Interview With Tall Boy

February 14, 2014 by Tim Granda

As an artist, having the ability to capture the pure vibe of those who you’re influenced by is a rare feat, and not ripping them off in the process is even rarer. It takes a special gift to create stuff that feels like it’s from another point in time without being derivative. Like walking through a door in 1969 and ending up here in the present day. You’d be the real fucking deal.

Tall Boy is one of those dudes. He’s riding the shock waves that erupted from the underground comix scene in late sixties San Francisco, and he’s bringing us work that’s both unique and relevant. He’s building upon the past, not repeating it. And DAMN what a killer job he’s been doing.

Whether you’re familiar with his work or not, you’re going to have a blast making your way down this page. This piece is jam packed with classics; both new and old. And if you don’t have a big smile on your face by the end then there’s something seriously fucking wrong with you. I ain’t lyin’.

Hey man! From what I’ve seen on Instagram, you’ve been hanging out with the artist Burney a lot. Does that mean you’re living in Texas now?

Hey dude! Yes sir I am currently living in Austin, TX. Me and my girlfriend Krusty moved here last summer after a year living in San Diego. I’ve been hanging with Burney on the regular. He’s gotta be one of the most talented people I’ve ever known. And the man likes his Jameson.

Speaking of Burney, you two just collaborated on a killer piece called “Texas Gore” that was hanging at Bird’s Barber Shop in Austin this past January. How did that collaboration come about, and who drew which side first?

Burney set up the art show at Bird’s and invited me to share the space. He mentioned doing a collaborative piece specifically for that show, and we tossed some ideas back and forth. I went over to his place with some crappy complicated idea and we eventually found ourselves just drawing what we love and what comes easiest to us: the human head being mutilated, haha. We both did sketches of our sides (Burney’s sketch could have been a final. The dude rips!) I’m pretty sure I went home and he did his side of the final first. I went and picked it up a day or so later and was just like, “Oh fuck, I gotta share a page with this???” Ha. I spent the better part of a day on my half and just had fun with it. I think me and Burney were both really psyched on how it came out. I’m super proud of that one. Glad you like it!

Your style encapsulates so many of the great artists that came up from the underground comix scene in the late sixties; dudes like Robert Crumb, Rick Griffin, Victor Moscos, S. Clay Wilson, and Gilbert Shelton. What is it about that period of time that you find so appealing, and who would you say were your influences?

It’s a great compliment to be compared to that stuff because I look at those guys as gods. I guess what’s so appealing about that stuff is the complete lack of censorship due to most of it being self-published, the ridiculous sense of humor, and the insane quality and technicality. I love how much detail Crumb or S. Clay Wilson would cram into a drawing of a girl giving a blowjob or a bar full of pirates raping and fighting each other. It’s probably similar to why we listen to a band like Iron Maiden. It can be completely over the top but it’s done with 100% passion and serious talent. That’s why the people who get it are fucking insane fanatics haha. My favorite artists from that era of underground comix are Crumb, S. Clay Wilson, Spain Rodriguez, Greg Irons, and this one guy Jim Osborne. I guess he drank himself to death but there’s this one short comic called “Kid Kill” that he did that may be my all-time favorite. His stuff is heavy!

Growing up, you must have seen your fair share of B-movies and listened to a lot of heavy bands. What were you into back in the day when they called you Short Boy, and what steered you towards an interest in art?

My next-door neighbor growing up had a home theater in his living room and had our family over for movies a lot. I will never forget when he showed It’s Alive! I haven’t seen it since I was very little but I believe it’s about a demon baby who comes out of his mom’s snatch and just starts killing everyone starting with the doctors in the delivery room. From what I remember, he travels through the sewers killing people haha! I think they are re-making (aka ruining) that movie some time soon. I saw From Dusk til Dawn at a pretty young age thanks to my older cousins. They used to let me watch Pulp Fiction and stuff like that before my mom would have liked me to see a heroin overdose. Musically I didn’t know shit until my brother started getting real into punk and skateboarding. Skateboarding teaches you a lot about music. Just by watching skate videos, you get exposed to all kinds of shit. We used to worship Toy Machine‘s “Welcome to Hell” which exposed me to bands like Black Sabbath, Misfits, and Iron Maiden. That’s probably when I realized what kind of music I actually liked. That’s also how I got into art. I thought it was so rad that Ed Templeton owned a skateboard company and did all the graphics. It seemed like the perfect life.

