Artist Proof Interview with Artist: Danny Silva

Global Location: US

URL:  www.dsilvadesigns.com

AP Shop URL: http://www.zazzle.com/dsilva

 I’m your typical art nerd. I grew up reading comic books and tattoo magazines, listening to punk rock , rap and metal. I love all things Sci-Fi & no matter what’s going on, I always manage to scribble on something. I consider myself very lucky to be able to draw. As a kid i was grounded A LOT, So art not only killed the time, But became my friend as well. My drawings were the only thing I knew that I could truly depend on. So even if it felt like I had nothing else, my art was always there to keep me company & give me a sense of self worth. I’ve been told that my work is a cross between comic & tattoo art, with a touch of realism, but I’m always trying something new.

AP: How long have you been making art for and what lead you to start.

DS: I remember when I was eleven years old my dad bought me a comic book from  seven-eleven, It was a crossover with ghost rider, punisher, and wolverine. I was astounded at the artwork. I spent weeks staring at the drawings, and I knew that I wanted to be able to do that. Over the years I spent my time trying to duplicate the drawings and boy did I suck! Eventually I was able to pick up the proportions, shading, line work, Light & shadow & even the anatomy of the characters. I was then able to carry that technique into my own creations. I continue to try to learn & grow & that was about twenty years ago.

AP: Where do you currently  live and work ω And how does this influence your work.

DS: I currently live & work in Laguna Hills, Ca. Its a nice place to Live & its close to my family. There is not a huge underground art scene like in L.A. which is the style of work I’m more drawn to, so I rely heavily on the internet, books & magazines to influence my work.

AP: Did you have formal training if so whatω If your self taught can you tell us what you prefer about being a self taught artist vs having formal training.

DS: I’m Pretty much a self taught artist. I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, besides that I took art classes all through high school because it came naturally to me, so it was an easy A. I also have taken the random life drawing class & things like that, because I believe it is important to constantly grow as an artist and try new things. The thing I like about informal training is that if you look at a self taught artist’s work they will all have this extremely different look to them, because they haven’t been taught how things should look by a teacher. Its kind of refreshing.

AP: Can you tell us about where you make your work is it in your house, a studio etc.. and how it effects your work.

DS: I create all my work in “the man cave”. The same place I workout, play darts, draw, paint & basically whatever I want. In case you haven’t guessed, yes, its my garage. Its the only place I can blast my music, make a mess, & create without having to worry about bothering anybody.

AP: What are some of you favorite design projects/exhibitions you have worked on to date.

DS: I have to say, My favorite project was a bunch of Chuck Taylors & hats that i customized for some friends that had a small gallery showing. I was allowed to draw, paint, & I even engraved & stained a few pairs which I still wear today. It was super fun.

AP: What is your medium of choice.

DS: My first love would have to be pencil & ink. However I truly enjoy using anything you can draw with, pastel, markers, charcoal, colored pencil, scratchboard. I’ve been practicing with paints for the last few years & even have tried wood carving & leather working.

AP: What is the relationship between technique and content in your work.

DS: My biggest problem Is not having enough time to create all the ideas in my head. Most of the time it starts from something very simple & grows until it has a life of its own. No matter what I’m working on, I have to try & do it different than the last thing.  Sometimes I can make things so much more difficult for myself by always changing up my technique. For instance I know the things I’m proficient at & if I stick to that, then I have an idea of how the work will turn out. But sometimes the best works are the ones that you have no idea where its going, if you fail, then so what ,you can always make another one.

AP: Who are some of the  artists that have inspired you and or your work.

DS: Todd MacFarlane, Brom, Andy Brase, Paul Booth, H.R. Giger, Brian Froud, Jim Lee, Phil Hale, Salvador Dali, Thomas S. Kuebler , Kieth Thompson, Gil Elvgren , & Shepard Fairey, Just to name a few.

AP: In what direction would you like to see your work going over the next five years.

DS: To be honest, I’m not sure. Right now I’m just creating & hoping somebody buys it…LOL. In the next five years I would love to see my work evolve in ways, I would have never expected & would like to have a decent gallery showing. I just want people to see it & maybe help to inspire other artists.

AP: What forth coming projects and or exhibitions do you have scheduled for 2011.

DS: I’m currently working on a line of shirts & vinyl toys.

AP: Take us on a guided tour through a day in your life as an artist.

DS: I get up at 7, & work out, If I’m felling brave. Feed & water my pets,  ( green tree python, bearded dragon, box turtle, finches & a boston terrier) and walk the dog. Then hit the computer & take care of emails & go on Artsprojekt to check things out, & also get some inspiration. After that I’m off to the man cave & the rest of the day is pretty much spent in there until I’ve completed something substantial. 

AP: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions.

Its been my pleasure, thanks for the invite.