Paul Imagine's poster art has made him a Sacramento icon. He is a
FLATSTOCK veteran, is represented in Art of Modern Rock by Paul
Grushkin and Dennis King, and Rockin’ Down the Highway by Paul
Grushkin. He is also one of the thirty artists examined in the film
American Artifact, by Merle Becker.
--------------------------
Welcome to Ptero Heart, Paul. Let us begin this interrogation at
the top. Where were you born, and to whom?
I was born in Orléans, France. My father was an army man. I
remember absolutely nothing about it. My mother pointed out
the hospital once when we were vacationing there when I was in
high school.
What games would you play as a child?
I was a li'l weirdo. Always the small kid, got picked on a lot,
super shy, a loner. I was always drawing, or building junk. I
could make a mean fort outta sofa pillows and a sheet. My mom
would do rad things like go get refrigerator boxes for me to play
in, and let me paint with her.
Somewhere around 1976 we moved from Augusta, GA, to the
Sacto 'burbs, where my Southern accent didn't help me fit in and
make friends. Outcast again.
Why do you make art?
I make art because I can't stop. For better or worse, I can't not do
it. I don't remember a time when I didn't draw. It's part of me;
it's therapy. I think it keeps me from doing massive damage to
the world around me.
What do you make?
Well I make tons of crap, but I am most known for my screen
printed rock posters. It is my way of being part of, and giving-
back-to-give-back to, my scene. The punk scene.
Can you describe the step-by-step process involved in what you
create?
When I am asked to make a poster, or whatever, I usually go to
the coffee shop and draw. I'm not big on art direction. I let
people know that before I start. They can give me suggestions,
but not rules. I never know what's gonna come out in the
finished drawing.
After the image is done I start drawing the text. I hate computer
fonts. I think the text should be part of the art, and work with
the drawing.
Okay. Art is finished. I scan the image, usually enlarge it, and
print the blackline out on film. With that, I separate my colors for
printing the OG way—with rubylith (a 2 layer knife-cut film).
Once I have my color separations done, I move down to the
basement where my shop is, and the screen printing begins. Here
is a quick rundown. Coat screens, let dry. Expose screens, let
dry. Print first color, let dry. Stack, print next color, let dry.
Clean up, reclaim screens, let dry. Stack, number, sign, get in the
hot tub. I know that probably makes no sense to anyone that has
never hand-printed, but it is impossible to explain without seeing
the process.
How would you describe your subject matter?
I am heavily influenced by 80's skateboard and flier art so I draw
a lot of skulls and monsters. I also do some political junk.
What is important for the newcomer to know about the poster
art subculture?
Digital prints suck! And, it is a terrible way to try to make a
living. We are the bastard children of the art scene, mostly
complete dorks. Somehow we end up with beautiful women, and
the women poster artists are beautiful. So the poster subculture
is, with few exceptions, super nerdy dudes and rad women.
Don't know why, but it is.
Before I met Paul Imagine, I knew Eve Imagine, a legend in her
own right. What is the story behind your name?
When we decided to get married, we didn't want to follow the
standard male-dominated, wife-takes-the-man's-name route.
And I didn't want to hyphenate. So we decided to make up a
new name altogether. We went through a lot of names. Then on
a trip to SF we were talking about it, and we were saying—since
I was an artist, and she was a writer—it should have something
to do with images. And that's where Imagine came from. It was
almost Monkeylove.
You have been at SXSW in Austin this past week. Can you tell
us your impression of the festival, the city, and the general
attitude of the event?
I love Austin. I have a lot of friends that live there. The city
respects music and art because they realize it is great for the
economy of the city. SXSW is very cool. Thousands of bands in 3
days. Not too many I like at SXSW, but I have particular taste.
Austin has amazing food. I ate my weight in BBQ, sausages, and
TexMex.
Is it selling out?
I don't think it's selling out. Most bands are unsigned or on small
labels. But it is very commercialized and branded. During the
week there are also tons of fringe festivals (with bands I like)
going on at the same time. So the city is covered in music, not
only SXSW.
How does Sacramento measure up to other cities where you've
held up your art?
Sac, Sacto, Sactown. I love this place, but the government has no
clue how to support art, artists, and music. They shutdown or
discourage venues and art spaces because they are afraid of
culture and free thought. But we have some great artists and
bands. The city can't seem to figure out that every destination
city in the US became a destination because of music, art, and
culture.
Tell me a little about pterodactyls?
They are flying lizards with pointy heads, leathery wings, and
razor sharp claws—a real life version of something I would make
up to draw. How cool is that?
If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
Duh, an octopus! Because they are the coolest critter ever. They
can fit through any passage their beak can fit through, and
change color and texture to blend in. And slip by unnoticed from
dicey situations to ambush their prey. Awesome!
What is the diciest situation you have ever gotten into?
I've avoided getting caught by the law doing bad things, so I'll
plead the 5th.
How do you feel about graffiti?