Along with Krusty, you’re one of the co-creators of Night Watch, a fantastic low-brow art ‘zine. The artists that you’ve brought together with each issue is stellar, and it too has this cool Zap and Rip Off vibe going for it. What were some of the more challenging obstacles you had to overcome to get the ‘zine out there?

Thanks man! Me and Krusty have wanted to put out zines for so long. Personally, I’d have an idea and get way too caught up in the specifics and just never get it done, or even started for that matter haha. We just decided to start this thing and be real hard on ourselves about the deadlines. We’re putting out 4 issues a year, not stressing about specifics. We have a shit load of amazing artists willing to contribute radness, so we just keep it real open and relaxed. We’re just honored to have such talented rippers on board to be part of our project. With artists like this, each issue is guaranteed to be worth a trip to the shitter. So to answer your question, actually getting the zine done can be one of the hardest obstacles. That and finding a good print shop can be hard when you move to a new city. We got sick of hanging out at Staples paying 10 cents a copy. Fuck that noise!

With Night Watch #5 right around the corner, does the process of putting each issue together get any easier?

Night Watch is always going to be a work in progress. We’re always trying to make it better. We’re starting to have a fixed number of artists contribute to each issue to make the process more smooth. I think it’s gonna be like 25 artists per issue or something. We always want to have a few new contributors while keeping the dudes like Mike Tommyrot and Gut Rot who’ve been with us since the beginning, and Swamp Wizards are always invited to the party. It really fun and rewarding to see how many people dig it. I can’t believe it’s already been a year. We’ve got some rad stuff in the works for the 1-year anniversary.

So what does the future hold for Night Watch? Can you give us a glimpse into what we might be seeing?

Yeah! Right now we’re getting ready to turn 1. We’re gonna release a bunch of stuff. Then we’re getting right into Issue #5 “The Puke Issue” It’s gonna be all about barf and we’ve got some disgustingly awesome limited packaging planned.

Further down the line I’d like to compile all the “Vomit Comix” installments into a killer comic book.

Damn, I want that comic! When you’re not busy with the ‘zine, you always seem to be creating a rad piece of art for somebody. What were some of the more interesting commissions you’ve worked on?

Sizzle Pie always steps it up a notch. The owner Mikey is completely on the same page as us weirdos. He’s always looking to push a project further and blur the line between pizza and art. I did a drunk sasquatch drawing for their bar White Owl Social Club and they made a full size cardboard cut out with a face hole for people to take photos. That’s the shit I wanna be involved in! I always love working with Sizzle Pie, and I love doing skateboard graphics just because it was my goal for so long to be a “skateboard graphic artist”. So it was really cool to have my art on Creature, Spitfire, and Thunder products. It’s funner to work with smaller companies and skate shops too because you can do more of your own thing instead of what an art director wants. It was always awesome to make graphics for Coliseum Skate Shop, Orchard Skate Shop, and Tasty Skateboards, some Massachusetts skater-owned companies.

You’ve been known to draw a chopper or two. Have you ever been into bikes?

I owned a 1975 Honda CB 200 when I was in my early 20’s back in Boston. Never had a “real” bike, but that thing was really fun to ride around town! One of my scummier friends pretty much stole it and fucked it up when I was out of town. Haha long story short, after that I was done putting money into it and I traded it to a dude with no identity for a 1963 Mercury Comet. Another New England rust-casualty money-eater. After all that stuff I eventually got a van and me and Krusty have been moving around for the past couple years. When we figure out where we’ll settle down and save some money, I’ll definitely own another bike! I’m actually up in Portland, OR right now for The 1 Motorcycle Show. I designed a poster for the event and Thor, the man in charge, flew me up! It’s been snowing non stop for days. The city is a mess but there are a ton of awesome custom bikes, helmets and art and a shit ton of people still turned out. We’re having a blast!

So who are some of the artists you’re really digging these days? Anybody we should be checking out?

