What's your favorite thing to draw right now?
I've been fairly goat-focused recently. I tend to be really interested in the facts surrounding whatever it is I am drawing, though ultimately, that's not necessarily visible in the work I produce. It feels important to me to know why I am drawing goats in a tree, to be able to say, "This is real, goats eat the fruit of the Argan tree." Not that I'm producing these very-accurate images—it's more a matter of being true to the spirit of a subject. The research also often leads me to new topics to get excited about.
What's your sketchbook philosophy? Can you talk a little bit about your notebooks?
It's an all-inclusive philosophy. The sketchbooks end up being more of a diary and series of to-do lists filled with drawings that are tangentially related. I find that doodling in between writing items on a packing list, for example, helps me think of more things to add to the list, and adding things helps me think of things that I want to draw. I also just love having context for my dumb little throw-away sketches, to remember that I drew this flamingo-bear when I was worried that I was not getting enough potassium.
What do you think about discipline? How do you make yourself approach projects that perhaps have gone a little stale?
Revisiting things that are old is a huge struggle for me. I tend to lose all interest as soon as I step away from something. That's also how all these notes come in handy—if something I jotted down next to concept sketch can make me laugh, or can remind of something I initially found exciting, that's a great way to feel invested again.
What are your obsessions?
Do we mean art-related obsessions? Not wearing socks is my prime motivation at this point. Of course, like a good cat-mom, I am very obsessed with Olive. Food-wise I just discovered Cara Cara oranges through a coworker and am now on the lookout for those. Art-wise I've been experimenting with ink, digital collage, and making little stamps.
Do you have any pictures taped up in your room that are particularly special? I still have that tiger you gave me taped to my door. The goats are there, too.
I like to have a healthy amount of stuff on my wall. Directly above my desk is a vintage tablecloth map of Europe. There's a lot going on with it, but in a very cohesive and realized way. I connected with it immediately as an object; the colors toe the line between hideous and beautiful somehow. For pictures and postcards, we've been hanging those on the front door since our fridge is not magnetic. I find those sorts of things somewhat difficult to have by my work space, as they can prompt friend-guilt and I start to feel like I need to check in with a lot of people, but I like seeing them when I'm having breakfast and heading off to work.
This is maybe a little gross, but I have a few small things I've made framed and nearby. It's never the most finished pieces. Having the sketches up is more inspiring to me.
How has having a cat changed your creative process? Having another little being in the house? A new family member?
As much as I love having a cat, she definitely hasn't helped the creative process! All of a sudden she became a total lap cat and I am not good at removing her. In my home life, with David and Olive, I am the most comfortable I've ever been, which is great, but can be a bit of a problem. I find external motivation more important than ever to help prioritize and stay motivated. I like a little bit of pressure.
What have you been reading lately? Writing?
I just finished reading Tunneling to the Center of the Earth and really liked that. I was really into Number One Party Anthem by the Arctic Monkeys, which sounds like an LMFAO chart-topper but is actually a slow, sad, pretty little song. Currently seeking my summer jam.