Posts tagged with chris mohney
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Finding Fulfillment in ‘Bending Steel’
Of the thousands and thousands of micro-cultures extant today, the pursuit of bending things is a particularly niche obsession. This is the world of Bending Steel, which follows the personal journey of Chris Schoeck as he tries to find path forward to improving his body, mind, and spirit. He locates this path via the traditions of the vaudeville strongmen of Coney Island, who were known to bend nails, horseshoes, and steel bars with their hands, legs, necks, or even their hair and teeth. As Schoeck trains and challenges himself to bend, he finds a family of sorts among other would-be strongmen — the kind of kinship and validation that had eluded him for his entire life. The story culminates in a strongman show on Coney Island where Schoeck attempts to bend a steel bar that has always defeated him before, in front of his friends and a crowd of strangers who represent all his fears and doubts. We spoke to director Dave Carroll and producer/cinematographer Ryan Scafuro about how Bending Steel became a film and what its narrative means for Schoeck and for themselves.
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![I Am Legion: Universe of One
Cheyne Gallarde was born and raised in Hawaii in the 80s, but he claims “my soul feels like it was born in the 50s.” His affection for midcentury Americana is plainly evident in the fashion photography of Gallarde’s studio Firebird Photography. Gallarde’s work combines a love of theater (and the theatrical) with maximalist colors and a kinetic feel. All of these elements came together in his Universe of One project, where Gallarde photographs himself as various characters using all the tools at his command, from makeup and wardrobe to lighting and backdrops. After testing the waters with his Tumblr, Gallarde decided to transform his transformations into a book via Kickstarter, with a modest cash goal that was funded almost immediately. Before that’s even done, he’ll spin it off into a second book, Twinsies, which will get its own Kickstarter very shortly. To demonstrate his skills, Gallarde offered to incarnate our own David Karp, and the man himself graciously accepted. The results and process may be seen above, and our talk with Gallarde appears below.
[[MORE]]
When did you get interested in photography?
I’ve always been involved in art — been sketching since I was a child. Photography seemed like a natural progression, which combined my theater experience and graphic design background. I’ve been shooting professionally for five years now.
Who would you describe as your influences as a photographer?
I try not to follow other photographers because I feel that influences my work too much, so I turn towards other types of artists for inspiration. My biggest influence is actually American painter Norman Rockwell. His ability to tell a rich story in a single painting continues to inspire me to be a better storyteller. Photos for me should be self-contained movies.
You also aren’t afraid to get in front of the camera.
Actually, I’m extremely self-conscious. However, there was a turning point in my career where I realized I needed to get over that irrational fear. I believe that in order to be a better director, you need to experience what your subjects experience.
All your photo work is very humanistic — lots of portraits, lots of tableaux involving people as characters.
It definitely stems from my theater experience and love of films. Storytelling has always been one of my strong points, so I feel that by including thematic elements or characters, it conveys the story better. There is almost always a protagonist in my photos.
When and how did the idea for Universe of One come about? You mention Cindy Sherman as an inspiration.
Cindy Sherman’s art was the creative catalyst for Universe of One, but it evolved from there. After reading a magazine interview with her, I became obsessed with her art, and that obsession finally came full circle when I went to view her exhibit at the SFMoMA a couple months ago. I set out to create a self portrait project that continued the spirit of her work. In my opinion, her more powerful images were ones that reminded you of someone you may have met or known personally. I wanted to play with that blurry line that made people question “is this person real or not?”.
Had you ever tried doing something like Universe of One before?
Like most photographers, I’ve definitely shot the occasional self-portrait — but it was never at this grand scale! Luckily I had experience doing wardrobe and styling for Firebird fashion shoots, so the only difference was that I was the subject this time.
Were you always thinking of doing a book?
I started posting the photos to Tumblr, which was like my virtual archive. But the thought of “what next?” started to frustrate me, so it felt like a book was the most natural progression. Taking the leap from screen to printed page is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.
What have some of the reactions been like to your various characters? Are any more popular than others, particularly?
The reaction has been very mixed. There are people who appreciate it on an artistic level because they’re just aesthetically nice portraits to look at. Then there are people who know what I truly look like and they appreciate it on a deeper level because of the amount of work that went into each portrait. Recently though, some people have been in an uproar over some images they perceived as offensive. But that’s fine with me because I’ve always believed art should provoke … otherwise it’s not worthy of being called art.
Which character was your favorite to create?
Definitely Lindsey, the 80s blonde chick. I actually love being the female characters. There’s something very relaxing about putting on makeup and transforming. Twirling my hair is also fun!
Other than “acting” as each character, the Universe of One photos also seem like they must require a lot of technical work in costuming, makeup, props, and especially lighting.
Each portrait comes with its own unique set of demands. I never like doing anything too predictable, so even if a portrait is pretty straightforward, I try to think of creative ways to up the anté. For my recent Great Gatsby series, I could have easily bought some vintage flapper dresses, but chose to make them out of newspaper instead. Creative decisions like that help to elevate them beyond ordinary. But I must confess that sometimes when I’m sweating off my makeup wearing a fragile outfit that’s tearing at the seams and setting up my hot lights that I regret making those decisions! But in the end, it’s all good as long as it looks good!
Were you surprised at how quickly the book’s Kickstarter was funded?
Indeed! My network of friends definitely came through with their support, which I am so grateful for. It also surprised me when complete strangers backed my Kickstarter, which was awesome!
Any plans to tour with the book or any other special promotion?
Currently, I have a photo exhibit scheduled at Honolulu’s Loading Zone gallery in April, where some of the props and costumes will be on display. After that, I have a few clever ideas for book promotion involving some recognizable celebrities.
Do you think you’ll still continue to make and shoot characters like those in Universe of One?
Definitely! The project was designed as an ever-expanding catalog, and there’s an endless amount of inspiration in the world. The world is full of lovely faces. Lately, I’ve been signing off my emails with “I look forward to being YOU soon.”
— Chris Mohney](http://24.media.tumblr.com/a4b2178328230b75b86650dbc22db387/tumblr_mk7vsjWnhK1rrpm57o1_1280.jpg)
![I Am Legion: Universe of One
Cheyne Gallarde was born and raised in Hawaii in the 80s, but he claims “my soul feels like it was born in the 50s.” His affection for midcentury Americana is plainly evident in the fashion photography of Gallarde’s studio Firebird Photography. Gallarde’s work combines a love of theater (and the theatrical) with maximalist colors and a kinetic feel. All of these elements came together in his Universe of One project, where Gallarde photographs himself as various characters using all the tools at his command, from makeup and wardrobe to lighting and backdrops. After testing the waters with his Tumblr, Gallarde decided to transform his transformations into a book via Kickstarter, with a modest cash goal that was funded almost immediately. Before that’s even done, he’ll spin it off into a second book, Twinsies, which will get its own Kickstarter very shortly. To demonstrate his skills, Gallarde offered to incarnate our own David Karp, and the man himself graciously accepted. The results and process may be seen above, and our talk with Gallarde appears below.
[[MORE]]
When did you get interested in photography?
I’ve always been involved in art — been sketching since I was a child. Photography seemed like a natural progression, which combined my theater experience and graphic design background. I’ve been shooting professionally for five years now.
Who would you describe as your influences as a photographer?
I try not to follow other photographers because I feel that influences my work too much, so I turn towards other types of artists for inspiration. My biggest influence is actually American painter Norman Rockwell. His ability to tell a rich story in a single painting continues to inspire me to be a better storyteller. Photos for me should be self-contained movies.