Well you already know about the Swamp Wizards and all the artists you feature on Doom Cycle. Everyone in Night Watch kills it but I’d say Mike Tommyrot is king of the underground. He just finished an amazing t-shirt graphic for Night Watch‘s 1-year anniversary. He’s got a manic way of adding a million little lines of detail to his art. It gives it a Roth Studio’s vibe but more dirty and gross. Also, the artist Gut Rot kills it. He’s another Night Watch contributor who’s been making awesome stuff for our zine since the beginning. A talented brush and inker and he knows how to keep the subject matter scummy and funny. James Quigley aka Gunsho has been making insane illustrations and poster art for a long time on the East Coast. Check him out for some mind blowing detail in the realm of trash and guts. Josh McAlear is a tattooer and illustrator and metal head from Boston. He slays everyday. Tits, monsters, horror, death. All these artists are in Night Watch haha. I guess that’s how you know me and Krusty are really into someone’s art. We beg them to do a page in our zine!

What are you working on next? Any upcoming shows, prints, or mischief we should be keeping our eyes peeled for??

Next, I’m working on a t-shirt design for a clothing brand out of Argentina called CRIME. The amazingly talented Yaiagift built an insane line-up of incredible but diverse artists that I’m proud to be a part of for their Spring/Summer line, I believe. There is a mask maker in Chicago that me and a few Swamp Wizards will be working with to make rubber Halloween masks. I am super pumped for that project. His work is great. It’s called Crimson Mask Studios. I’m always working on new Night Watch shit too. I’m working on releasing a colored print of my “Wine ‘Em Dine ‘Em 69 ‘Em” graphic I did for Night Watch #4. Also releasing a 2nd edition of my “Welcome to Hell” 12 x 12 print. Staying super busy!

I ask this of everybody, so I’ve gotta know: if you could travel through time, where would you go?

I’d go to San Francisco during the underground comix revolution and buy one of each of the 1st editions of all those awesome comics. Maybe try to kiss a few butts to get a Tallboy comic strip published. Then I’d make sure to see all my favorite bands live in their prime. Sabbath, Maiden, Priest, Thin Lizzy, Motorhead and some Metallica with Cliff!

It’s been a blast speaking with you, man! I really appreciate you setting some time aside to speak with me here on Doom Cycle. It’s always a thrill to see what you’ll come up with next, and each new issue of Night Watch is a real fucking treat. Hey, and congrats to both you and Krusty on Night Watch‘s first anniversary!

Thank you so much, Tim! You are the coolest!

Tallboy Interview – Video Tease!

February 11, 2014 by Tim Granda

Check out the new video tease for this Friday’s interview with artist Tallboy! He’s the co-founder of the ‘zine Night Watch and you’ve no doubt seen his work all over the place. Did you happen to catch his rad poster for The One Motorcycle Show that happened this past weekend? It’s an instant classic (you’ll see it in the interview on Friday)!

So sit back and enjoy the vid while we wait for Friday to roll around. Let the countdown begin!

Tallboy Interview Promo from Doom Cycle on Vimeo.

The DC Links Page

January 19, 2014 by Tim Granda

The Links page on a web site goes back to the earliest days of the internet. Over the years it’s grown out of fashion, but I don’t give a fuck. I dig the Links page. You can discover all sorts of cool shit that you never knew existed. As of today, this picture represents all of the amazing artists and brands that are linked to here on Doom Cycle. This list continues to grow all the time, so make sure you check back every once in awhile to see what’s up. If you haven’t checked out some of these sites before you’re in for a real treat. Prepare to have your head blown!

Interview with Matt Kerley

December 14, 2013 by Tim Granda

Matt Kerley hates you.

No, really. Matt Kerley hates you. It said so right on the pins and shirts that he’s had in his store. Personally, I found the man who creates such undeniably powerful artwork to be one really cool dude, and not once did he ever say he hated me (not within ear shot).

His illustration work is so… so god-damn bizarre! Kerley conjures up clean hard-hitting images, with such purpose and precise line work that they immediately grab hold of your brain and squeeze. And then, out of the corner of your eye, you notice some writing scrawled off on the side. After you read it, the text and image begin to meld, and what initially seemed to be just a bunch of random words suddenly makes sense. Almost immediately you get this rising feeling in your gut, like the floor has just dropped out from under you. Powerful stuff, from a super talented artist.

