Dark and sensuous, the art of R. Black has a look all its own. Immediately identifiable, the mix of futuristic vinyl with pulpy pinups entwine to create some of the most evocative poster work to date. Collectors can recognize a piece instantly, while the uninitiated just know they’re staring at a particularly striking piece of print.
R. has a keen eye for the avant-garde and his work shows that he has a mind and imagination made for creating provocative and intriguing pieces of futuristic art. In awe of his work, I had to stop and ask him more about his method, mind and motivation.
You have an extensive body of work, out of all of the posters, what is your favorite piece?
R. Black: At the moment I really like the Devotchka Euro Tour screen print I did for them.
For those that don’t know, you have an art book out. What part of creative L’Art De R. Black did you love the most?
R. Black: I wanted to something different and special so I had a few select pieces turned into the old style anaglyph 3-D and the book includes 3-D glasses which I also had fun designing.
And, what was the hardest part of getting the book to print, and ultimately, the shelves?
R. Black: Actually that part was pretty easy, fortunately Dark Horse Books came to me with the project and they did all the work, the hardest part for me was promoting it which I’m absolutely horrible at.
You have a very identifiable color palate and style, in which I see a hint of Mucha’s art nouveau. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
R. Black: Definitely Mucha, as well as other artists from the Nouveau period, as well as Jules Cheret and Toulouse Lautrec. I also draw allot of inspiration from the early 20th century ads such as the Asti Cinzano and Cognac Monnet series.
In a perfect world of artistic freedom, what would your dream project be?
R. Black: I would love to do a stage production that is essentially a giant moving art piece, completely self indulgent and only comprehensible to me.
What’s on the horizon for you? When can we expect another book?
R. Black: I’m hustling my way into the theatre world on my way to my “perfect world project” and I’m attached to a great theatre company in Berkeley called Shotgun Players doing all their posters, programs, promotional materials as well as interior and exterior design of the theatre itself which is a new and exciting area for me. I do have enough material for a couple of more books, maybe just waiting for the capital and interest to happen to warrant another one. I’d really like to do a pop-up book this time.
Is there a technique that you’re interested in branching out into, or learning more about? Or do you have a more tried and true flow that feels right for you?
R. Black: I’m really getting to silk screening now and trying to completely move away from any digital printing which is tricky for me as it means changing my style a bit, not relying on massive colors and details that seems to be indicative of my older pieces.
Where do you see your style going in the years to come?
R. Black: More classic, more clean and more organic, and hopefully moving on stage as well.
Since we’re at Comic Con, what’s your favorite part of the convention? Do you have a favorite comic artist?
R. Black: I enjoy the freak show, the benefit of having a booth is that the Con comes to you, it’s a constant parade of weird, odd and unusual people that is just great. I grew up reading 80’s X-men by Jim Lee and am still in love with his art every time I see it.
Words by Bob Suicide, photos by Dustin Downing