You also aren’t afraid to get in front of the camera.
Actually, I’m extremely self-conscious. However, there was a turning point in my career where I realized I needed to get over that irrational fear. I believe that in order to be a better director, you need to experience what your subjects experience.
All your photo work is very humanistic — lots of portraits, lots of tableaux involving people as characters.
It definitely stems from my theater experience and love of films. Storytelling has always been one of my strong points, so I feel that by including thematic elements or characters, it conveys the story better. There is almost always a protagonist in my photos.
When and how did the idea for Universe of One come about? You mention Cindy Sherman as an inspiration.
Cindy Sherman’s art was the creative catalyst for Universe of One, but it evolved from there. After reading a magazine interview with her, I became obsessed with her art, and that obsession finally came full circle when I went to view her exhibit at the SFMoMA a couple months ago. I set out to create a self portrait project that continued the spirit of her work. In my opinion, her more powerful images were ones that reminded you of someone you may have met or known personally. I wanted to play with that blurry line that made people question “is this person real or not?”.
Had you ever tried doing something like Universe of One before?
Like most photographers, I’ve definitely shot the occasional self-portrait — but it was never at this grand scale! Luckily I had experience doing wardrobe and styling for Firebird fashion shoots, so the only difference was that I was the subject this time.
Were you always thinking of doing a book?
I started posting the photos to Tumblr, which was like my virtual archive. But the thought of “what next?” started to frustrate me, so it felt like a book was the most natural progression. Taking the leap from screen to printed page is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.
What have some of the reactions been like to your various characters? Are any more popular than others, particularly?
The reaction has been very mixed. There are people who appreciate it on an artistic level because they’re just aesthetically nice portraits to look at. Then there are people who know what I truly look like and they appreciate it on a deeper level because of the amount of work that went into each portrait. Recently though, some people have been in an uproar over some images they perceived as offensive. But that’s fine with me because I’ve always believed art should provoke … otherwise it’s not worthy of being called art.
Which character was your favorite to create?
Definitely Lindsey, the 80s blonde chick. I actually love being the female characters. There’s something very relaxing about putting on makeup and transforming. Twirling my hair is also fun!
Other than “acting” as each character, the Universe of One photos also seem like they must require a lot of technical work in costuming, makeup, props, and especially lighting.
Each portrait comes with its own unique set of demands. I never like doing anything too predictable, so even if a portrait is pretty straightforward, I try to think of creative ways to up the anté. For my recent Great Gatsby series, I could have easily bought some vintage flapper dresses, but chose to make them out of newspaper instead. Creative decisions like that help to elevate them beyond ordinary. But I must confess that sometimes when I’m sweating off my makeup wearing a fragile outfit that’s tearing at the seams and setting up my hot lights that I regret making those decisions! But in the end, it’s all good as long as it looks good!
Were you surprised at how quickly the book’s Kickstarter was funded?
Indeed! My network of friends definitely came through with their support, which I am so grateful for. It also surprised me when complete strangers backed my Kickstarter, which was awesome!
Any plans to tour with the book or any other special promotion?
Currently, I have a photo exhibit scheduled at Honolulu’s Loading Zone gallery in April, where some of the props and costumes will be on display. After that, I have a few clever ideas for book promotion involving some recognizable celebrities.
Do you think you’ll still continue to make and shoot characters like those in Universe of One?
Definitely! The project was designed as an ever-expanding catalog, and there’s an endless amount of inspiration in the world. The world is full of lovely faces. Lately, I’ve been signing off my emails with “I look forward to being YOU soon.”
— Chris Mohney](http://24.media.tumblr.com/f14a05dbfedab29d1803e033c941b282/tumblr_mk7vsjWnhK1rrpm57o2_1280.jpg)
![I Am Legion: Universe of One
Cheyne Gallarde was born and raised in Hawaii in the 80s, but he claims “my soul feels like it was born in the 50s.” His affection for midcentury Americana is plainly evident in the fashion photography of Gallarde’s studio Firebird Photography. Gallarde’s work combines a love of theater (and the theatrical) with maximalist colors and a kinetic feel. All of these elements came together in his Universe of One project, where Gallarde photographs himself as various characters using all the tools at his command, from makeup and wardrobe to lighting and backdrops. After testing the waters with his Tumblr, Gallarde decided to transform his transformations into a book via Kickstarter, with a modest cash goal that was funded almost immediately. Before that’s even done, he’ll spin it off into a second book, Twinsies, which will get its own Kickstarter very shortly. To demonstrate his skills, Gallarde offered to incarnate our own David Karp, and the man himself graciously accepted. The results and process may be seen above, and our talk with Gallarde appears below.
[[MORE]]
When did you get interested in photography?
I’ve always been involved in art — been sketching since I was a child. Photography seemed like a natural progression, which combined my theater experience and graphic design background. I’ve been shooting professionally for five years now.
Who would you describe as your influences as a photographer?
I try not to follow other photographers because I feel that influences my work too much, so I turn towards other types of artists for inspiration. My biggest influence is actually American painter Norman Rockwell. His ability to tell a rich story in a single painting continues to inspire me to be a better storyteller. Photos for me should be self-contained movies.
You also aren’t afraid to get in front of the camera.
Actually, I’m extremely self-conscious. However, there was a turning point in my career where I realized I needed to get over that irrational fear. I believe that in order to be a better director, you need to experience what your subjects experience.
All your photo work is very humanistic — lots of portraits, lots of tableaux involving people as characters.
It definitely stems from my theater experience and love of films. Storytelling has always been one of my strong points, so I feel that by including thematic elements or characters, it conveys the story better. There is almost always a protagonist in my photos.
When and how did the idea for Universe of One come about? You mention Cindy Sherman as an inspiration.
Cindy Sherman’s art was the creative catalyst for Universe of One, but it evolved from there. After reading a magazine interview with her, I became obsessed with her art, and that obsession finally came full circle when I went to view her exhibit at the SFMoMA a couple months ago. I set out to create a self portrait project that continued the spirit of her work. In my opinion, her more powerful images were ones that reminded you of someone you may have met or known personally. I wanted to play with that blurry line that made people question “is this person real or not?”.
Had you ever tried doing something like Universe of One before?
Like most photographers, I’ve definitely shot the occasional self-portrait — but it was never at this grand scale! Luckily I had experience doing wardrobe and styling for Firebird fashion shoots, so the only difference was that I was the subject this time.
Were you always thinking of doing a book?
I started posting the photos to Tumblr, which was like my virtual archive. But the thought of “what next?” started to frustrate me, so it felt like a book was the most natural progression. Taking the leap from screen to printed page is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.
What have some of the reactions been like to your various characters? Are any more popular than others, particularly?
The reaction has been very mixed. There are people who appreciate it on an artistic level because they’re just aesthetically nice portraits to look at. Then there are people who know what I truly look like and they appreciate it on a deeper level because of the amount of work that went into each portrait. Recently though, some people have been in an uproar over some images they perceived as offensive. But that’s fine with me because I’ve always believed art should provoke … otherwise it’s not worthy of being called art.
Which character was your favorite to create?
Definitely Lindsey, the 80s blonde chick. I actually love being the female characters. There’s something very relaxing about putting on makeup and transforming. Twirling my hair is also fun!
Other than “acting” as each character, the Universe of One photos also seem like they must require a lot of technical work in costuming, makeup, props, and especially lighting.