Kerley’s work in tattoos is just as astounding; go on and check out some of the examples below. In fact, why don’t we all head down there right now and get this interview started. Matt Kerley might hate you, but I bet when you get to the end of this interview you’ll come to the same conclusion that I did: Matt Kerley’s one really cool dude.

I’ve heard you recently moved from Brooklyn back to North Carolina, the state you grew up in. What prompted the change?

Actually, I moved back to North Carolina from Chicago. I lived in Brooklyn before Chicago though. I’ve bounced around and traveled for the last few years after leaving North Carolina initially. I lived in Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and then Chicago. I wanted to move to the Asheville, NC because its quiet. I was just tired of the people and commotion of major cities. Also, I wanted to concentrate more on painting and drawing again. So I travel and tattoo on weekends to cities that are close to where I live.

While growing up, what was it about “art” that grabbed your attention? Were you aware at the time that this was something you would pursue for the rest of your life?

I’ve drawn ever since I can remember, really. My older brother was sick my whole life. So while we were in and out of hospitals I would always be given a pad of paper and pencils to draw to keep me occupied.

Drawing was the only thing that really got me any attention as an introverted weirdo kid. As a young kid I got into comic books and skateboard art. So my attention quickly became centered in the art of comic books. My earliest memories as a kid was sitting around my grandparents houses drawing Spider-Man, Daredevil, Hulk, etc. The first art book I was ever given was “How To Draw Comics the Marvel Way”. That’s where I first learned proportions and foreshortening which I still use today. That and underground comics and cartoons at a very young age subconsciously honed my gnarly way of looking at art.

What steered you towards tattooing, and when did you start down that path?

In high school I use to go to the local newsstands when my mom went to the grocery store. Back then they had all the tattoo magazines in the porn section which was terrible. But luckily a good friend of mine got a job there. I was able to sit and look at all the tattoo magazines that I wanted.

In high school I would draw comics and tattoo inspired flash. All of it was pretty terrible really. When I graduated high school I still wanted to draw comics. So I got into the Joe Kubert school of Graphic Art in Dover, NJ. But last minute I changed my mind and went to East Carolina University to get a BFA in painting. I ended up getting a double BFA in Painting and Sculpture.

When I was in the art program, one of my instructors named Bill Dermody was apprenticing to be a tattooer. I had always wanted to get tattooed since I was 18 but was too intimidated by the shops in my area. So I never got one before I met Bill. Bill ended up doing my first few tattoos. Then I got tattooed at a few conventions and would enter tattoo flash into contest and won first place at the first few I entered. The owner of the shop offered me an apprenticeship while I was still in school. So by the time I was out of college I was tattooing full time.

I was pretty much at the right place at the right time really.

At times, your tattoo work brings to mind one of my favorite artists, Basil Wolverton, so I’m curious as to who some of your favorite artists were during your formative years.

That’s one of the biggest compliments you could ever give me. I love everything that Wolverton ever touched. He was way ahead of his time in every aspect.

Growing up I was inspired by old Jim Philips graphics, underground comics like Robert Crumb, and old cartoons like “The Brothers Grunt”. In college I was more inspired by contemporary sculptors and painters such as Basquiat, Henry Moore, David Smith, Rauschemberg, Bernini, Bosch, etc. But at the same time, I was reading Charles Burns and Daniel Clowes books, and listening to punk rock when Raymond Pettibon was on everything I’ve ever held dear.

When I graduated college and was studying the art of tattooing, I was introduced to artists such as Ed Hardy, Daniel Higgs, Dave Lum, and Jeff Rassier. All of which, on top of a fine art and punk rock background, have helped me develop the style I have now.

Your first book, “Cone, Sphere, Cube” was created while on the road when you toured the USA from one city to the next. How did your new book “Further, Farther, Further” come together?

Well I started “Cone, Sphere, Cube” when I was living in Philadelphia. I wasn’t able to paint tattoo flash where I was staying but I wanted to keep up with ideas I had. So I kept a moleskin of ink drawings that I could do in coffee shops and stuff. Eventually that became what is known as “Cone, Sphere, Cube”. ”Further, Farther Further” was made after I left Philadelphia, traveled a bit more around the US, and then completed when I lived in Brooklyn, NY.

These were more refined illustrations in the same Clowes/Pettibon style of ink and brush drawings.

