MEET AN ARTIST CONT'D
Can you remember one of the first things you drew?
Unfortunately it’s all kinda lumped together, but I remember one of my teachers back in primary school asking me to draw a Christmas card for the class and it had a bell on it, and that sticks out in my mind for some reason. I also have an early memory of watching a show on t.v where the guy would draw different animals and I would sit there and mimic what he drew.
What makes it memorable?
For the Christmas card it was memorable for a couple of reasons. 1) I was raised Jehovah’s Witness, so I remember my little mind going through a severe conflict with itself over drawing something I didn’t believe in. lol 2) It was my first memory of people actually being fascinated that I could draw, and since it was the only thing I was good at, that sense of admiration was intoxicating to my young pride. For the t.v show, I think I was just enraptured with the fact that there were people out there that could draw as well as that guy, and I wanted to be like him. Plus, I remember my mom watching me and marveling over my ability, which again fueled my little ego. LOL
I would like to ask if you’ve ever designed any artwork for an author (cover image, maps, interior art - including font styles - etc.)?
I’ve done covers for 6 novels now. 1 for John Cullin’s book Crown of Horns; Omar Kennedy’s The Soltreian Chronicles; Allen Weaver’s Speedsuit Powers; and 3 books for Eric Cooper of his character Knightseeker. Besides The Soltreian Chronicles I’ve done the interior artwork for all of the books.
Where do you gather most of the inspiration for your works?
I'm inspired and influenced everyday by everything I see…anything that’s exciting and new. Artists that are pushing the envelope and following their own path. It can be an "unknown" artist, a puddle, a movie, or anything that sparks my imagination. When I used to frequent deviantart that was a huge inspiration..there are just so many talented
artist out here. My biggest inspiration growing up though was mythology and sci-fi. Now, I try to meld those with black culture, my Caribbean roots, and hip-hop. Oh, and Google. lol
Where were you born and did your upbringing have a strong influence towards your creative development?
I was born and raised for 16 years on the island of Barbados in the Caribbean. Growing up, this fact didn't have that much of an influence on my creative development. All comics and alot of things were imported from America, so I was mimicking a lot of what I saw. It's only now, with the benefit of age and the drive to be an individual, that I see how lucky I am to have been born there in my formative years because it gives me a much wider viewpoint of creativity. I can now draw upon references that will add a more unique flavor to my stories, and build upon a culture I was able to experience firsthand.
Have you ever stepped out of your comfort zone and discovered a whole new genre of art?
I’ve experimented with water colors and colored pencil before. I’m currently trying to work with more graffiti type images, since I’m developing a character by the name of Aizan that’s deep into that culture. I would love to eventually play around with other new mediums.
How did it turn out?
Each had its own level of success and failures…which is a fancy way for me to say I sucked at it. Lol The water color stuff was tough but very exciting, and I’m looking forward to play with that technique more. Likewise with the graffiti stuff. It’s amazing how each genre of art has its own rules and techniques.
Do you have any other interesting hobbies?
I don’t know how interesting it is, but I’m a big hip-hop fan and in my spare time I write a lot of songs and try to record when I can. Look for the Aizan album coming soon.
Where can we reach you if we are interested in commissioning you for our own projects?
I can be reached at pyroglyphics1@comcast.net
July 2014
49
SHAWN ALLEYNE