Each portrait comes with its own unique set of demands. I never like doing anything too predictable, so even if a portrait is pretty straightforward, I try to think of creative ways to up the anté. For my recent Great Gatsby series, I could have easily bought some vintage flapper dresses, but chose to make them out of newspaper instead. Creative decisions like that help to elevate them beyond ordinary. But I must confess that sometimes when I’m sweating off my makeup wearing a fragile outfit that’s tearing at the seams and setting up my hot lights that I regret making those decisions! But in the end, it’s all good as long as it looks good!
Were you surprised at how quickly the book’s Kickstarter was funded?
Indeed! My network of friends definitely came through with their support, which I am so grateful for. It also surprised me when complete strangers backed my Kickstarter, which was awesome!
Any plans to tour with the book or any other special promotion?
Currently, I have a photo exhibit scheduled at Honolulu’s Loading Zone gallery in April, where some of the props and costumes will be on display. After that, I have a few clever ideas for book promotion involving some recognizable celebrities.
Do you think you’ll still continue to make and shoot characters like those in Universe of One?
Definitely! The project was designed as an ever-expanding catalog, and there’s an endless amount of inspiration in the world. The world is full of lovely faces. Lately, I’ve been signing off my emails with “I look forward to being YOU soon.”
— Chris Mohney](http://25.media.tumblr.com/4be3a976e3909307e592b2de351a3e3a/tumblr_mk7vsjWnhK1rrpm57o3_1280.jpg)
![I Am Legion: Universe of One
Cheyne Gallarde was born and raised in Hawaii in the 80s, but he claims “my soul feels like it was born in the 50s.” His affection for midcentury Americana is plainly evident in the fashion photography of Gallarde’s studio Firebird Photography. Gallarde’s work combines a love of theater (and the theatrical) with maximalist colors and a kinetic feel. All of these elements came together in his Universe of One project, where Gallarde photographs himself as various characters using all the tools at his command, from makeup and wardrobe to lighting and backdrops. After testing the waters with his Tumblr, Gallarde decided to transform his transformations into a book via Kickstarter, with a modest cash goal that was funded almost immediately. Before that’s even done, he’ll spin it off into a second book, Twinsies, which will get its own Kickstarter very shortly. To demonstrate his skills, Gallarde offered to incarnate our own David Karp, and the man himself graciously accepted. The results and process may be seen above, and our talk with Gallarde appears below.
[[MORE]]
When did you get interested in photography?
I’ve always been involved in art — been sketching since I was a child. Photography seemed like a natural progression, which combined my theater experience and graphic design background. I’ve been shooting professionally for five years now.
Who would you describe as your influences as a photographer?
I try not to follow other photographers because I feel that influences my work too much, so I turn towards other types of artists for inspiration. My biggest influence is actually American painter Norman Rockwell. His ability to tell a rich story in a single painting continues to inspire me to be a better storyteller. Photos for me should be self-contained movies.
You also aren’t afraid to get in front of the camera.
Actually, I’m extremely self-conscious. However, there was a turning point in my career where I realized I needed to get over that irrational fear. I believe that in order to be a better director, you need to experience what your subjects experience.
All your photo work is very humanistic — lots of portraits, lots of tableaux involving people as characters.
It definitely stems from my theater experience and love of films. Storytelling has always been one of my strong points, so I feel that by including thematic elements or characters, it conveys the story better. There is almost always a protagonist in my photos.
When and how did the idea for Universe of One come about? You mention Cindy Sherman as an inspiration.
Cindy Sherman’s art was the creative catalyst for Universe of One, but it evolved from there. After reading a magazine interview with her, I became obsessed with her art, and that obsession finally came full circle when I went to view her exhibit at the SFMoMA a couple months ago. I set out to create a self portrait project that continued the spirit of her work. In my opinion, her more powerful images were ones that reminded you of someone you may have met or known personally. I wanted to play with that blurry line that made people question “is this person real or not?”.
Had you ever tried doing something like Universe of One before?
Like most photographers, I’ve definitely shot the occasional self-portrait — but it was never at this grand scale! Luckily I had experience doing wardrobe and styling for Firebird fashion shoots, so the only difference was that I was the subject this time.
Were you always thinking of doing a book?
I started posting the photos to Tumblr, which was like my virtual archive. But the thought of “what next?” started to frustrate me, so it felt like a book was the most natural progression. Taking the leap from screen to printed page is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.
What have some of the reactions been like to your various characters? Are any more popular than others, particularly?
The reaction has been very mixed. There are people who appreciate it on an artistic level because they’re just aesthetically nice portraits to look at. Then there are people who know what I truly look like and they appreciate it on a deeper level because of the amount of work that went into each portrait. Recently though, some people have been in an uproar over some images they perceived as offensive. But that’s fine with me because I’ve always believed art should provoke … otherwise it’s not worthy of being called art.
Which character was your favorite to create?
Definitely Lindsey, the 80s blonde chick. I actually love being the female characters. There’s something very relaxing about putting on makeup and transforming. Twirling my hair is also fun!
Other than “acting” as each character, the Universe of One photos also seem like they must require a lot of technical work in costuming, makeup, props, and especially lighting.
Each portrait comes with its own unique set of demands. I never like doing anything too predictable, so even if a portrait is pretty straightforward, I try to think of creative ways to up the anté. For my recent Great Gatsby series, I could have easily bought some vintage flapper dresses, but chose to make them out of newspaper instead. Creative decisions like that help to elevate them beyond ordinary. But I must confess that sometimes when I’m sweating off my makeup wearing a fragile outfit that’s tearing at the seams and setting up my hot lights that I regret making those decisions! But in the end, it’s all good as long as it looks good!
Were you surprised at how quickly the book’s Kickstarter was funded?
Indeed! My network of friends definitely came through with their support, which I am so grateful for. It also surprised me when complete strangers backed my Kickstarter, which was awesome!
Any plans to tour with the book or any other special promotion?
Currently, I have a photo exhibit scheduled at Honolulu’s Loading Zone gallery in April, where some of the props and costumes will be on display. After that, I have a few clever ideas for book promotion involving some recognizable celebrities.
Do you think you’ll still continue to make and shoot characters like those in Universe of One?
Definitely! The project was designed as an ever-expanding catalog, and there’s an endless amount of inspiration in the world. The world is full of lovely faces. Lately, I’ve been signing off my emails with “I look forward to being YOU soon.”
— Chris Mohney](http://24.media.tumblr.com/062abe0afe19af6677d8200b214aaa2b/tumblr_mk7vsjWnhK1rrpm57o4_1280.jpg)
![I Am Legion: Universe of One
Cheyne Gallarde was born and raised in Hawaii in the 80s, but he claims “my soul feels like it was born in the 50s.” His affection for midcentury Americana is plainly evident in the fashion photography of Gallarde’s studio Firebird Photography. Gallarde’s work combines a love of theater (and the theatrical) with maximalist colors and a kinetic feel. All of these elements came together in his Universe of One project, where Gallarde photographs himself as various characters using all the tools at his command, from makeup and wardrobe to lighting and backdrops. After testing the waters with his Tumblr, Gallarde decided to transform his transformations into a book via Kickstarter, with a modest cash goal that was funded almost immediately. Before that’s even done, he’ll spin it off into a second book, Twinsies, which will get its own Kickstarter very shortly. To demonstrate his skills, Gallarde offered to incarnate our own David Karp, and the man himself graciously accepted. The results and process may be seen above, and our talk with Gallarde appears below.
[[MORE]]
When did you get interested in photography?