I started to jot down little one liners of songs or quotes I could hear while I was drawing. To me, it was to solidify my environment I was in at that exact moment. To hopefully put the viewer in that moment that I was in when I drew that page.

I drew, laid out, and published both books on my own. I try to be as DIY as possible. I personally ship out every book, flash set, t-shirt etc that I sell. Both books are 100 pages of black and white illustrations. I’ve revisited some ideas in both books for paintings and tattoos.

Your work in pen and ink utilizes very powerful color choices, and you’ve mentioned using snippets of lyrics and quotes within each piece. To me, they function as a sort of narration over the piece itself; to be interpreted by each viewer in completely different ways. Do the drawings always come first, or have there been times where you had a phrase or description in your head before you even got started?

After I did both of the books I really liked how the wording seemed to help with the power of the image. I think it relates directly to my comic book background. A lot of times the phrases are very vague and ambiguous. I think it helps the viewer narrate the image in different ways depending on how they see the image and read the words.

Almost every time the illustration comes first. Then, while drawing, the phrase comes to mind while I’m thinking about whatever the image evokes in my head. Although, lately I’ve been doing the reverse: jotting down single sentences or ideas for phrases on scraps of paper, and then later adapting them to images in my head.

For me, I think of everything when I work on a piece. I think about the wording, the overall image layout, and the color theory. Everything is thought out while I’m working.

Are there any new artists out there today that you’re really digging?

In the last 10 years I have completely surrounded myself with artists of different kinds, and I’m lucky to take away pieces of each of them in some way. I’m part of the art collective Swamp Wizards and we encourage each other to develop each others work with critiques and gallery shows. And we’re just getting started! Its going to be a good year for the Swamp Wizards.

As far as tattooing goes I can see a very strong influence in a surreal or “Weirdo” art movement. My favorite tattooers are Daniel Higgs, Jeff Rassier, Josh Howard, Robert Ryan, Danny Reed, just to name a few. Each one, I feel like, comes from a similar background as me.

Every day I look at tattooers, illustrators, sculptors, comic artists, poets etc. Everything inspires or sparks a thought that can be used for something eventually.

I recently interviewed the artist Gorgeous George, and it sounded to me like you two are good friends. How did you guys get introduced?

George is one of my oldest and dearest friends. We first met at art school in early 2000s. We were both in the painting program together. I switched to concentrate on sculpture but we always stayed friends. In addition to art, we built Frankenstein rat rod bicycles together, and terrorized that small town we lived in. We were in bands together as well. He played bass and I played guitar in a honkytonk band and a couple of short lived punk bands.

He’s one of the best dudes I’ve ever known, and one of the most driven artists I’ve ever had the pleasure of calling a friend.

You just teamed up with Shirts and Destroy to release a line of your designs. How did this collaboration come together?

I’ve always been a huge fan of the label. When I was in school I was really into Doomriders and would buy their merch from Shirts & Destroy. And then when I was into tattoos I respected every artist that made shirts through that company.

When I lived in Brooklyn I would try and stop by the store front, but for whatever reason, it never worked out. I was either there too early or they were closed for whatever reason. So I was never able to meet Ryan and the other folks face to face. It wasn’t until a year or so later that I met Ryan via the interwebz. When Ryan sent me an email about doing shirts with them, I was extremely excited. In the last year or so I’ve been very lucky to be able to work with several companies that I’ve looked up to for a long time.

So what’s next in the pipeline? Are there any new products or appearances we should watch out for?

Yeah, there’s a lot of really great things in the works for the near future. There’s only a few things I can talk about right now though. I was just asked to draw the next pro deck for Peter Ramondetta. Hopefully that will be the gateway for other work with Deluxe in SF. I just got done doing some design work for Affliction clothing, Holy Mountain Printing, and True Black Clothing.

I’m going to be releasing my own line of shirts tentatively called Heart Drops Clothing Co.

I’m working on a third book. This one will be all of the color series I’ve been doing. The book will be called “The Damned” and it should be out early 2014. Hopefully I’ll be able to find a publisher this time around; it’s too much work for me at the moment to layout and publish everything on my own these days.

As far as tattooing, I’ll be doing a few conventions and traveling around the east coast mainly. I’ll probably be doing a month long westcoast trip too. Keep an eye out for tour dates everybody!

