Interview
Howard Vives
Howard was born in 1963. He studied political illustration at Parson School of Design/New School from 1981 until 1986. He worked as an art director/game artist at Delta Tao software from 1991 until 2000. He created a political rag at San Jose State between 1995 and 1996, where he was investigated by CIA.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My uncle was my inspiration. His name was Chio Isaias-Mojica. I think he studied abroad from Puerto Rico. Yet, he was well respected in the lil isle. Although, in the early years my other brothers and I were influenced by our uncle, I remained focus. After graduating from Parsons School of Design/New School, I was able to aid my uncle upon his then sculpture since he suffered a stroke. That was an astonishing experience!”
What inspires you?
“My inspiration has always been on the political spectrum! And the current climate, unlike anything this nation has ever experienced, and I don’t say this lightly, is in dire straits! We have an individual who wants to do away with the constitution, have wrecked havoc upon every political norms to serve his tyrannical needs. His inspiration are despotic leaders around the world. He put forth and insurrection attempt which in itself disqualifies him to become once again president. And he has a slew of deplorable followers. This individual is what fuels my inspiration!”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The theme is to remind the people that our political position in the world is at risk. Through my illustrations, I try to dig into the depth of the issues. My work is not for the meek. The subject matter, the political entities on the images are not great individuals. Some are, most aren’t. The message is to vote for democracy. Not for a cultist tyrant!”
Trump no dissent
“My work is not for the meek. The subject matter, the political entities on the images are not great individuals. Some are, most aren’t.”
How would you describe your work?
“My illustrations are deep rooted political illustrations. Morbid look into the evils of politics. Although, I have awarded some subjects with a brighter disposition, mostly on the dark side of the spectrum with most other individuals. I have a merciless feel of our political process. My illustrations is upon such a depiction.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Bernie Wrightson. He was my favourite illustrator of all time. I used to read comics. His line work, especially his Frankenstein illustrated novel, was spectacular! Neal Adams was another great comic book illustrator. His Tarzan and Sargent Rock were especially memorable! Yet, I was a sucker for the Mad Magazine!! Any of the artist on the rag were my influence into the comic depiction of political and famous folks!!! On the Heavy Metal Magazine, Richard Corben was one of my favourite illustrators. He was fearless in his creativity. My images are a homage to those before me.”
Bernie the saint
What is your creative process like?
“Process requires learning what is the trend raging in the political environment. Then, pick out certain individuals to create a timeless series of illustrations. Then find adequate photos of the subject matters. I would use my sketchbook and do a detailed full on line illustrations of the photos before going into my iPad and creating a color rendering of my black and white sketchbook line images.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“It depends on the artist and the societies they belong. For me, I feel that as an artist we have a duty to be true to ourselves and the art in which we are pursuing. The viewers are searching for pockets of truth in the art world. If they can get a feel of the subject matter in which the artist has created, something that compels the viewers to the artwork, then the artist is on the right track as to their role in their given societies.”
Instagram: @viveshowrad