I’ve always been involved in art — been sketching since I was a child. Photography seemed like a natural progression, which combined my theater experience and graphic design background. I’ve been shooting professionally for five years now.
Who would you describe as your influences as a photographer?
I try not to follow other photographers because I feel that influences my work too much, so I turn towards other types of artists for inspiration. My biggest influence is actually American painter Norman Rockwell. His ability to tell a rich story in a single painting continues to inspire me to be a better storyteller. Photos for me should be self-contained movies.
You also aren’t afraid to get in front of the camera.
Actually, I’m extremely self-conscious. However, there was a turning point in my career where I realized I needed to get over that irrational fear. I believe that in order to be a better director, you need to experience what your subjects experience.
All your photo work is very humanistic — lots of portraits, lots of tableaux involving people as characters.
It definitely stems from my theater experience and love of films. Storytelling has always been one of my strong points, so I feel that by including thematic elements or characters, it conveys the story better. There is almost always a protagonist in my photos.
When and how did the idea for Universe of One come about? You mention Cindy Sherman as an inspiration.
Cindy Sherman’s art was the creative catalyst for Universe of One, but it evolved from there. After reading a magazine interview with her, I became obsessed with her art, and that obsession finally came full circle when I went to view her exhibit at the SFMoMA a couple months ago. I set out to create a self portrait project that continued the spirit of her work. In my opinion, her more powerful images were ones that reminded you of someone you may have met or known personally. I wanted to play with that blurry line that made people question “is this person real or not?”.
Had you ever tried doing something like Universe of One before?
Like most photographers, I’ve definitely shot the occasional self-portrait — but it was never at this grand scale! Luckily I had experience doing wardrobe and styling for Firebird fashion shoots, so the only difference was that I was the subject this time.
Were you always thinking of doing a book?
I started posting the photos to Tumblr, which was like my virtual archive. But the thought of “what next?” started to frustrate me, so it felt like a book was the most natural progression. Taking the leap from screen to printed page is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.
What have some of the reactions been like to your various characters? Are any more popular than others, particularly?
The reaction has been very mixed. There are people who appreciate it on an artistic level because they’re just aesthetically nice portraits to look at. Then there are people who know what I truly look like and they appreciate it on a deeper level because of the amount of work that went into each portrait. Recently though, some people have been in an uproar over some images they perceived as offensive. But that’s fine with me because I’ve always believed art should provoke … otherwise it’s not worthy of being called art.
Which character was your favorite to create?
Definitely Lindsey, the 80s blonde chick. I actually love being the female characters. There’s something very relaxing about putting on makeup and transforming. Twirling my hair is also fun!
Other than “acting” as each character, the Universe of One photos also seem like they must require a lot of technical work in costuming, makeup, props, and especially lighting.
Each portrait comes with its own unique set of demands. I never like doing anything too predictable, so even if a portrait is pretty straightforward, I try to think of creative ways to up the anté. For my recent Great Gatsby series, I could have easily bought some vintage flapper dresses, but chose to make them out of newspaper instead. Creative decisions like that help to elevate them beyond ordinary. But I must confess that sometimes when I’m sweating off my makeup wearing a fragile outfit that’s tearing at the seams and setting up my hot lights that I regret making those decisions! But in the end, it’s all good as long as it looks good!
Were you surprised at how quickly the book’s Kickstarter was funded?
Indeed! My network of friends definitely came through with their support, which I am so grateful for. It also surprised me when complete strangers backed my Kickstarter, which was awesome!
Any plans to tour with the book or any other special promotion?
Currently, I have a photo exhibit scheduled at Honolulu’s Loading Zone gallery in April, where some of the props and costumes will be on display. After that, I have a few clever ideas for book promotion involving some recognizable celebrities.
Do you think you’ll still continue to make and shoot characters like those in Universe of One?
Definitely! The project was designed as an ever-expanding catalog, and there’s an endless amount of inspiration in the world. The world is full of lovely faces. Lately, I’ve been signing off my emails with “I look forward to being YOU soon.”
— Chris Mohney](http://25.media.tumblr.com/d2eb26653e59b81789a63cc1db658170/tumblr_mk7vsjWnhK1rrpm57o5_1280.jpg)
![I Am Legion: Universe of One
Cheyne Gallarde was born and raised in Hawaii in the 80s, but he claims “my soul feels like it was born in the 50s.” His affection for midcentury Americana is plainly evident in the fashion photography of Gallarde’s studio Firebird Photography. Gallarde’s work combines a love of theater (and the theatrical) with maximalist colors and a kinetic feel. All of these elements came together in his Universe of One project, where Gallarde photographs himself as various characters using all the tools at his command, from makeup and wardrobe to lighting and backdrops. After testing the waters with his Tumblr, Gallarde decided to transform his transformations into a book via Kickstarter, with a modest cash goal that was funded almost immediately. Before that’s even done, he’ll spin it off into a second book, Twinsies, which will get its own Kickstarter very shortly. To demonstrate his skills, Gallarde offered to incarnate our own David Karp, and the man himself graciously accepted. The results and process may be seen above, and our talk with Gallarde appears below.
[[MORE]]
When did you get interested in photography?
I’ve always been involved in art — been sketching since I was a child. Photography seemed like a natural progression, which combined my theater experience and graphic design background. I’ve been shooting professionally for five years now.
Who would you describe as your influences as a photographer?
I try not to follow other photographers because I feel that influences my work too much, so I turn towards other types of artists for inspiration. My biggest influence is actually American painter Norman Rockwell. His ability to tell a rich story in a single painting continues to inspire me to be a better storyteller. Photos for me should be self-contained movies.
You also aren’t afraid to get in front of the camera.
Actually, I’m extremely self-conscious. However, there was a turning point in my career where I realized I needed to get over that irrational fear. I believe that in order to be a better director, you need to experience what your subjects experience.
All your photo work is very humanistic — lots of portraits, lots of tableaux involving people as characters.
It definitely stems from my theater experience and love of films. Storytelling has always been one of my strong points, so I feel that by including thematic elements or characters, it conveys the story better. There is almost always a protagonist in my photos.
When and how did the idea for Universe of One come about? You mention Cindy Sherman as an inspiration.
Cindy Sherman’s art was the creative catalyst for Universe of One, but it evolved from there. After reading a magazine interview with her, I became obsessed with her art, and that obsession finally came full circle when I went to view her exhibit at the SFMoMA a couple months ago. I set out to create a self portrait project that continued the spirit of her work. In my opinion, her more powerful images were ones that reminded you of someone you may have met or known personally. I wanted to play with that blurry line that made people question “is this person real or not?”.
Had you ever tried doing something like Universe of One before?
Like most photographers, I’ve definitely shot the occasional self-portrait — but it was never at this grand scale! Luckily I had experience doing wardrobe and styling for Firebird fashion shoots, so the only difference was that I was the subject this time.
Were you always thinking of doing a book?
I started posting the photos to Tumblr, which was like my virtual archive. But the thought of “what next?” started to frustrate me, so it felt like a book was the most natural progression. Taking the leap from screen to printed page is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.
What have some of the reactions been like to your various characters? Are any more popular than others, particularly?
The reaction has been very mixed. There are people who appreciate it on an artistic level because they’re just aesthetically nice portraits to look at. Then there are people who know what I truly look like and they appreciate it on a deeper level because of the amount of work that went into each portrait. Recently though, some people have been in an uproar over some images they perceived as offensive. But that’s fine with me because I’ve always believed art should provoke … otherwise it’s not worthy of being called art.