On Doom Cycle, every interview to date has ended with this question, so let’s keep the tradition going: If you could travel through time, where would you go?

That’s a tricky question. I want to say the ’50s so I could pick the brains of some very rad artists that I admire, or I’d say New York in the ’80s, so I could eat trash can burgers with Basquiat, see Danzig sing with the Misfits, and punch Rollins in the dick, all in the same day. I’ll go with option B: the ’80s.

Haha!

If I could, I’d like to do a quick list of thank yous.

Absolutely, Matt. Go right on ahead.

I’d like to thank anyone and everyone that purchases a book, painting, print, or t-shirt from me. Also, anyone that gets tattooed by me. Without you, I wouldn’t be able to travel and live my life as I do, and I am forever grateful.

Everyone at every tattoo shop that has ever let me do a guest spot, or bought me dinner, took me into their homes, or gave me a bed to sleep on while I was traveling. The overwhelming human kindness made me realize that not everyone is a bag of shit.

I’d like to thank Danny at Holy Mountain Printing for always being a good dude. Everyone at Seventh Dagger for helping me get started on design work.

Lastly, Thanks to the Swamp Wizards for being my brothers.

Thanks a bunch, Matt, for taking the time out of your schedule to speak with me here on Doom Cycle. Most of us only know an artist through their work, so when an opportunity comes along to hear from the artist themselves, it’s really damn cool! Thanks again, Matt! You rock!

Interview with Burney

December 13, 2013 by Tim Granda

Do I dig Burney‘s stuff? You kidding me? I’m a HUGE fan! If I happened to live anywhere near him, I’d be peeking in his windows right now, hiding behind the bushes with my face pressed up against the glass, just to watch this man draw. And DAMN can he draw! Check out these pieces he sent over! Holy fuck!

I’ve been looking forward to this interview for almost a year now, but the dude never stops drawing; I’ve heard he even has a silo full of ink in his backyard so his pen never leaves the page. So it was with great surprise that I received a note from the man himself, letting me know that the interview was going to happen. I couldn’t have been more stoked!

So without further adieu, or some shit like that, here we go…

Hey man! Where you living these days?

I reside in the beautiful and hungover city of Austin, Texas.

Where’d you grow up, and what got you into art?

I’ve been in the Pecos area for ten years, but my parents raised me in a few different spots in California. I lived in Boise, Idaho off and on for years as well. Got into tons of trouble up there, but met a lot of life long friends.

I always drew pictures of comic book characters I was stoked on when I was a kid. I still do! Such killer work in those little books. I think that’s what pushed me to draw more.

Can you tell me who some of your favorite artists were back then, and how they’ve influenced your work?

Specifically, In my teens, my dad had an old friend named Jim Damron (JD, rest in peace) who would come down from San Jose and we’d all get high and party together.

One time, he brought me a shoe box of all original underground sixties and seventies comics like Zap, Yellow Dog, Skull, Fantagor, Fever Dreams… all full of some of the raddest, X-rated artwork I had (and still have) ever seen. That introduced me to the likes of Greg Irons, R. Crumb, Richard Corben, Frazetta, and all those bad asses.

They also reminded me of one of my favorite movies when I was growing up, and I later found out some of these same artists actually worked on it: Ralph Bakshi’sWizards!

It all started to make sense!

Like most of us, I hate them rules and regulations, and these dudes broke every one of ‘em!

I wanted to be able to draw T and A and have it be appreciated. I found my niche!

Crumb, Shelton, Wilson, Griffith… all those sixties comixs blew the doors wide open. Corben, Frazetta… Man, I freaking LOVE Bakshi!

It’s always been about comics and cartoons. These days, Instagram has been key to inspiring my stuff. So many rad artists on there that I never knew about.

Meeting Phil Guy (on Instagram: @burritobreath) was a life changer (as corny as that sounds). All his shit is eye candy. He’s a machine, and super supportive. And nothing but positive shit has happened since.

I hadn’t been drawing anything for years. I was just drinking, snorting, and riding motorcycles. I still love my whiskey and bikes, but art comes first!

Phil is just about as cool as it gets. So what’s your favorite medium to work in?

Pen and ink, for sure, but I’m starting to get back into painting with acrylics.

You mentioned being into bikes. When did you start riding?

