Henry is a visual artist studying Graphic Design as a Sophomore at PSU.
Q: Who or what influences and inspires your art the most?
A: There are endless sources of inspiration and influence, it’s hard to narrow it down! I think what truly got me interested in drawing came from a love of comic artists such as Rick Remender or Mike Mignola, and especially form authors like Grant Morrison. My habit of buying more comics than I could probably afford opened my eyes to the immense world of underground artists and illustrators that are keeping the industry alive and well. Some examples might be, Tetsunori Twaraya, Liam Cobb, Will Sweeney, and Motohiro Hayakawa. Not to mention all the support and love I get from friends both here and back in Baltimore, many of whom are incredible artists themselves and all continually keep me inspired.
Q: Did you always want to be an artist?
A: I’m not sure that I always wanted to be an artist. I don’t think I was ever confident enough with my work to do anything with it, so I actually ended up pursing engineering until I figured out, pretty quickly, that it wasn’t really my cup of tea. What really pulled me into it was the community of artists in Portland. When I decided to fall back on an earlier hunch and join the graphic design program, I was pretty astonished at how inclusive and inspirational the community was. I believe it was those instructors and peers who were so involved, who helped me realize that I wanted to be apart of that world.
Q: Do you listen to music while you make art? What type of music?
A: I find it almost impossible to draw or design or whatever if I’m not completely immersed in an album. My mind wanders or I get bored if I don’t have music playing I think. I’m not picky, just whatever suits the state of mind that I’m in. A lot of the time thats means very, very loud screeching guitars that most of my buds don’t enjoy. BUT, I also love jazz and R&B to relax to if it’s been a long day.
Q: Do you have a favorite time of day to make art?
A: I like to think I can get work done in the mornings but I can’t. Almost all the fun stuff happens really late at night!
Q: What projects are you currently working on?
A: Right now, I’m neck-deep in illustrating 12 pieces for a 2019 Calendar in Cassandra Swan’s 210 course! The theme focuses on the the Yokai legends from Japan and each month will have a different Yokai character with a short explanation of the lore that surrounds them. I’m also trying to hack away at a comic project on the side, but besides sweating over portfolio work that’s about it!