Which character was your favorite to create?
Definitely Lindsey, the 80s blonde chick. I actually love being the female characters. There’s something very relaxing about putting on makeup and transforming. Twirling my hair is also fun!
Other than “acting” as each character, the Universe of One photos also seem like they must require a lot of technical work in costuming, makeup, props, and especially lighting.
Each portrait comes with its own unique set of demands. I never like doing anything too predictable, so even if a portrait is pretty straightforward, I try to think of creative ways to up the anté. For my recent Great Gatsby series, I could have easily bought some vintage flapper dresses, but chose to make them out of newspaper instead. Creative decisions like that help to elevate them beyond ordinary. But I must confess that sometimes when I’m sweating off my makeup wearing a fragile outfit that’s tearing at the seams and setting up my hot lights that I regret making those decisions! But in the end, it’s all good as long as it looks good!
Were you surprised at how quickly the book’s Kickstarter was funded?
Indeed! My network of friends definitely came through with their support, which I am so grateful for. It also surprised me when complete strangers backed my Kickstarter, which was awesome!
Any plans to tour with the book or any other special promotion?
Currently, I have a photo exhibit scheduled at Honolulu’s Loading Zone gallery in April, where some of the props and costumes will be on display. After that, I have a few clever ideas for book promotion involving some recognizable celebrities.
Do you think you’ll still continue to make and shoot characters like those in Universe of One?
Definitely! The project was designed as an ever-expanding catalog, and there’s an endless amount of inspiration in the world. The world is full of lovely faces. Lately, I’ve been signing off my emails with “I look forward to being YOU soon.”
— Chris Mohney](http://24.media.tumblr.com/c4bf03df7db7355f4bdaaae3edcd6f8c/tumblr_mk7vsjWnhK1rrpm57o6_1280.jpg)
![I Am Legion: Universe of One
Cheyne Gallarde was born and raised in Hawaii in the 80s, but he claims “my soul feels like it was born in the 50s.” His affection for midcentury Americana is plainly evident in the fashion photography of Gallarde’s studio Firebird Photography. Gallarde’s work combines a love of theater (and the theatrical) with maximalist colors and a kinetic feel. All of these elements came together in his Universe of One project, where Gallarde photographs himself as various characters using all the tools at his command, from makeup and wardrobe to lighting and backdrops. After testing the waters with his Tumblr, Gallarde decided to transform his transformations into a book via Kickstarter, with a modest cash goal that was funded almost immediately. Before that’s even done, he’ll spin it off into a second book, Twinsies, which will get its own Kickstarter very shortly. To demonstrate his skills, Gallarde offered to incarnate our own David Karp, and the man himself graciously accepted. The results and process may be seen above, and our talk with Gallarde appears below.
[[MORE]]
When did you get interested in photography?
I’ve always been involved in art — been sketching since I was a child. Photography seemed like a natural progression, which combined my theater experience and graphic design background. I’ve been shooting professionally for five years now.
Who would you describe as your influences as a photographer?
I try not to follow other photographers because I feel that influences my work too much, so I turn towards other types of artists for inspiration. My biggest influence is actually American painter Norman Rockwell. His ability to tell a rich story in a single painting continues to inspire me to be a better storyteller. Photos for me should be self-contained movies.
You also aren’t afraid to get in front of the camera.
Actually, I’m extremely self-conscious. However, there was a turning point in my career where I realized I needed to get over that irrational fear. I believe that in order to be a better director, you need to experience what your subjects experience.
All your photo work is very humanistic — lots of portraits, lots of tableaux involving people as characters.
It definitely stems from my theater experience and love of films. Storytelling has always been one of my strong points, so I feel that by including thematic elements or characters, it conveys the story better. There is almost always a protagonist in my photos.
When and how did the idea for Universe of One come about? You mention Cindy Sherman as an inspiration.
Cindy Sherman’s art was the creative catalyst for Universe of One, but it evolved from there. After reading a magazine interview with her, I became obsessed with her art, and that obsession finally came full circle when I went to view her exhibit at the SFMoMA a couple months ago. I set out to create a self portrait project that continued the spirit of her work. In my opinion, her more powerful images were ones that reminded you of someone you may have met or known personally. I wanted to play with that blurry line that made people question “is this person real or not?”.
Had you ever tried doing something like Universe of One before?
Like most photographers, I’ve definitely shot the occasional self-portrait — but it was never at this grand scale! Luckily I had experience doing wardrobe and styling for Firebird fashion shoots, so the only difference was that I was the subject this time.
Were you always thinking of doing a book?
I started posting the photos to Tumblr, which was like my virtual archive. But the thought of “what next?” started to frustrate me, so it felt like a book was the most natural progression. Taking the leap from screen to printed page is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.
What have some of the reactions been like to your various characters? Are any more popular than others, particularly?
The reaction has been very mixed. There are people who appreciate it on an artistic level because they’re just aesthetically nice portraits to look at. Then there are people who know what I truly look like and they appreciate it on a deeper level because of the amount of work that went into each portrait. Recently though, some people have been in an uproar over some images they perceived as offensive. But that’s fine with me because I’ve always believed art should provoke … otherwise it’s not worthy of being called art.
Which character was your favorite to create?
Definitely Lindsey, the 80s blonde chick. I actually love being the female characters. There’s something very relaxing about putting on makeup and transforming. Twirling my hair is also fun!
Other than “acting” as each character, the Universe of One photos also seem like they must require a lot of technical work in costuming, makeup, props, and especially lighting.
Each portrait comes with its own unique set of demands. I never like doing anything too predictable, so even if a portrait is pretty straightforward, I try to think of creative ways to up the anté. For my recent Great Gatsby series, I could have easily bought some vintage flapper dresses, but chose to make them out of newspaper instead. Creative decisions like that help to elevate them beyond ordinary. But I must confess that sometimes when I’m sweating off my makeup wearing a fragile outfit that’s tearing at the seams and setting up my hot lights that I regret making those decisions! But in the end, it’s all good as long as it looks good!
Were you surprised at how quickly the book’s Kickstarter was funded?
Indeed! My network of friends definitely came through with their support, which I am so grateful for. It also surprised me when complete strangers backed my Kickstarter, which was awesome!
Any plans to tour with the book or any other special promotion?
Currently, I have a photo exhibit scheduled at Honolulu’s Loading Zone gallery in April, where some of the props and costumes will be on display. After that, I have a few clever ideas for book promotion involving some recognizable celebrities.
Do you think you’ll still continue to make and shoot characters like those in Universe of One?
Definitely! The project was designed as an ever-expanding catalog, and there’s an endless amount of inspiration in the world. The world is full of lovely faces. Lately, I’ve been signing off my emails with “I look forward to being YOU soon.”
— Chris Mohney](http://24.media.tumblr.com/39573f47a61ced419b356825e86f4dfb/tumblr_mk7vsjWnhK1rrpm57o7_1280.jpg)
![I Am Legion: Universe of One
Cheyne Gallarde was born and raised in Hawaii in the 80s, but he claims “my soul feels like it was born in the 50s.” His affection for midcentury Americana is plainly evident in the fashion photography of Gallarde’s studio Firebird Photography. Gallarde’s work combines a love of theater (and the theatrical) with maximalist colors and a kinetic feel. All of these elements came together in his Universe of One project, where Gallarde photographs himself as various characters using all the tools at his command, from makeup and wardrobe to lighting and backdrops. After testing the waters with his Tumblr, Gallarde decided to transform his transformations into a book via Kickstarter, with a modest cash goal that was funded almost immediately. Before that’s even done, he’ll spin it off into a second book, Twinsies, which will get its own Kickstarter very shortly. To demonstrate his skills, Gallarde offered to incarnate our own David Karp, and the man himself graciously accepted. The results and process may be seen above, and our talk with Gallarde appears below.
