THINK TANK | Edwin Vazkez « Urban Molecule

THINK TANK | Edwin Vazkez

18Mar08

Edwin Vazkez is about to appear in what Rabbid Rabbit is calling its most diverse issue ever. But diversity isn’t anything new to this artist. Being of a mixed latin background and growing up in what is perhaps the most diverse city on the planet, Vazkez fuses old world cues with a modern sensibility to bring us some of the most original work Urban Molecule’s seen in a while. In fact, we liked him so much we asked him to create the cover for UM1.2. And you’re gonna gasp when you see it.

Between teaching at the New York Center for Independent Publishing’s first annual Graphic Novel Symposium, working out new sketches, and hopping through classes at SVA, the young artist took a few minutes to meet with the Molecule. Here’s what we talked about:

UM: Describe your life as an artist here in New York City. How long have you lived here?

EV: Well, just about all my life. I was born in Queens and spent some time in California as a young adult. I spend most of my time in New York City studying at the School of Visual Arts Illustration, in the Visual Essay program.

[Click image for full view.]

UM: How were you inspired for the UM1.2 issue cover? How does ‘energy’ factor into it?

EV: I’m an avid toy collector. I can spend all day looking at vintage toys, especially ones I used to own. When Christopher asked me to do a cover, an ode to some of my favorites sprung into mind. Most of the ones featured are robots, with the exception of the Ninja Turtles and Thundercats sword, which I hoped played into the theme.

UM: The cover is amazing, and you have quite a strong portfolio building already. And you recently published ‘The Call of Cthulhu’ with H.P. Lovecraft.

EV: I was given ‘Cthulhu’ as an assignment. I had to complete it in fifteen weeks, which included reading the material, designing characters, and drawing out pages. I never worked with this much intensity but managed, and made it fun.

['Vietnam No.1' from 'War Song,' scheduled for release December, 2008.]

UM: Your ‘War Song’ collection is stunning. You’ve really captured a kind of essence here.

EV: I’m developing an illustrated book on my father’s experience in the Vietnam War. Usually I’m drawing silly cartoons in a comic book context. This project is a venture outside of my element.

UM: From the Vietnam War to ‘World War 3 Illustrated.’ Tell us about your recent involvement with that publication.

EV: During my undergraduate studies at SVA, Seth Tobocman was one of my instructors. He, along with Peter Kuper, created World War 3 Illustrated. Seth was extremely critical on the work I produced. I am grateful for him being that way. I wouldn’t be at my level of creativity without him. Through Seth I met Fly and Nicole Schulman, who are contributors to WW3. Fly has been one of my biggest supporters. I owe a lot to her friendship. Nicole’s also given me opportunities to showcase my work, including an exhibition at ABC No Rio and the Stop G20 protest in Melbourne, Australia.

So, after a short while Seth asked me to work alongside Cathy Breen on a three page comic entitled ‘Letters from Iraq.’

UM: It doesn’t take long for someone to remember your signature style. Recently you’ve broken the mold with a more ‘mosaic’ collection. Tell us about what inspired you with this collection and where you see your art going from here.

EV: For a long while, I neglected my painting. I was wrapped up with concept and technique, which blocked any development with the medium. When I enrolled in a workshop instructed by Carl Titolo, it allowed the freedom I needed to experiment, juxtaposed against Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons.’ I suddenly just painted. To let loose all thought, to express and unlock whatever was in my head. I wasn’t aiming to create a masterpiece. It was more of a personal exploration. At first, these creepy little eyes sprung up, eventually becoming obscure patterns. When finished with Carl’s workshop I continued these paintings and they increased in size. They eventually covered an entire wall of my studio.

I plan to continue with these paintings for as long as I can. It’s a great outlet from the darker story lines my comics portray.

Edwin Vazqez | East Village, NYC

UM: And your ultimate goal as an artist?

EV: To continue to create. I would love to teach large classes on a regular basis. For three years I’ve assisted Fly as a special guest speaker in a D.I.Y. Comics/Zine class. This month I taught solo at the Graphic Novel Symposium on D.I.Y. Comics/Zine and self promotion. It was really fun. I also hope to continue the stories of my comic character ‘Edo.’ Aside from all of this, to be constantly amidst artists that inspire and create amazing work. I’ve mentioned Fly, Seth, and Nicole already. David Sandlin and Gary Panter are huge influences as well.

UM: The upcoming issue of Urban Molecule is inspired by ‘energy.’ What does the word mean to you?

EV: en’er gy n., 1. the capacity for vigorous activity. 2. the capacity to do work. 3. a source of usable power, as oil.

UM cover art issue 1.2 by Edwin Vazkez

Indypendent review of World War 3 Illustrated #38