I love spray can art done with the property owner's blessing, but
I hate people that don't respect other people's private property.
There are a lot of places where I think it should be allowed and
supported. Boring, grey surfaces would benefit from art. I can't
stand taggers. They have no respect for hard-working people's
property, and it mostly looks like shit.
I've never done graffiti, but what I have done that is no longer
accepted is post fliers on telephone/power poles. A form of
communication in California since poles existed here! Now the
city is a "post no bills" town which is super lame. It takes away a
historical form of mass communication fliering.
What does freedom mean to you?
Art is freedom. DIY is freedom. Punk rock is freedom. They all
allow me to be myself inside our restrictive society with too
many stupid rules. In the 80's when I evolved (or DEVOlved)
from a heavy metal kid to a punk kid is when I started learning
more about politics and freedoms of speech and expression. The
punk scene taught me a lot about art and autonomy.
Will you give some examples of how you have applied the Do
It Yourself, or DIY, ethic to your own life?
My life is mostly based on the DIY ethics. I make and print all
my art myself I only do art for DIY small label bands and for
small and underground venues. I get/buy my music from the
bands, if possible. If not I get it from small record stores. I have
made my own scene for posters here in Sacramento. Before I
started no one cared or knew what a rock poster was. I also set
up a group poster show RockartRevulsion, here, with around 12
poster artists from all over the States and Canada. Every August
Second Saturday at Bodytribe. I have had artists like Stanley
Mouse, Lee Conklin, Jagmo, and many more at RAR shows
which is kinda amazing.
Ok, last one. Of all the art projects you have taken on, which is
closest to your heart?
I love doing show posters because I love live music. I was asked
to do my interpretation of the 80's Ripper skate logo for a Powell
Peralta art show called "RIP the Ripper." I was super-stoked to
do a piece and be included in that show.
Thank you very much for playing pterodactyl, Paul.
FLATSTOCK veteran, is represented in Art of Modern Rock by Paul
Grushkin and Dennis King, and Rockin’ Down the Highway by Paul
Grushkin. He is also one of the thirty artists examined in the film
American Artifact, by Merle Becker.
--------------------------
Welcome to Ptero Heart, Paul. Let us begin this interrogation at
the top. Where were you born, and to whom?
I was born in Orléans, France. My father was an army man. I
remember absolutely nothing about it. My mother pointed out
the hospital once when we were vacationing there when I was in
high school.
What games would you play as a child?
I was a li'l weirdo. Always the small kid, got picked on a lot,
super shy, a loner. I was always drawing, or building junk. I
could make a mean fort outta sofa pillows and a sheet. My mom
would do rad things like go get refrigerator boxes for me to play
in, and let me paint with her.
Somewhere around 1976 we moved from Augusta, GA, to the
Sacto 'burbs, where my Southern accent didn't help me fit in and
make friends. Outcast again.
Why do you make art?
I make art because I can't stop. For better or worse, I can't not do
it. I don't remember a time when I didn't draw. It's part of me;
it's therapy. I think it keeps me from doing massive damage to
the world around me.
What do you make?
Well I make tons of crap, but I am most known for my screen
printed rock posters. It is my way of being part of, and giving-
back-to-give-back to, my scene. The punk scene.
Can you describe the step-by-step process involved in what you
create?
When I am asked to make a poster, or whatever, I usually go to
the coffee shop and draw. I'm not big on art direction. I let
people know that before I start. They can give me suggestions,
but not rules. I never know what's gonna come out in the
finished drawing.
After the image is done I start drawing the text. I hate computer
fonts. I think the text should be part of the art, and work with
the drawing.
Okay. Art is finished. I scan the image, usually enlarge it, and
print the blackline out on film. With that, I separate my colors for
printing the OG way—with rubylith (a 2 layer knife-cut film).
Once I have my color separations done, I move down to the
basement where my shop is, and the screen printing begins. Here
is a quick rundown. Coat screens, let dry. Expose screens, let
dry. Print first color, let dry. Stack, print next color, let dry.
Clean up, reclaim screens, let dry. Stack, number, sign, get in the
hot tub. I know that probably makes no sense to anyone that has
never hand-printed, but it is impossible to explain without seeing
the process.
How would you describe your subject matter?
I am heavily influenced by 80's skateboard and flier art so I draw
a lot of skulls and monsters. I also do some political junk.
What is important for the newcomer to know about the poster
art subculture?
Digital prints suck! And, it is a terrible way to try to make a
living. We are the bastard children of the art scene, mostly
complete dorks. Somehow we end up with beautiful women, and
the women poster artists are beautiful. So the poster subculture
is, with few exceptions, super nerdy dudes and rad women.
Don't know why, but it is.
Before I met Paul Imagine, I knew Eve Imagine, a legend in her
own right. What is the story behind your name?
When we decided to get married, we didn't want to follow the
standard male-dominated, wife-takes-the-man's-name route.