[[MORE]]
When did you get interested in photography?
I’ve always been involved in art — been sketching since I was a child. Photography seemed like a natural progression, which combined my theater experience and graphic design background. I’ve been shooting professionally for five years now.
Who would you describe as your influences as a photographer?
I try not to follow other photographers because I feel that influences my work too much, so I turn towards other types of artists for inspiration. My biggest influence is actually American painter Norman Rockwell. His ability to tell a rich story in a single painting continues to inspire me to be a better storyteller. Photos for me should be self-contained movies.
You also aren’t afraid to get in front of the camera.
Actually, I’m extremely self-conscious. However, there was a turning point in my career where I realized I needed to get over that irrational fear. I believe that in order to be a better director, you need to experience what your subjects experience.
All your photo work is very humanistic — lots of portraits, lots of tableaux involving people as characters.
It definitely stems from my theater experience and love of films. Storytelling has always been one of my strong points, so I feel that by including thematic elements or characters, it conveys the story better. There is almost always a protagonist in my photos.
When and how did the idea for Universe of One come about? You mention Cindy Sherman as an inspiration.
Cindy Sherman’s art was the creative catalyst for Universe of One, but it evolved from there. After reading a magazine interview with her, I became obsessed with her art, and that obsession finally came full circle when I went to view her exhibit at the SFMoMA a couple months ago. I set out to create a self portrait project that continued the spirit of her work. In my opinion, her more powerful images were ones that reminded you of someone you may have met or known personally. I wanted to play with that blurry line that made people question “is this person real or not?”.
Had you ever tried doing something like Universe of One before?
Like most photographers, I’ve definitely shot the occasional self-portrait — but it was never at this grand scale! Luckily I had experience doing wardrobe and styling for Firebird fashion shoots, so the only difference was that I was the subject this time.
Were you always thinking of doing a book?
I started posting the photos to Tumblr, which was like my virtual archive. But the thought of “what next?” started to frustrate me, so it felt like a book was the most natural progression. Taking the leap from screen to printed page is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.
What have some of the reactions been like to your various characters? Are any more popular than others, particularly?
The reaction has been very mixed. There are people who appreciate it on an artistic level because they’re just aesthetically nice portraits to look at. Then there are people who know what I truly look like and they appreciate it on a deeper level because of the amount of work that went into each portrait. Recently though, some people have been in an uproar over some images they perceived as offensive. But that’s fine with me because I’ve always believed art should provoke … otherwise it’s not worthy of being called art.
Which character was your favorite to create?
Definitely Lindsey, the 80s blonde chick. I actually love being the female characters. There’s something very relaxing about putting on makeup and transforming. Twirling my hair is also fun!
Other than “acting” as each character, the Universe of One photos also seem like they must require a lot of technical work in costuming, makeup, props, and especially lighting.
Each portrait comes with its own unique set of demands. I never like doing anything too predictable, so even if a portrait is pretty straightforward, I try to think of creative ways to up the anté. For my recent Great Gatsby series, I could have easily bought some vintage flapper dresses, but chose to make them out of newspaper instead. Creative decisions like that help to elevate them beyond ordinary. But I must confess that sometimes when I’m sweating off my makeup wearing a fragile outfit that’s tearing at the seams and setting up my hot lights that I regret making those decisions! But in the end, it’s all good as long as it looks good!
Were you surprised at how quickly the book’s Kickstarter was funded?
Indeed! My network of friends definitely came through with their support, which I am so grateful for. It also surprised me when complete strangers backed my Kickstarter, which was awesome!
Any plans to tour with the book or any other special promotion?
Currently, I have a photo exhibit scheduled at Honolulu’s Loading Zone gallery in April, where some of the props and costumes will be on display. After that, I have a few clever ideas for book promotion involving some recognizable celebrities.
Do you think you’ll still continue to make and shoot characters like those in Universe of One?
Definitely! The project was designed as an ever-expanding catalog, and there’s an endless amount of inspiration in the world. The world is full of lovely faces. Lately, I’ve been signing off my emails with “I look forward to being YOU soon.”
— Chris Mohney](http://25.media.tumblr.com/cb46fb93cce90a9331b081f61750abd6/tumblr_mk7vsjWnhK1rrpm57o8_1280.jpg)
![I Am Legion: Universe of One
Cheyne Gallarde was born and raised in Hawaii in the 80s, but he claims “my soul feels like it was born in the 50s.” His affection for midcentury Americana is plainly evident in the fashion photography of Gallarde’s studio Firebird Photography. Gallarde’s work combines a love of theater (and the theatrical) with maximalist colors and a kinetic feel. All of these elements came together in his Universe of One project, where Gallarde photographs himself as various characters using all the tools at his command, from makeup and wardrobe to lighting and backdrops. After testing the waters with his Tumblr, Gallarde decided to transform his transformations into a book via Kickstarter, with a modest cash goal that was funded almost immediately. Before that’s even done, he’ll spin it off into a second book, Twinsies, which will get its own Kickstarter very shortly. To demonstrate his skills, Gallarde offered to incarnate our own David Karp, and the man himself graciously accepted. The results and process may be seen above, and our talk with Gallarde appears below.
[[MORE]]
When did you get interested in photography?
I’ve always been involved in art — been sketching since I was a child. Photography seemed like a natural progression, which combined my theater experience and graphic design background. I’ve been shooting professionally for five years now.
Who would you describe as your influences as a photographer?
I try not to follow other photographers because I feel that influences my work too much, so I turn towards other types of artists for inspiration. My biggest influence is actually American painter Norman Rockwell. His ability to tell a rich story in a single painting continues to inspire me to be a better storyteller. Photos for me should be self-contained movies.
You also aren’t afraid to get in front of the camera.
Actually, I’m extremely self-conscious. However, there was a turning point in my career where I realized I needed to get over that irrational fear. I believe that in order to be a better director, you need to experience what your subjects experience.
All your photo work is very humanistic — lots of portraits, lots of tableaux involving people as characters.
It definitely stems from my theater experience and love of films. Storytelling has always been one of my strong points, so I feel that by including thematic elements or characters, it conveys the story better. There is almost always a protagonist in my photos.
When and how did the idea for Universe of One come about? You mention Cindy Sherman as an inspiration.
Cindy Sherman’s art was the creative catalyst for Universe of One, but it evolved from there. After reading a magazine interview with her, I became obsessed with her art, and that obsession finally came full circle when I went to view her exhibit at the SFMoMA a couple months ago. I set out to create a self portrait project that continued the spirit of her work. In my opinion, her more powerful images were ones that reminded you of someone you may have met or known personally. I wanted to play with that blurry line that made people question “is this person real or not?”.
Had you ever tried doing something like Universe of One before?
Like most photographers, I’ve definitely shot the occasional self-portrait — but it was never at this grand scale! Luckily I had experience doing wardrobe and styling for Firebird fashion shoots, so the only difference was that I was the subject this time.
Were you always thinking of doing a book?
I started posting the photos to Tumblr, which was like my virtual archive. But the thought of “what next?” started to frustrate me, so it felt like a book was the most natural progression. Taking the leap from screen to printed page is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.
