frank Frazetta

My favorite piece of my own art is…, because… “Skull” (below) - because it was at that point I started to let go of what I thought I was supposed to be doing (to get a job doing art) and just start to paint what I wanted. I learned a lot doing that piece and it re-inspired me, after feeling frustrated with my art for a long time.

Skull - Dan Harding

 My ultimate project or fantasy is … Probably something in SPFX. (Special Effects) I’ve always loved creating creatures and to have an opportunity to do that – whether it’s concept drawing or sculpting – would be awesome!

End of the Line - Dan Harding

The last song I choose to listen to was… Sulfur from Slipknot.

Serpent - Dan Harding

The last book I couldn’t put down was ….

“Dispatch” from Bentley Little. Lots of really cool imagery in there.

Hey Man - Dan Harding

My favorite word is … Hey!

Famine - Dan Harding

I can’t live without …  Air… and cheeseburgers.

Meathead - Dan Harding

It’s not hip, but I really love … Smoking (lol)

Switch - Dan Harding

My favorite motto (or quote)  is….

“A man who limits his interests, limits his life”.  Vincent Price

Burnt - Dan Harding

Your “monsters” are some of the best out there, any insight into how they evolved?  I really just paint things that are fun or interesting to me and love doing it. Monsters have always been a part of my life and getting more creative with them over time is a natural progression for anyone I think. You get better the more you do something. I have a long way to go but I’m happy with the direction my art is heading.

Link to Dan’s Website  

LINK to the current Eclectix website – art news & exhibit listings

Christine Benjamin, Eclectix Interview 21

Photo of Christine by Michael Foley, Hat by Lacey

“I like the idea of death being teased by my little bratty sock monkey character…”

Sock Monkey - Christine Benjamin

Christine is a true local, home grown in San Jose, one of the original Berryessa clan. A fantastic artist and all-around great person – full of life, vitality and cheer. She is a painter, illustrator and art doll maker; creating colorful, quirky and vibrant imagery of all sorts. Space women, skeletons, monsters, sock monkeys, robots and mod girls –  in various playful antics. Accomplished in so many medias, it’s hard to pin down her one strength. She is a seasoned professional and was always communicative, prompt and reliable whenever Eclectix worked with her on exhibits. Humble, accessible and enthusiastic without the overly sensitive baggage many artists carry around. Her art reflects her sweet and talented personality, shining through the darkness, transforming the scary into the fun and our fears into celebrations.

Christine Benjamin

My favorite art memory from my childhood is … I used to make paper dolls and puppets for my younger sister. The paper dolls would be fashion proportions – so very long legs and I would make them lots of clothes to wear – that were in style at that time. I would make my sister and I puppets from socks or paper bags and we would put on shows for our friends.

Mod Girl, felted doll - Christine Benjamin

My interest in art/painting started …  when I was 1 year old. My mother gave me crayons and paper and kept buying me art supplies when I would run out. She would always have friends that we would visit and they wouldn’t usually have kids my age so I would bring paper to draw on to entertain myself.

Beetlejuice - Christine Benjamin

I am often inspired and motivated by … My sister motivates me to push myself in different directions. She will see something in a sketch that I’ve done and help me to see it in a different way – a certain story or meaning that I maybe didn’t intend. My good friend Tracy who is an amazing artist always sees the other side of what I am working on and this helps me to complete the story. He will always give good critiques that help me push myself farther. My son draws really fun characters and it inspires me to loosen up. I also love classic monster and SciFi Movies, and reading comic novels.

Dead Dude - Christine Benjamin

If I could spend the day with any artist (dead or alive) it would be … Jim Woodring who is an awesome artist – comic artist. (below)

Divinorum - Jim Woodring

And we would… get coffee and talk about his concepts for his comic novels and then go back to his studio to paint or draw. His drawings and paintings are beautifully colorful and the imagery is crazy. I met him in person a few times at Comic Con and he is very humble and a genuine nice person.

Oh Beehive - Christine Benjamin

The tip or art technique (a specific tidbit of craft, advice or mechanical expertise) that has helped me the most is …. I would say for artists to always have a sketch book and pencils, pens with them. That way if you get an idea you can sketch it or write it down. Ideas come quickly and if I don’t write them down I will usually forget. I have so many sketch books and I always refer to them for for ideas.

