Wacom Community - Pro Corner | This month's Featured Artist Feburary 2008

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2007 was a busy year for Luke Feldman, judging by the dozens of shows he participated in and articles he received. Hopping from his native Australia to America, Europe and Japan, he has not only won clients such as Coca-cola and Microsoft, but has developed a distinct and playfully sensual artistic style that has captured the imagination of fans across the globe. Luke is a jack-of-all-trades as well. Not content with just illustration, he applies his sublime creativity to creating animation, music, games, product design, and websites. Where do you find the time, Luke?!

Interview questions for Luke Feldman, artist extraordinaire.

Hanako

Mizuko

You have a long list of shows and interviews from around the world. Tell us about the most exciting event that you've done recently.

It's always fun being busy. Exhibiting my artwork, launching my vinyl toy prototype during Comic-Con and presenting my animation "Who Saved The Moon" at the International Independent Film Festival were definitely a highlights of 2007. Late last year, I had the great opportunity to work with Plasq to design a cool jungle-themed booth for the 2008 Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco. It was awesome to see my illustrations in such large dimensions.

What kind of questions do you get from journalists and fans regarding the Asian influence in your work?

I am definitely a huge fan of Asian art and culture. Having been brought up in Melbourne, Australia I was privileged to have been exposed to the many amazing traditions and festivals of the Asian culture. A couple of years ago, I traveled to Japan for a three-week trip. I spent one week in Tokyo which was an awesome experience, one week with a traditional Nagoya Japanese family which allowed me to experience the timeless traditions and inspiring discipline and finally a week with a more modern Japanese family that showed me the outrageous and fun side of the culture. So, it's not surprising that journalists pick up on this Asian influence and ask questions about where this influence stems from.

Hesper

Summer Dreams

Moose

Who is your favorite fictional character?

I am a huge fan of Monkey Magic, a late 1970's Japanese television series about the adventures of a monkey god, water spirit and pig god based on Chinese Folk law. Monkey, the monkey god would definitely be my favourite fictional character as he was a mischievous being with kickin' martial art moves.

If you had an unlimited budget for one creative activity, what would you create or do?

It's funny you should ask me this, as I have many cool animation concepts that I am waiting to develop into television series and for one an animated feature film. My characters are like nothing you have seen before in both design and personality, and combined with a quirky and dark storyline it is definitely in the making for success. I am just waiting for the right company to come along and pick it up.

When do you use your Wacom tablet, your PC mouse, and traditional art utensils/paper?

I use the Wacom tablet when I'm working with Illustrator as it increases my workflow and takes the pressure off my hand and wrist. I tend to use the mouse only when I am traveling. As for traditional utensils such as paper and pen, I use every day. Each piece or artwork, whether it is an illustration, animation or fine art, starts off as a sketch. I carry around my trusty sketch book with me at all times, as you never know when a cool idea will come to me.

If you had to choose...American comics or Japanese manga? Classical or contemporary art?

I would have to say Japanese manga inspires me more than American comics. As a kid, I had the opportunity to enjoy art of Japanese manga. It wasn't until my trip to Japan that I experienced the full force of Japanese manga at a local Manga Cafe or Manga Kissa. It was manga heaven where walls and walls are filled with amazing Japanese art and stories. I like both classical and contemporary art, but probably favour contemporary.

Who is your favorite living artist?

There are many living talented artists that I enjoy following. These include Mark Ryden, James Jean and Yoshimoto Nara just to name a few.

Upcoming event information

Perpetual Kegami', Solo Art Exhibition @ Paper Shadow Art Gallery
Opening reception: 7pm till late, Fri 4th April, 2008
34 Franklin Street, Melbourne
www.skaffs.com/

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