What have some of the reactions been like to your various characters? Are any more popular than others, particularly?
The reaction has been very mixed. There are people who appreciate it on an artistic level because they’re just aesthetically nice portraits to look at. Then there are people who know what I truly look like and they appreciate it on a deeper level because of the amount of work that went into each portrait. Recently though, some people have been in an uproar over some images they perceived as offensive. But that’s fine with me because I’ve always believed art should provoke … otherwise it’s not worthy of being called art.
Which character was your favorite to create?
Definitely Lindsey, the 80s blonde chick. I actually love being the female characters. There’s something very relaxing about putting on makeup and transforming. Twirling my hair is also fun!
Other than “acting” as each character, the Universe of One photos also seem like they must require a lot of technical work in costuming, makeup, props, and especially lighting.
Each portrait comes with its own unique set of demands. I never like doing anything too predictable, so even if a portrait is pretty straightforward, I try to think of creative ways to up the anté. For my recent Great Gatsby series, I could have easily bought some vintage flapper dresses, but chose to make them out of newspaper instead. Creative decisions like that help to elevate them beyond ordinary. But I must confess that sometimes when I’m sweating off my makeup wearing a fragile outfit that’s tearing at the seams and setting up my hot lights that I regret making those decisions! But in the end, it’s all good as long as it looks good!
Were you surprised at how quickly the book’s Kickstarter was funded?
Indeed! My network of friends definitely came through with their support, which I am so grateful for. It also surprised me when complete strangers backed my Kickstarter, which was awesome!
Any plans to tour with the book or any other special promotion?
Currently, I have a photo exhibit scheduled at Honolulu’s Loading Zone gallery in April, where some of the props and costumes will be on display. After that, I have a few clever ideas for book promotion involving some recognizable celebrities.
Do you think you’ll still continue to make and shoot characters like those in Universe of One?
Definitely! The project was designed as an ever-expanding catalog, and there’s an endless amount of inspiration in the world. The world is full of lovely faces. Lately, I’ve been signing off my emails with “I look forward to being YOU soon.”
— Chris Mohney](http://24.media.tumblr.com/fcc4edcc1f5abb95c7fab751cc2c6d48/tumblr_mk7vsjWnhK1rrpm57o9_1280.jpg)
I Am Legion: Universe of One
Cheyne Gallarde was born and raised in Hawaii in the 80s, but he claims “my soul feels like it was born in the 50s.” His affection for midcentury Americana is plainly evident in the fashion photography of Gallarde’s studio Firebird Photography. Gallarde’s work combines a love of theater (and the theatrical) with maximalist colors and a kinetic feel. All of these elements came together in his Universe of One project, where Gallarde photographs himself as various characters using all the tools at his command, from makeup and wardrobe to lighting and backdrops. After testing the waters with his Tumblr, Gallarde decided to transform his transformations into a book via Kickstarter, with a modest cash goal that was funded almost immediately. Before that’s even done, he’ll spin it off into a second book, Twinsies, which will get its own Kickstarter very shortly. To demonstrate his skills, Gallarde offered to incarnate our own David Karp, and the man himself graciously accepted. The results and process may be seen above, and our talk with Gallarde appears below.
View post 3,840 notes -
![Marlo Meekins: Caricature as Character
Marlo Meekins is a legendary creature: the continuously and gainfully employed artist, illustrator, and cartoonist who’s worked on everything you love, but you still somehow haven’t heard of. Unless you’re into illustrators on Tumblr of course, in which case it’s hard to miss her distinctive line.
Hailing from the cluster of suburbs on the New Jersey side of Philadelphia, Meekins wanted to learn animation in college, but settled for illustration and design. That turned out not to be settling at all, as the discipline obviously informs her work and creative life. After school, she went right to regular illustration and character design for the studios, taught drawing and cartooning, and entered the world of competitive caricature. In 2009 she was named Caricaturist of the Year by the International Society of Caricature Artists.
Meekins spent a hot second working on The Simpsons but dropped the gig to join John Kricfalusi at Spumco, where she met her husband, director Nick Cross. Since then, she’s been contracted on all kinds of developing shows (including one for Disney), while still omnivorously teaching, drawing, and posting her work online.
[[MORE]]
What does it mean to be a “character/concept teacher”?
I teach college-level animation majors. I’m teaching concept art courses and illustration at Durham College near Toronto, which has a great animation program. I mostly teach design and drawing through character design and concept art projects. I only teach part time, a few classes a week, and freelance and do my own projects. I have also been doing talks on drawing and style at colleges and festivals.
You also work on a various shows in development. What’s that like?
Unfortunately I am not able to post any of this work, and many of the shows don’t get picked up. However, it’s still paid work and I enjoy it. The problem with working in development is that it’s so private, and I’m a really social person, an extrovert … I like to sort of perform and show off my drawings (which comes from doing live caricature I guess). Doing my comics is a way to reach out to my friends … I originally thought only my friends would see my comics, but they really took off!
How did you end up teaching?
I am a natural teacher. I believe the best thing to give during a developmental stage is positive encouragement, which is evident in my inspirational comics. Teaching is always something I will do, at least on the side.
You have a distinctive visual style that varies between cartoon-representational and caricature; have you always varied like that depending on subject, or was it something you grew into?
Caricature is my true passion (besides humor in general), so I’d say caricature is really my true calling. My comics on my Tumblr are less formal — something I do for fun just to tell stories and jokes. I never made a film, but I am a huge fan of animation, and I hope to stay working in animation for a while.
You also paint. What inspires you there, versus your drawings?
I enjoy painting a lot … at least the results. It takes a really really long time since I like to render and use oils, so it can be pretty boring and unchallenging. I actually have a whole pile of huge paintings that I haven’t posted and have been saving for a gallery show coming up. Some of my paintings took years to complete … ugh. I prefer a quicker result, and I think my best work is completed loosely and through emotion. Which is why I prefer watercolors as apposed to oils.
Who are your stylistic influences?
John Kricfalusi is probably my biggest influence … maybe not his exact drawing style, but definitely all the theories and methods he taught me over the years. Like most creator types, I’m influenced by a lot of artists. Other caricature artists — Al Hirschfeld, Dr. Seuss. I’m influenced a lot by life.
What’s your personal workspace like?
Oh god. I have a really nice studio space, but I always end up working in the dining room or on the couch. I have another room filled with piles of drawings and a light kit set up for photographing my work. I don’t scan my work … takes too long. I just photograph it all on an SLR camera.
What interferes with your ability to create, and how do you overcome it?
Lack of confidence always gets in the way, which is super irritating and horrible. I think we all deal with it. I yell at my brain to shut the fuck up, that I’m awesome, and I’m going to draw something good.
What drew you to start posting work on Tumblr, and how do you feel about the reception you’ve gotten there?
I started posting on Tumblr because it is currently the most popular blog? I started posting comics because I was influenced by my friend Kate Beaton (she’s great, obviously). For some reason I thought a comic needed to be really long and overworked? I saw a Katie comic on Twitter about her dad offering her Raisin Bran, and she goes into the kitchen and there’s only a bunch of Corn Flakes boxes. The comic was so hilarious and expressive, but really short, so I thought I’d actually start posting my short comics. I never posted my one-panel comics before; I’d been doing them for years, but never thought they were worth posting. But Tumblr is perfect for those (since everything is small or short on there).
Why did you stop doing bento portraits?
Those things take forever, like hours and hours … And I have not had a lot of time lately. I would like to start making them again, though! I thought about doing a comic out of food, but it would probably go bad before I finished it.
