Interview with rboyu artist Matthew Hodson

Erann interviewed the rboyu artist Matthew Hodson for rboyu.com about pencils, people's hearts and his desire to become a fisherman.

Erann: Hey Matthew!

Matthew: Hello Erann

Erann: A few questions, are you ready?

Matthew: Yes I am

Erann: Okay, to start - were you the arty kid at school or did you prefer other stuff?

Matthew: I went to school in the country-side so my main aim was to appear as bohemian as possible. This involved art a lot yes, as well as weird haircuts and bad wooden jewelry.

Erann: We've seen your current work but how did you get to where you are now?

Matthew: Drawing lots. Looking and thinking. I did a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration at Bath Spa university. It gave me the opportunity to really get stuck into drawing, without having to think too much about real life. But in terms of learning how to actually be an illustrator, you have to do that on your own. Just draw and want and look and make mistakes.

Erann: Was art something you've always wanted to do or did it just develop as an interest?

Matthew: Always. The only other things I'd like to do are things I'd like to do in a romantic arty kind of way. Like be a fisherman or a zoo keeper. In reality, I imagine these jobs aren't romantic, they are hard core.

Erann: I can imagine sometimes it can be hard to think of ideas, have you got a favourite place to stop by or hang out to come up with your ideas or to work?

Matthew: No. I just keep records of things I like. Draw a lot. Make discoveries with your pencil. You can do that anywhere.

Erann: A lot of artists talk about their influences for this piece and that piece, who or what has been your influence in the past or have you never really needed one?

Matthew: There are lots of other illustrators and artists who have been a massive influence on me, in terms of becoming an illustrator. But my work isn't really influenced by too much. It's hard to say. I like animals and nature and language and silliness. If I had to sum it up, I guess there is a certain British surreal eccentricity that I strive for, but it is incredibly hard to get it right - watch Bang Bang It's Reeves & Mortimer.

Erann: Loads of different things are used to create art with, do you have any favourite tools?

Matthew: Pencil.

Erann: There are loads of different things to put art on these days, is there anything special you'd recreate your art on if given the chance?

Matthew: People's hearts.

Erann: A lot of art work has moved into the computer screen in stead of on a canvas, do you prefer the old or the new or a bit of both?

Matthew: I don't mind as long as it is seen by someone who enjoys it.

Erann: Just like musicians are influenced by musicians that have come before them, is there any artist from the past or present that has inspired you to produce any of your work?

Matthew: Marcus Oakley is the greatest. Geoff McFetdridge. Will Sweeny. Kim Hiorthoy. Mike Dolan.

Erann: Throughout the time that you've been an artist is there anything that stands out as being the best thing you've done or the best thing that's happened to you?

Matthew: The best thing that has happened is that I haven't given up yet.

Erann: Can we expect to see your work in any exhibitions or events soon, have you got anything interesting planned or that you are planning that you can tell us about?

Matthew: Rough Trade Records. 2nd Oct [2008]. Joyful Bewilderment.

Erann: Clearly your loving what your doing right now, what would you like to have achieved in a few years time?

Matthew: I've only just got going. I'm not even that good. I just want to keep going and getting better. As long as I'm still drawing, that's fine.

Erann: Thanks for taking the time to speak to me!

Matthew: No worries.

Well we think he's just great, make sure to stay tuned for some cool work from Matthew for rboyu!