Inside cover spread of journal - Christine Benjamin

If I could own one piece of art, out of the world’s collections, it would be …Frida Kahlo’s “Self Portrait With Monkey”  because she is one of my very favorite artists and this painting is my favorite. She put so much expression into the monkey’s faces and the detail in her face, clothes are delicate and beautifully rendered.

Christine Benjamin

My favorite piece of my own art is … a painting I did called “Teasing Death”. (see image below) It shows a skeleton chasing a sock monkey who is carrying a donut. I like the idea of death being teased by my little bratty sock monkey character – Chico. The skeleton looks sad and pathetic and the sock monkey has a smug look on his face.

Teasing Death - Christine Benjamin

My ultimate project or fantasy is … It would be to have my dolls come to life in a short movie – stop motion. I would love to create any characters that I want and my own story and have enough time to do something incredible.

Sea Creature Doll - Christine Benjamin

The last song I chose to listen to was … “Super Rad” by The Aquabats. They are one of my favorite bands – really fun guys dressed in super hero costumes fighting monsters on stage.

The Devil Took My Records - Christine Benjamin

The last book I couldn’t put down was … “Wearing Dad’s Head” By Barry Yourgrau. A compilation of short bizarre stories.

Tiki Beat - Christine Benjamin

I can’t live without … my art supplies and my dog “Mr. Bon Bon”. I have to make art and I love being with my little fluffy dog.

Christine Benjamin

It’s not hip, but I really love … oatmeal with honey.

Martian Girl - Christine Benjamin

My favorite word is … chiaroscuro. ( Definition: The treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting and/or An effect of contrasted light and shadow created by light falling unevenly or from a particular direction on something.)

City Stroll - Christine Benjamin

My favorite motto (or quote)  is…. “If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to meet it.”  by Jonathan Winters.

Let It Go - Christine Benjamin

Christine’s – Website 

Wilomena - Christine Benjamin

LINK to the current Eclectix website – art news & exhibit listings

(This entry was  originally posted on 6/1/11 and transferred here –  as we are discontinuing our other blog site)

Transferred comments:

Willow Glen Norma

I love how the images sneak into my psyche — makes for some sweet dreaming!  Love your work Christine.

Thursday, June 2, 2011 – 12:06 PM

Jen

I love the inside spread of your journal…it would be cool to have a whole “Christine Room” somewhere covered with the characters. I really need to get better about sketching myself…you’re inspiring me!

Thursday, June 2, 2011 – 02:24 PM

Anonymous

Chris, I can’t wait for the stop-motion movie with your dolls. You’ll give Tim Burton a run for his money.
Britta;-}

Thursday, June 2, 2011 – 02:52 PM

Anonymous

You’re a wonderfully talented artist and an amazing gal. Thanks for sharing your creativity and whimsy! -Carrie

Thursday, June 2, 2011 – 04:43 PM

Christine and Clementine

We love your new art work.  Bouffant is a unique one.  Miss you.

Thursday, June 2, 2011 – 07:46 PM

Christine Benjamin

Thanks so much everyone for all the awesome comments! You all keep me going!
xo,
Christine B.

Thursday, June 2, 2011 – 08:27 PM

Christine Benjamin

And a BIG thanks to Patricia for the super interview!
xo,
Christine

Thursday, June 2, 2011 – 08:29 PM

Paul from Sun Jose

Thank you so much for even more details on your incredible life Christine.  Your art always creates fun, and humor in my mind!  I will have to bring up more chiaroscuro conversations next time I see you.  hehehe
Paul

Thursday, June 2, 2011 – 10:20 PM

Anonymous

rock on Christine! great piece about you and your work!!

