> Interview
with artist Rodney Matthews.
-originally as a part of a longer article I wrote about him in GARF´s fanzine "Artrock".
*Dennis Jacobsson:*
> When did you know that you could make a living as an artist?
>
> *Rodney Matthews:* As early as 1960 I painted pictures of birds to sell to
my relatives.
Then from 1962 I was employed in advertising and paid a salery.
My most lucrative years were from 1975 until 1980, but there have been
some good times since then.
>
>
> *DJ:*
> I guess we all have our idols, more or less. Any special artist that
> you´ve been inspired of?
>
> *RM:* The English book illustrator Arthur Rackham is at the top of the
pile. I also like the work
late Frank Frazetta among others.
>
> *DJ:*
> What kind of music do you listen to?
>
> *RM:* I'm still in the late sixties/early seventies groove with King
Crimson being my favourite
> I should also mention Genesis, Yes etc and my jazz heros Gene Krupa,
Buddy Rich and Joe Morello.
> *DJ:*
> Which group / artist was the first that you made a cover for? And how
> did that come?
>
> *RM:* That was the Thin Lizzy 'New Day' ep cover in 1969. The band had seen
my work on gig posters
> in the Bristol area. This was before they became famous!
> *DJ:*
> Do you listen a lot to the records you´re illustrating to get the right
> feeling on the cover?
>
> *RM:* Yes, where possible. Sometimes I have demos to listen to which is
helpful. In some cases the
> relevant band have a well defined idea of what is required.
> *DJ:*
> Do most artists know what they want or do you get free hands? Has that
> changed since you became more and more established?
>
> *RM:* I usually have a free hand as now people know what to expect. Tony
Clarkin from Magnum,
> however, has always scribbled his idea for the cover on a scruffy
piece of paper!
>
> *DJ:*
> Is it common that the bands want to buy the originals or do you keep
> most of them?
>
> *RM:* Sometimes, I'm asked about selling the originals to the bands but my
prices usually put them off!
>
> *DJ:*
> Any special favourite that you´re most proud of?
>
> *RM:* I suppose Magnum's 'On a Story Teller's Night' is worth a mention
also Tiger Moth is one I can live with.
>
> *DJ:*
> My own experience is that musicians aren´t always 100% relyable. Does it
> ever happen that an artist changes his mind when the cover or scetches
> are already made?
> **
> *RM:* I don't remember any drastic changes being requested, but now and
then I am asked to add or subtract
> some small item. People like to get involved.
> *DJ:*
> I´ve seen the cover for the new Hawkwind DVD "Out Of The
Shadows", my
> favourite group. An awesome work! Was that an "old" one or did
you
> create that picture for the DVD? Any more projects with Hawkwind?
> **
> *RM:* You've done better than me! At the time of writing I have not seen
the DVD cover. The image was
> ** done in 1981 as part of a book project with Michael Moorcock. It came to
Hawkwind by way of second rights. Interesting, considering Moorcocks
involvement with Hawkwind.
> *DJ:*
> Is there any dream-artist / group you would like to paint a cover for?
>
> *RM:* I could do a good one for Alice Cooper, and we're both Christians! It
hasn't happened yet.
>
> Thanks for the interview.
> I really appreciate when someone like you is taking your time with a
> little fanzine!
> KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
>
> All the best / Dennis
Rodney´s site:
www.rodneymatthews.com