David Montgomery is an independent sketch artist from Missouri, United States. Join us for an interview to find out what is behind the mind of montyiLL art.
(I.M) David, how did you get started in illustrational work?
My Grandmother was a painter and I used to watch and learn from her as a kid.
(I,M) Have you ever considered using your talents for script/storyboard illustrations?
I am horrible at drawing other peoples ideas and therefore hate doing it. I know we should be open to trying new things,especially creatively, but i have just honestly never had an interest in anything other than drawing out of my own head. I don’t mean to sound negative. I am just a strong believer in having good art judgement. Knowing what is good and what is crap. All great artists had it. And part of having good art judgement is being honest with yourself about what you are, and are not, good at.
(I.M) Your portrait works are outstanding, where did you train for this?
Thank you. I picked it up from my Grandmother as well.
(I.M) Going by the sketch layouts on your blog site I want to ask, Do you have a set topic in your vision of creations?
I usually start with a basic idea or image and build from there. I like to create enough of a finished image that it suggests a situation, without outright telling a story. This leaves the looker free to fill in the blanks as far as what the drawing means to them. I usually have a general topic for each individual piece, but it can change and shift as the drawing progresses. I have noticed that if you line up all my drawings in the order they were drawn, they tell the story of a boy, (big suprise). I didn’t actually notice it until years after drawing the first several pics. It starts with the birth of the boy and his relationship with his mother. Then moves on to his boyhood experiences learning to understand death, loss and relationships. And so on.
(I.M) What types of art/artists are you inspired by?
Mostly filmakers, comedians and musicians. I love art that tells a story or serves a purpose. My influences growing up was Metal, horror films, catholicism, Grandma, Frank Frazetta and Conan Magazines.
(I.M) Is their a story behind this piece? How does it combine into a larger picture….> ?
It tells the story of a guy overwhelmed with everything. He’s being chased by the people below him, and haunted by images above him. Basicallly the picture is all about the guy in the tower throwing spears at the giant below.
(I.M) On your blog site you have done something a little uncommon, you openly allow yourself to -come under fire- with public opinions on your work(s) what allowed you to make such a bold move?
I think the majority of the public gets my work. Most people seem to respect the talent and see the art as relevant and interesting. Dealing with the occasional complaint is well worth the thousands of people who really enjoy the artwork. It’s great that I can get my work out to people without having to spend a fortune promoting and traveling. Besides I reject the idea that artists should be overly concerned about what other people think of his/her work. It diminishes the honesty of the work. I wonder how many great ideas are not expressed because the artist feared the world would not ”get it”. I think artists should be leaders and not followers. I do my own thing, if people dont like it, who cares. I like it.
(I.M) What themes or subjects interest you most with your talents?
All my art revolves around myself and my relationships with others. How I see the world.
(I.M) Have you ever had your works featured in an art gallery, if so where and when?
I’ve done some group shows in NYC and chicago. I’ve also done some smaller shows around the midwest. I’m not really a “gallery” type guy. I’m working on a fun way to do shows at clubs and bars with bands.
(I.M) What have your talents provided to you personally?
It’s great having the ability to create something that others deem interesting and valuable. Something that people can relate to, talk about, and something that makes them think. I’ve met the greatest people and had the greatest life mostly because of my art.
I enjoy commenting David’s art on My Space because I like the guy to begin with , the way he’s very honest about his work. Then it gives me an opportunity to use my brain , which I seldom get to do, be it on drawings or whatever ; I think I can understand the stories , which all deal with the fourth dimension around us, the dimension of souls and devils that he seems to be as familiar with as Lovecraft was ; I’m confident David’s art will turn to the angels more as he gets due rewards from his efforts and his career will soar, he really deserves it.
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