Thursday, June 2, 2011 – 10:27 PM

Owen Smith, Eclectix Interview 20

The artist, Owen Smith

“Don’t let the bastards grind you down…”

Owen’s Studio

Owen is a master fine artist – a painter, muralist, mosaic artist and a sculptor. A local, whose lively works were featured in the last Eclectix “Flesh” issue, he is currently working for the San Francisco Arts Commission and teaches at the California College of the Arts.  His illustrative and fine art works have graced many editorials, CD covers and magazines – permeating pop culture for at least the last 20 years. They have a vibrant, lusty feel to them, conjuring up 1940’s Los Angeles, vintage detective stories and film noir – many with a WPA mural feel, a little of the “strong worker” and the “heroic little guy”. They are distinctly American, part gritty crime drama – mutt offsprings of our sordid pasts, sensuous exploits and our brash history – adventures from the New Deal to Hunter S. Thompson. We just love his swirling world of pulp flesh!

Owen Smith

My favorite art memory from my childhood is … My twin brother Aaron and I would sit around fantasizing about what kind of amusement park we would have if we were as rich as W. Disney.  We’d sketch crazy themed rides: Giant Octopus/Squid rides, Medusa vs. Jason rides, Haunted Circus rides (complete with freaks), etc…

Owen Smith

My interest in art/painting started …  as soon as my eyes could focus.

Brigid - Owen Smith

I am often inspired and motivated by … being in Big Cities. There is an excitement and desperation that is infectious and frightening.  That kind of energy can sometimes motivate me and sometimes cause paralysis and procrastination.

Owen Smith

If I could spend the day with any artist (dead or alive) it would be …  Right now it would be Rodin (below) because I am currently obsessed with sculpture and he was an amazing bridge between traditional sculpture and modernism.   And we would… I’d just watch him work.  He seems like he’d be intimidating as hell. A force.

Rodin- Sculpture

The tip or art technique (a specific tidbit of craft, advice or mechanical expertise) that has helped me the most is ….  Learn to draw from observation… and learn to accept one’s own drawing quirks.

Owen Smith

If I could own one piece of art, out of the world’s collections, it would be …probably a Van Gogh self portrait (below).  Of all figurative work they seem the most personal and alive.  Next week it would be something else.  How can you pick one?

Self Portrait - Van Gogh

My favorite piece of my own art is … “K.O”… (below)  because… it has mystery and sexual tension.

“K.O.” - Owen Smith

Your work recalls Thomas Hart Benton – was he an influence? Benton (below has certainly been an influence.  I saw a fantastic retrospective of his work years ago in NYC.  The work was amazing, some of it surprisingly progressive, some of it pure kitsch.  He was quite a character.

Persephone - Thomas Hart Benton

 My ultimate project or fantasy is … to design a complete environment: a building, the sculptural ornamentation, murals, furniture and so on.

Behemoth - Owen Smith

The last song I chose to listen to was … “Your Love is as Black as Night” by Melody Gardot

Owen Smith

The last book I couldn’t put down was … “Tooth and Claw” by T.C. Boyle

Sam Spade - Owen Smith

I can’t live without … my wife, kids, art…and coffee.

Dragon Lady - Owen Smith

It’s not hip, but I really love … old train stations, brick warehouses, kitsch sculptural monuments.

Owen Smith

My favorite word is …indelible, dogged, luscious, ruminate, scoundrel.

Owen Smith

You did a painting of Hunter S. Thompson for Rolling Stone years ago; I just loved the feel in it.  Can you tell us a little about that project? The painting of Hunter S. Thompson (below) was from a group of photographs.  I don’t think it was a particularly good likeness…but it did capture something about his personality.  I didn’t get any feedback from Thompson or RS, but a famous actor bought it as a gift for his famous actor buddy…who was played Thompson in a certain movie.  (hint, hint)

Hunter S. Thompson (for Rolling Stone) - Owen Smith

 My favorite motto (or quote)  is…. “Illegitimi non Carborundum”  (a mock-Latin aphorism meaning “Don’t let the bastards grind you down”)

Owen Smith

A peek at some of his current fantastic mosaic murals, in progress, at the Laguna Honda Hospital – HERE.

FIN - Owen Smith

Link to Owen’s Website

Owen Smith

LINK to the current Eclectix website – art news & exhibit listings

(This entry was  originally posted on 4/28/11 and transferred here –  as we are discontinuing our other blog site)