My First Interview

November 17, 2011

Here is a transcript of an interview with me conducted by Ashley from a Fayette County Highschool newspaper. This was my first interview. Thanks, Ashley

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Ashley: How did you come up with the name Black Cat Tips? What does it mean?

Brooks: About 6 years ago I needed a name for an email account. I remember sitting at my desk and just coming up with some mismatched nouns. It just stuck and I went with it. It has no concrete meaning but has become a good and fun name for my website.

 

Ashley: Who and/or what has inspired you and your art?

Brooks: I guess we are all magnets and sponges. We soak up influences and mish-mash them all together. I try to copy no one but I am affected and influenced by many. Everything from the totem pole art of the Northwest Indians to the faces of El Greco. The experientation of Pollock and De Kooning to the brilliant spirit of Van Gogh. More recently I am inspired by Finster and other folk artists from the American South. There are so many local artists these days. People you see around your neighborood keep you motivated to better yourself.

Ashley: What’s your favorite thing about what you do?

Brooks: I am in charge. I can turn a mistake into somthing great. I do not have to worry about some one telling me something is the wrong color or this face looks to weird. I always love the fact that i can work as i like, at the speed i like and i can make all the decisions.

 

Ashley: Why did you decide to be an artist?

Brooks: It chose me; music and art. I always do create and ideas just flow out of my mind. I dont know if its a curse or a blessing but it is how I am and what I am. It is why a lizard is a lizard or a thunderstorm a thunderstorm. Even if it is not an easy path to follow you have to indulge in it to be true to yourself. You could get away from it if you try to hide it or change; but the art is in you will always come calling and tap on your shoulder.

Ashley: Can you tell me a little about the bears, and what they mean?

Brooks: The bears came about around a year ago. I was drawing rabbits and something called a “jimp.” These morphed into bear faces. I decided I would make 100 of them. Soon after I created my proposal for the mural I did for the Atlanta BeltLine. One of my 2 proposals was The BeltLine Bears. Since then they have just grown into the image they are now. To me the bears are interesting because they are so simple yet I can create them with individual expressions and colors. Kind of like us, all basically the same yet each is different and unique.

 

Ashley: How old were you when you started drawing?

Brooks: I have always doodled on the borders of pages and books and notepads. I remember making a crayon rendetion of the RED BARN. It was a big gymnasium at my church/school. It was made to look like an old barn. I drew it in first grade. My teacher, who lives in Fayetteville has it framed.

 

Ashley: What form of art do you like the most?

Brooks: Well that could be a million different things. From music to sculpture or dance or architecture. I relate to visual art. I love the way paint reacts with the surface it is applied to.

Ashley: Do you do anything else interesting?

Brooks: I love to cook. I don’t eat animals. I play guitar, harmoncia and a bit of piano. I write music. I used to have 4 pygmy goats. I like to grow plants and laugh at squirrels.

 

Ashley: Why did you choose Fayetteville to display your bears?

Brooks: My parents live in Fayetteville so I visit often. I know the area well and I had access to Highway 85. They own property along the highway.

 

Ashley: What do the crosses mean?

Brooks: The crosses started because I was unhappy with art galleries. In short, the art gallery decides who is worthy or not. They have all the power and try to make the rules. They tell people who is legitimate. I decided if I just put my art out there, people could decide for themselves if they liked it or not. I noticed that roadside memorial crosses were always left alone. The road crews left them in place and trimmed the grass all around them. Drivers would know them and remember them as they traveled. So, why not put art on them. The next thing you know, I was putting art on the interstates and trees and poles everywhere I went. Most of them hang around a while. It makes me glad to see them when I drive by. I hope others smile too.

 

Ashley: Did you know you were going to be artist early on ?

Brooks: I have always known I was one but it takes some effort to actually “be” an artist. I guess there are dormant and active artists; sort of like volcanoes.

 

Ashley: Was there any other career you wanted to persue?

Brooks: I wish I could be a professional pilot. I am fascinated with flight and airplanes and birds and clouds. I thought of having a plant nursery as well.

 

Ashley: Do you have any other jobs?

Brooks: Unfortunately, yes. I fill in the financial cracks with print production, design and illustration work. Some of it relates to art so that is nice. I have been picking up some custom sign work and commisioned painting and illustration jobs lately.

Ashley: How long do you plan on being an artist?

Brooks: I am sure whether I die next week or in 50 years, I will always be an artist. I do not know what medium I will use to create with next but I will never stop.

 

Ashley: What is the most rewarding part of what you do?

Brooks: Seeing things form in front of me. Watching the paint roll off the brush and shine as it flows onto the wood. I can take an old busted up board off the sidewalk. I clean it up and paint it and then it becomes “art.”  Then I watch people smile when they see it at a show. It is pretty amazing.

 

Ashley: How long did it take you to get started, or do you feel like your still trying to get started?

Brooks: For many years I have painted but I thought others would help me or I would be “discovered.” This did not happen and I dont think it really ever happens like that. I found out after a long time that it was up to me if I was going to be anything. This year I made up my mind that I had to give it a shot. I had to start pushing the wheel if I wanted it to start rolling down the hill. I had been laid off a couple years ago from my corporate job. Events led to the realization that now was the time. I am trying to work everyday on my art and myself. I have a basic plan and hope things continue to grow. This year has been a really good start.

Ashley: Are you where you want to be with your art? If not what more do you want to do?

Brooks: No way. I feel like I am on the right path but I cant see the city lights yet. I am still on the country road headed for the town. I have to keep going. Keep making. Keep learning. Pray that I can survive long enough to be what I know I can become.

 

Ashley: Can you tell me one thing that you want people to know about you, your art, or anything else you can think of (this question will definetly be used)?

Brooks: I eat a lot of rice.

 

– kyle

 


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