Pagan Moon Featured Artist: Darcy Klooster of Redpaw Productions
interviewed by Lady True

PM: How long have you been involved in the visual arts?

DK: Well, I've enjoyed drawing since I was very little. But I've only been pursuing this seriously for the last six years or so. As to using the computer to finish the drawings, that's only been in the recent three.

PM: What is you biggest inspiration personally?

DK: I'd have to say my parents. They've both had to go through a lot in their lives to get to where they are now. And, while they were never too fond of the idea of my being interested in the arts, they never stopped me from drawing and always provided me with a great amount of materials to use. I recent years they've been wonderfully supportive and much more accepting of my interest.

"Lutes of Spring"

PM: How about artistically?

DK: Ah - I'd like to say someone like Michelangelo, but then I wouldn't be telling the truth. While I do admire the classical and Renaissance artist, they don't have as much of an influence in my art. To be honest, I'd have to point to the Furry artist community as a whole. There are so many talented artists out there. Before I discovered the community, I thought the fact that I enjoyed drawing little furry creatures was odd. But I'm much more comfortable with my favorite subjects now that I know there are others out there with the same interests. And their varied styles are always a great nspiration.

PM: Do your personal religious/life beliefs make their way into your artwork?

DK: I don't believe so. I don't tend to do very serious pictures and a majority of them are illustrations for a series of stories that are hosted on my site. But, I suppose my interests and love of magic sneaks its way in every now and then.

PM: Please tell us about this piece entitled "Lutes of Spring"

DK: Um...I'm not really sure what to say exactly. The picture was first drawn by hand and then colored using Adobe PhotoShop. I wanted a somewhat realistic moon for the background, yet no matter how I tried to color it, it
didn't look quite right. So I went searching for a photograph which I then faded and made semitransparent to allow the under-layer of shading to shine through. This was my first attempt at adding fireflies to a piece.

PM: What's your favorite piece of your own?

DK: Hmm...I think that would have to be a cover I did for a friend's story. It's entitled "They Who Sleep" and features my main character in the center of the image, with a semitransparent face of Isis in the background and two small circles containing scenes from the story in the corners. I really enjoyed the way it turned out, rather bright and colorful.

PM: Who is your favorite artist? Why?

DK: Well, I'd have to say Grant Wood. While he hasn't truly influenced me, I love the look of his paintings. The soft colors and shapes. My favorite painting by him is "American Gothic". I was able to attend a showing of his work at a local art museum while in High School and to actually see that painting in person....it was something that I'll always remember.

PM: Who is your least favorite artist and why?

DK: I don't really have a least favorite artist or art style. They all seem to interest me.

PM: What do you think makes someone an artist?

DK: I think it's a love of the media and subject matter they chose. That, mixed with a desire to create and share that creation with others. The sharing is the main thing. You'll get hurt, rejected, laughed at, yet the work needs to be seen. To just keep it locked away isn't right; others should be allowed to enjoy what you've done. And maybe, it will inspire them
to create as well.