— Chris Mohney](http://25.media.tumblr.com/a41889d0f0538d28fd725eff68daabfe/tumblr_mjpjfcUQpc1rrpm57o2_1280.jpg)
![Marlo Meekins: Caricature as Character
Marlo Meekins is a legendary creature: the continuously and gainfully employed artist, illustrator, and cartoonist who’s worked on everything you love, but you still somehow haven’t heard of. Unless you’re into illustrators on Tumblr of course, in which case it’s hard to miss her distinctive line.
Hailing from the cluster of suburbs on the New Jersey side of Philadelphia, Meekins wanted to learn animation in college, but settled for illustration and design. That turned out not to be settling at all, as the discipline obviously informs her work and creative life. After school, she went right to regular illustration and character design for the studios, taught drawing and cartooning, and entered the world of competitive caricature. In 2009 she was named Caricaturist of the Year by the International Society of Caricature Artists.
Meekins spent a hot second working on The Simpsons but dropped the gig to join John Kricfalusi at Spumco, where she met her husband, director Nick Cross. Since then, she’s been contracted on all kinds of developing shows (including one for Disney), while still omnivorously teaching, drawing, and posting her work online.
[[MORE]]
What does it mean to be a “character/concept teacher”?
I teach college-level animation majors. I’m teaching concept art courses and illustration at Durham College near Toronto, which has a great animation program. I mostly teach design and drawing through character design and concept art projects. I only teach part time, a few classes a week, and freelance and do my own projects. I have also been doing talks on drawing and style at colleges and festivals.
You also work on a various shows in development. What’s that like?
Unfortunately I am not able to post any of this work, and many of the shows don’t get picked up. However, it’s still paid work and I enjoy it. The problem with working in development is that it’s so private, and I’m a really social person, an extrovert … I like to sort of perform and show off my drawings (which comes from doing live caricature I guess). Doing my comics is a way to reach out to my friends … I originally thought only my friends would see my comics, but they really took off!
How did you end up teaching?
I am a natural teacher. I believe the best thing to give during a developmental stage is positive encouragement, which is evident in my inspirational comics. Teaching is always something I will do, at least on the side.
You have a distinctive visual style that varies between cartoon-representational and caricature; have you always varied like that depending on subject, or was it something you grew into?
Caricature is my true passion (besides humor in general), so I’d say caricature is really my true calling. My comics on my Tumblr are less formal — something I do for fun just to tell stories and jokes. I never made a film, but I am a huge fan of animation, and I hope to stay working in animation for a while.
You also paint. What inspires you there, versus your drawings?
I enjoy painting a lot … at least the results. It takes a really really long time since I like to render and use oils, so it can be pretty boring and unchallenging. I actually have a whole pile of huge paintings that I haven’t posted and have been saving for a gallery show coming up. Some of my paintings took years to complete … ugh. I prefer a quicker result, and I think my best work is completed loosely and through emotion. Which is why I prefer watercolors as apposed to oils.
Who are your stylistic influences?
John Kricfalusi is probably my biggest influence … maybe not his exact drawing style, but definitely all the theories and methods he taught me over the years. Like most creator types, I’m influenced by a lot of artists. Other caricature artists — Al Hirschfeld, Dr. Seuss. I’m influenced a lot by life.
What’s your personal workspace like?
Oh god. I have a really nice studio space, but I always end up working in the dining room or on the couch. I have another room filled with piles of drawings and a light kit set up for photographing my work. I don’t scan my work … takes too long. I just photograph it all on an SLR camera.
What interferes with your ability to create, and how do you overcome it?
Lack of confidence always gets in the way, which is super irritating and horrible. I think we all deal with it. I yell at my brain to shut the fuck up, that I’m awesome, and I’m going to draw something good.
What drew you to start posting work on Tumblr, and how do you feel about the reception you’ve gotten there?
I started posting on Tumblr because it is currently the most popular blog? I started posting comics because I was influenced by my friend Kate Beaton (she’s great, obviously). For some reason I thought a comic needed to be really long and overworked? I saw a Katie comic on Twitter about her dad offering her Raisin Bran, and she goes into the kitchen and there’s only a bunch of Corn Flakes boxes. The comic was so hilarious and expressive, but really short, so I thought I’d actually start posting my short comics. I never posted my one-panel comics before; I’d been doing them for years, but never thought they were worth posting. But Tumblr is perfect for those (since everything is small or short on there).
Why did you stop doing bento portraits?
Those things take forever, like hours and hours … And I have not had a lot of time lately. I would like to start making them again, though! I thought about doing a comic out of food, but it would probably go bad before I finished it.
— Chris Mohney](http://24.media.tumblr.com/e167679360ba94a75ee107a043fc9405/tumblr_mjpjfcUQpc1rrpm57o1_1280.jpg)
Marlo Meekins: Caricature as Character
Marlo Meekins is a legendary creature: the continuously and gainfully employed artist, illustrator, and cartoonist who’s worked on everything you love, but you still somehow haven’t heard of. Unless you’re into illustrators on Tumblr of course, in which case it’s hard to miss her distinctive line.
Hailing from the cluster of suburbs on the New Jersey side of Philadelphia, Meekins wanted to learn animation in college, but settled for illustration and design. That turned out not to be settling at all, as the discipline obviously informs her work and creative life. After school, she went right to regular illustration and character design for the studios, taught drawing and cartooning, and entered the world of competitive caricature. In 2009 she was named Caricaturist of the Year by the International Society of Caricature Artists.
Meekins spent a hot second working on The Simpsons but dropped the gig to join John Kricfalusi at Spumco, where she met her husband, director Nick Cross. Since then, she’s been contracted on all kinds of developing shows (including one for Disney), while still omnivorously teaching, drawing, and posting her work online.
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The Art of the Profile with David Remnick of ‘The New Yorker’
David Remnick writes for fun. That might seem an odd sentiment coming from the editor in chief of The New Yorker, a magazine known for an eminent tradition of literary and journalistic gravitas. But his kind of “fun” shouldn’t be misread as trivial. What Remnick considers fun to write are the signature New Yorker profile pieces, which involve weeks or months of rigorous research and legwork for the writer (running to many thousands of published words). On the occasion of Remnick’s comprehensive profile of Bruce Springsteen in the new issue, we picked his brain about the art of the modern profile and how the form originated and evolved at The New Yorker.
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Trapped in the Tumblr Closet with Charlotte Free
Discovered in a Los Angeles arcade, model Charlotte Free has since burned up the runways and fashion mag pages for a variety of worldwide brands. Recently, she did a shoot for Purple with Terry Richardson (including a bit of armpit-licking) as well as stepping up as the new face of Maybelline. She also has a cosmic Tumblr where pics of exotic fauna alternate with earnest answers to the eager questions of fans and admirers. In this first installment of “Trapped in the Tumblr Closet” (shot in our actual Tumblr closet), Charlotte opens by giving some profesh advice to fellow model Tommy the Pomeranian, then ends with a little bunny hop of her own.
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Amy Poehler Answers Tumblr’s Questions
You may recall that we solicited your questions for Amy Poehler, to be asked during a recent talk at the 92nd Street Y. We received almost 600 questions via comments, reblogs, asks, and emails. As you can imagine, Amy couldn’t answer them all — so we put together a dozen of the best, and they only had time to ask four, and here we have the best three questions of those. The successful Tumblr question-askers were kevinsweeney, talkdirtytotheanimals, and terminusundefined. Enjoy, and thanks for playing!
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