And I didn't want to hyphenate. So we decided to make up a
new name altogether. We went through a lot of names. Then on
a trip to SF we were talking about it, and we were saying—since
I was an artist, and she was a writer—it should have something
to do with images. And that's where Imagine came from. It was
almost Monkeylove.
You have been at SXSW in Austin this past week. Can you tell
us your impression of the festival, the city, and the general
attitude of the event?
I love Austin. I have a lot of friends that live there. The city
respects music and art because they realize it is great for the
economy of the city. SXSW is very cool. Thousands of bands in 3
days. Not too many I like at SXSW, but I have particular taste.
Austin has amazing food. I ate my weight in BBQ, sausages, and
TexMex.
Is it selling out?
I don't think it's selling out. Most bands are unsigned or on small
labels. But it is very commercialized and branded. During the
week there are also tons of fringe festivals (with bands I like)
going on at the same time. So the city is covered in music, not
only SXSW.
How does Sacramento measure up to other cities where you've
held up your art?
Sac, Sacto, Sactown. I love this place, but the government has no
clue how to support art, artists, and music. They shutdown or
discourage venues and art spaces because they are afraid of
culture and free thought. But we have some great artists and
bands. The city can't seem to figure out that every destination
city in the US became a destination because of music, art, and
culture.
Tell me a little about pterodactyls?
They are flying lizards with pointy heads, leathery wings, and
razor sharp claws—a real life version of something I would make
up to draw. How cool is that?
If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
Duh, an octopus! Because they are the coolest critter ever. They
can fit through any passage their beak can fit through, and
change color and texture to blend in. And slip by unnoticed from
dicey situations to ambush their prey. Awesome!
What is the diciest situation you have ever gotten into?
I've avoided getting caught by the law doing bad things, so I'll
plead the 5th.
How do you feel about graffiti?
I love spray can art done with the property owner's blessing, but
I hate people that don't respect other people's private property.
There are a lot of places where I think it should be allowed and
supported. Boring, grey surfaces would benefit from art. I can't
stand taggers. They have no respect for hard-working people's
property, and it mostly looks like shit.
I've never done graffiti, but what I have done that is no longer
accepted is post fliers on telephone/power poles. A form of
communication in California since poles existed here! Now the
city is a "post no bills" town which is super lame. It takes away a
historical form of mass communication fliering.
What does freedom mean to you?
Art is freedom. DIY is freedom. Punk rock is freedom. They all
allow me to be myself inside our restrictive society with too
many stupid rules. In the 80's when I evolved (or DEVOlved)
from a heavy metal kid to a punk kid is when I started learning
more about politics and freedoms of speech and expression. The
punk scene taught me a lot about art and autonomy.
Will you give some examples of how you have applied the Do
It Yourself, or DIY, ethic to your own life?
My life is mostly based on the DIY ethics. I make and print all
my art myself I only do art for DIY small label bands and for
small and underground venues. I get/buy my music from the
bands, if possible. If not I get it from small record stores. I have
made my own scene for posters here in Sacramento. Before I
started no one cared or knew what a rock poster was. I also set
up a group poster show RockartRevulsion, here, with around 12
poster artists from all over the States and Canada. Every August
Second Saturday at Bodytribe. I have had artists like Stanley
Mouse, Lee Conklin, Jagmo, and many more at RAR shows
which is kinda amazing.
Ok, last one. Of all the art projects you have taken on, which is
closest to your heart?
I love doing show posters because I love live music. I was asked
to do my interpretation of the 80's Ripper skate logo for a Powell
Peralta art show called "RIP the Ripper." I was super-stoked to
do a piece and be included in that show.
Thank you very much for playing pterodactyl, Paul.
| ________________ ARCHIVE January February March April May June July August September October November December ________________ |
| ________________ |
The ptotem for May is the owl.
Submissions of original owl images
should be sent to pterobones@gmail.com
no later than April 20th. All submissions
will be included in May's Ptero Heart.
Submissions of original owl images
should be sent to pterobones@gmail.com
no later than April 20th. All submissions
will be included in May's Ptero Heart.
| Insurgent Arts of PAUL IMAGINE |
| For more of Paul's Art follow these links: Trailer for American Artifact Movie Sacramento Punk Show's Posters Insurgent Arts of Paul Imagine |
| ________________ |
Black Bean Chihuahua
APRIL 2010
| Welcome to the Ptero Heart of Luna Taylor |
1. Snake
2. Coyote
3. Cow
4. Deer
5. Llama
6. Bat
7. Crab
8. Owl
9. Seahorse
10. Shark
11. Raccoon
12. Pterosaur
2. Coyote
3. Cow
4. Deer
5. Llama
6. Bat
7. Crab
8. Owl
9. Seahorse
10. Shark
11. Raccoon
12. Pterosaur
| Letter from the Editor: Freedom of Voice |
| Featured: Poster Artist Paul Imagine |
| Ptotem: Seahorse |
| Sea Herd in the Deep Blue Indigo |
| Featured: Insurgent Arts |
| Recipe: Soup Kitchen #3 |