Interview by Kelly Kuvo

1. You're an artist and an illustrator - Is that how you would describe yourself?

I am an artist and an illustrator. I am a graphic designer and web-designer. I'm a writer and a poet. I'm a dreamer and a thinker. I'm a liar and a soothsayer. I am ego and I am phantom. (I wish this intro had music.)

Who we are constantly changes, and what we think of ourselves changes from day to day. I am Robert, and Azodnem is just my last name spelled backwards.

2. When you started drawing as a kid, did you ever think that you could eventually do that for a living? How did it happen for you?

Not really. My parents always wanted me to become a doctor, or something with a large income potential. I guess all parents want that for their children, to some extent. At one point, I even thought of becoming an architect, but it required far too much math. The "art-thing" just seemed to happen on its own, luckily. I landed a few freelance gigs here and there, thanks to friends (like you) or fate, or both.

3. Are there other artists or creative people in your family? Did they encourage you to be an artist? What did?

My cousins... Oneida studied art for awhile. Then she became a hair dresser. Now she's studying to become a masseuse, I think. Her brother is cop and a part-time actor for a small local Latino theater company. No one never actually ever "encouraged" me to pursue the arts. It was quite the opposite on some occasions, but art was the only thing I always truly wanted to do, and I feel very fortunate that I have been able to do so professionally.

4. Does drawing fulfill fantasies for you? Does it make the "real" world seem unsatisfactory to you? How do you handle going from the fantasy world of your creative mind, to the bleak reality of day to day life?

Isn't all art to some extent "escapism"? I consider myself a very practical and logical person. Seperating imagination and routine are unconsciously easy, but on second thought... since imagination is a reality in and of itself, so to speak... can we ever really leave it? Is Imagination a "tangible concept"?

5. How has the computer and internet changed things for you as an illustrator? Have you ever just used paints, pencils and paper, or did you learn to draw on the computer? Would you prefer to not use a computer and go back to the days of pencil and paper?

"Hand-art" was always my first love. I love painting and drawing by hand. I actually learned to use a computer simply for the sake of being able to get myself a "9 to 5" job, and ensure a steady flow of income ("Robert-Practicality" at its best). There is something I do love about the process of "hand-art"... getting your hands dirty, the tangibility of your art after the process... the cleaning-up / winding down... There is something about that "ritual" that to me defines art.

6. I'm not familiar with your history and progression as an artist; but from what I have seen, it is all very Occult looking, Japanese Anime looking, and super sexually charged... Is sex always on your mind, so it just comes out that way? Or, is it a combination of the two?

I'm 27 and Latin. Sex is always on my mind...

Sensuality and sexuality are a natural part of life. Their presence in my art, or lack of it, is often NOT intentional. It is simply natural.

Japanimation is definetly one of my sources of inspiration.

Dark gothic imaginary is also another source of inspiration.

7. Have you ever drawn in a totally opposite way, or is it the only way you know how? Where did that "style" come from and when? Do you know and follow art history? Or, do you prefer to just take influences as they come, make your own thing with them, and try not to think about it?

Actually, my style has changed often. It has gone from tight realistic renderings to smooth "cartoony" kind of stuff. I have been influenced (to a certain extent) by "art history". I can definetly see some Greek / Roman and Eygptian influences in my early art, but I think I have been affected more by modern cultural influences than historical ones.

8. What is the DEAL with you and other male artists obsessed with drawing big-breasted women? Is it just because they're fun to draw? Or, are they a symbol of female power to you?

I think it's the world's largest cover-up. Men have secretly wanted to have their own breasts for centuries, and have been viciously denied this by evolution. In responce to this, several comic book artists have rendered them obnoxiously large and cumbersome in the hopes to make them less appealing.

Honestly, I don't know. I never gave it much thought. It seems to be a standard or "default setting" for super-heroines. Even female artists adhere to that "unwritten rule".