I’ve had friends riding for years and always wanted a scoot. I wasn’t raised as a kid around anyone who rode them, but was always infatuated with the freedom package they portrayed. And that’s what they are. Freedom machines! I just said “fuck it” one day, bought a used ‘03 Sportster and started pulling it apart and chopping the fuck out of it with friends. It’s been one of the best things that ever happened to me.

Your cover for Show Class #12 is killer! Can you tell me how that came together?

Thanks, dude!

I saw that they had different artists designing covers for them and just got stoked on doing one up. I contacted Tim about it, and he said he was doing a “southern specific” issue if I was interested. I said “BET!”

Whatcha working on next? Any cool projects or product for us to look out for?

Tons of work!

I just finished a fun-ass design for Municipal Waste. That was a super honor.

I’m about to start a big acrylic on canvas in the vein of Frazetta for my dudes inEternal Champion, and I couldn’t be more stoked (or nervous) .

It’ll be my first big painting in at least ten years. I stopped painting years ago from constant disappointment with color. You can say I forcibly “regressed” back to pen and ink. I feel like illustrating with just black and white has taught me a lot about values and contrast, so I’m ready to put my paintin’ pants back on.

For me, every project is a huge learning experience, and they’re all important for the next one.

That Frazetta-esque piece you posted to Instagram was kick ass! I’m really looking forward to seeing your return to paint. We’ve talked about the artists from the past who inspired you, so who you digging today?

The twelve other Swamp Wizards* keep my gears turning constantly. These dudes kill it, and I’m proud to be a Swamp Wizard myself!

There are countless artists out there that I love, but Geof Darrow has always been an big inspiration. Not sure how many hundreds of times I’ve read Hard Boiled,Big Guy and Rusty or the Shaolin Cowboy series, but that man kills it. His work always reminds me to be patient, appreciate details, and make it fun.

I’ve been really stoked on the oversized “artist series” IDW has been publishing. Incredible fucking books. Oversized scans of all the original ink of some of the best comics. Mark Schultz‘s Xenozoic Tales has been my jam lately.

* Swamp Wizards include: Jessy: Sketchytank , Dresden: Dresdenthebarbarian, George: thegorgeousgeorge , Mike Giant: giantrebel8 , Phil Guy: burritobreath, Matt: mattitude, Nick: thebadweather, Chris: tallboy666, Chris Y.: mastersofdeath, Chris C.: chris_dogt, Ron: kingron315, myself: batdog, and last but certainly not least Honkey Kong: honkeykong.

Check em out!

Where can we see more of your work, and how do we get a hold of your stuff?

Instagram seems to be my staple these days as far as seeing current stuff. (Instagram: @BATDOG and also @SWAMPWIZARDS for the official IG page). I post prints , original art, shirts, and all the good stuff there.

Burney Art is my site, and you can always email me at burney1981@gmail.com

Also, Jim “dirtbag” has some designs on shirts I’ve done for him on 100% Dirt Bag as well as Steven at Orcus Brand. Both live in Texas, and are a couple of stand-up dudes who support a handful of other incredible artists.

If you could travel through time, where would you go?

I’d go to the garage that Slayer started in, have a beer with ‘em, and tell them that “Show No Mercy” still kills it in 2013. I’d also ride a chopper to Woodstock and party with the muddy babes. Might even try that brown acid.

Haha! Thanks Burney!

I’d like to say thank you, Tim, and the highest fives to you, good sir. Your support is so greatly appreciated. What you’re doing for us bum (hardworking) artists is humbling, honorable, and actually so damn cool it’s a little creepy.

It’s difficult to find good folks on this planet sometimes, especially those that will do something thoughtful for others without demanding money or a blowjob (or something else gnarly that I wouldn’t like to do to you).

And so what, maybe I’m over enthusiastic about a guy I’ve never met, who wants to share my drawings and what inspires me with the rest of the world. To some it’s just a stinkin’ interview, but you give a shit. It shows, and that fuckin’ rules. You’re one of the good ones, my friend.

Thank you.

Geez, thanks man! I really appreciate the kind words. Hopefully Doom Cycle will turn more people onto all the cool artists in the scene, and inspire them to become more passionate about the stuff they dig in their own lives.

And thanks a ton for setting some time aside for this interview; it’s been a real thrill!