CLAUDIA MCKINNEY (PHATPUPPY ART)
If you've enjoyed the covers on my novels, this is an opportunity to meet the artist behind such exquisite work. Claudia has been kind enough to answer some interview questions for me, and I've featured her work below to enjoy one last time before you go!
1. How long have you been a digital artist?
I have been a digital artist since I was about 40 years old - (45 now- 46 in March). I had fallen into rather by chance. My daughter is a singer and was getting ready to sign with a label. We had some professional pictures taken and I wanted to try my hand at editing them for her Myspace Music page and web site.
2. Do you also have a background in traditional art?
Slight - -- my father and my grandmother on my mother's side are both very good traditional artists. I am not nearly as gifted but I do think that I have a tiny bit of their gift.
3. What inspires you?
Most everything around me on a daily basis. It can be the beauty of a sunset, a person in a checkout line at the grocery store -- I never know what is going to have an impact on me -- it varies greatly. I do derive a lot of inspiration though from nature and music.
4. What is the most difficult part part of the creative process?
Putting a cover together that an author may want but I know will not look right.... taking a bad concept and making it work. That is the toughest part of the job.
5. Who is your role model?
I have so many -- as far as art - definitely the Masters of Old -- Bougereau, Davinci, Michelangelo -- I could study their works for hours.
6. Why do you think art touches people?
Because it's can speak to them on so many different levels -- much the same way music can. It's subjective. We all take away something unique to us....hopefully anyway.
7. What would you like to accomplish with your art?
To inspire others - to offer hope and hopefully joy... to stir something in a person waaaay down deep.
8. I know your work has been featured in various places. Can you give us some information about that?
I usually have stuff going on at any given time -- but the best of all had to be my work featured in the Savoy Palace in Italy. That was huge for me.
9. Do certain types of pictures appeal to you for manipulation purposes?
Yes...I do love fantasy and classical.... something with an older feel....as far as dark and gothic - although I feel overdone, I like to do it if I can give an old world flare.
10. What's your favorite book and movie?
My favorite book is "A Prayer for Owen Meany" by John Irving and my favorite movie is "Brother Sun Sister Moon" by Franco Zeffirelli
11. What's your favorite quote?
"Pray, Hope and Don't Worry" -- by Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (google him)
12. Can you tell us about your hobbies?
I geocache a lot with my kids (http://geocaching.com) and I also like photography...
13. Where can people find you online?
They can find me at my personal website http://phatpuppyart.com
or my facebook fan page http://facebook.com/phatpuppyartist
