Marc Bell is a Canadian artist and cartoonist who was born in London, Ontario in 1971. He studied at Bealart in London, Ontario and Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. His comics are reminiscent of the 60’s underground comix with wild drawings of strange people, talking plants and bizarre backgrounds. Marc self-published his comics for over a decade, producing dozens of titles including Knoze Clippah!, The Stacks, Gooma and Mojo Action Companion Unit. His comics have also appeared in numerous anthologies and were serialized in The Halifax Coast, The Montreal Mirror and Vice Magazine. In 2003 Highwater Books released a collection of his 'Shrimpy and Paul’ strips and since then his work has also been published by both Drawn and Quarterly and Fantagraphics.
Marc also creates Fine Art, combining drawings, mixed media cardboard constructions, altered found text and watercolors. The most recent release of his work was the book “Hot Potatoe” which came out in 2009. “Hot Potatoe” showcases his comic work as well as his Fine Art from 2001 through 2008. Marc now focuses mostly on his Fine Art and is represented by the Adam Baumgold Gallery in Manhattan, NY. He lives with his partner Amy Lockhart who is an artist and animator. By the way, Amy is raising funds through the Kickstarter website to fund her new animated film, "Dizzler in MASKHERAID". Go here to make a donation. You can follow Marc on his blog and visit his page at Drawn and Quarterly.
What is your favorite pen to use?
I guess, for cartooning, it would be a hunt 107.
Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
When I draw comics I use pencil first: Standard, Staedtler, made in Germany. When I create standalone drawings, it varies, sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.
Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
I colour comics on the computer. Other work I colour by hand usually.
If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
Watercolours and/or acrylic inks (similar to gouache).
What type of paper do you use?
Strathmore bristol for comics. For watercoloured drawings I use Arches or Fabriano Hotpress. For mixed media work I use all manner of papers, some probably are not that "stable".
What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Hmm. I don't know.
Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Local stores.
Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Procrastination.
Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Yes. Anything I find interesting.
Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Yes. Mad Magazine.
What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Amy and Jordan.
What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
I don't think I really had an all time favourite.
Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
Yes. Bealart. And Mount Allison University.
Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Both.
Did either of your parents draw?
They doodled.
Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
Me.
Do you keep a sketchbook?
No.
Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Yes. It was OK.
Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
A bit of both.
Do you collect anything and if so what?
Small press.
If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Heathcliff.
Are you a righty or lefty?
Lefty.
If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Dishwasher.
In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
Not very big.
Do you play any musical instruments?
I like to play the drums Moe Tucker style.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Don't use liquid paper. Use FW Acrylic ink white (or something similar). It works better.
Who is your favorite artist?
Jim Nutt or Ray Johnson (couldn't decide).
Thanks again for your time Marc.
Marc also creates Fine Art, combining drawings, mixed media cardboard constructions, altered found text and watercolors. The most recent release of his work was the book “Hot Potatoe” which came out in 2009. “Hot Potatoe” showcases his comic work as well as his Fine Art from 2001 through 2008. Marc now focuses mostly on his Fine Art and is represented by the Adam Baumgold Gallery in Manhattan, NY. He lives with his partner Amy Lockhart who is an artist and animator. By the way, Amy is raising funds through the Kickstarter website to fund her new animated film, "Dizzler in MASKHERAID". Go here to make a donation. You can follow Marc on his blog and visit his page at Drawn and Quarterly.
What is your favorite pen to use?
I guess, for cartooning, it would be a hunt 107.
Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
When I draw comics I use pencil first: Standard, Staedtler, made in Germany. When I create standalone drawings, it varies, sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.
Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
I colour comics on the computer. Other work I colour by hand usually.
If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
Watercolours and/or acrylic inks (similar to gouache).
What type of paper do you use?
Strathmore bristol for comics. For watercoloured drawings I use Arches or Fabriano Hotpress. For mixed media work I use all manner of papers, some probably are not that "stable".
What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Hmm. I don't know.
Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Local stores.
Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Procrastination.
Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Yes. Anything I find interesting.
Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Yes. Mad Magazine.
What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Amy and Jordan.
What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
I don't think I really had an all time favourite.
Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
Yes. Bealart. And Mount Allison University.
Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Both.
Did either of your parents draw?
They doodled.
Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
Me.
Do you keep a sketchbook?
No.
Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Yes. It was OK.
Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
A bit of both.
Do you collect anything and if so what?
Small press.
If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Heathcliff.
Are you a righty or lefty?
Lefty.
If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Dishwasher.
In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
Not very big.
Do you play any musical instruments?
I like to play the drums Moe Tucker style.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Don't use liquid paper. Use FW Acrylic ink white (or something similar). It works better.
Who is your favorite artist?
Jim Nutt or Ray Johnson (couldn't decide).
Thanks again for your time Marc.
Up next is illustrator, cartoonist and animator, Ian David Marsden.
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