Camilla d’Errico: Femina and Fauna

We’re about the same age. What were you watching/reading as a kid that really influenced you and made you want to be an artist, or at least provided these influences?

What didn't I watch in the 80's! It was all about He-Man and She-Ra, nothing got me more excited then those shows. Astro Boy and Sailor Moon guided me into the world of anime and once there I was in total heaven. It opened my eyes to new storytelling styles and storylines that were developed over 24 episodes instead of episodic storylines that were characteristic of North American cartoons. My first comic book was The Darkness by Top Cow. And I fell into the world of Witchblade, Michael Turner, Silvestri and trickled my way to Humberto Ramos. Its an amazing thing to be influenced by so many different styles of both art and storytelling.

Were your parents supportive of this decision to be an artist?

Like any parent, especially old world Italian ones, they wanted me to have a successful future. Terms like "starving artist" tend to scare a caring parent into siding on the more practical and conservative side. They always believed in my talents, and were always supporting me when I had exhibitions in school and when I chose to study in college. They tended to steer me into a more secure future, like teaching or animation. But they never once told me not to do art, in fact my father was the one who brought me to comic con in ‘98. He was the one going up to the publishers and talking to them about careers and bringing my, then, shy self up to talk to them. They are really proud parents and my art has brought me closer to them, especially my mom and its really wonderful. 

I know you went to art school. Was it a useful few years for you? Did they encourage and support the kind of work were you doing?

I went to several art schools, 3D animation, Fine Arts and Illustration and Design. I found that I learned so much from each experience and that although I am in a completely different field this experience has given me extremely useful skills. My teachers in the Design program didn't encourage my comic side, and tended to be a little dismissive. When they realized that I was not going to change my mind, they became encouraging. My painterly side was brought out during these years and its how I discovered that I could paint!

The courses definitely structured my chaotic artist mind into a more disciplined one. I am thankful for having done the courses because deadlines are what make the world go round, and previously I was falling off the edge of it! I am thankful for the discipline and would highly recommend any artist that has trouble finishing work, to go to a program where they whip you in shape! I met a lot of artists that absolutely inspired me and I still keep in touch with them.

You started working in comics and then you segued into painting and fine art. How did that happen?

Since I was a teen I dreamed of being a comic artist, so the idea of me being a painter never really crossed my mind. Even after college it wasn't a direction that I intended to go in and it sort of happened, almost by way of a universal slap in the face! I credit Ken Lum at the Ayden Gallery in Vancouver for this. He was the first person to suggest I do a show with full color paintings, just to see if I could and if I liked it. Its an interesting moment in a person's life, when they are suggested something that hadn't really occurred to them. If Ken hadn't asked me to do full color paintings, I don't know if I would have. Imagine if Mozart hadn't been put in front of a piano. Not that I'm Mozart, but just to say, if you never try something how do you know your not good at it? I really love painting, and I release a different side of myself in these images, subconscious thoughts, riddles and emotions that I otherwise couldn't express. I'm glad that the universe opened up this path for me. 

One aspect of your artwork that really stands out is your use of color. Where did this palate and approach to color come from?

I adore color! My eyes are always hungry for rich and vibrant colors to eat up. Not sure if other artists experience the sensation of wanting to taste color but I do! When I look at a green lawn, or the colors of the ocean, the gorgeous colors of parrots, I'm mesmerized by them. I grew up with peach faced love birds, and I remember staring at their feathers and detailing how the colors faded into each other. Moments like these inspire me and I can't help but pour those onto a canvas.

You enjoy working with water soluble oils. What’s the benefit of that particular type of paint for the kind of work that you do?

There are many amazing aspects to these paints – Holbein DUO paints. Oils carry a higher pigment load than acrylics, richer colors, and the smooth blending. But unlike regular oils, these water soluble DUO oils are not as toxic. You don't need paint thinner to clean the brushes or the highly toxic mediums to mix with the oils. I work in a small studio and its not recommended to use regular oils unless well ventilated. So the DUO oils are perfect for me. Its also a beautiful effect to see them thinned with water. It creates illusions and people don't know what its painted with, and that adds to the painting's mystery.

So the art book, Femina and Fauna. How did this come about?

I had been wanting an art book for a long time and so many fans bugged me about it too but I have to say that although I did look into it, into various avenues and publishers, it sort of happened naturally during a meeting with Dark Horse editor Samantha Robertson. I had done a couple of projects for them – Vampy Cat Plaything and the cover of Dark Horse Myspace Presents. And of course Dark Horse was the first company to license my work – the journal and stationery sets. I love Dark Horse Comics, they are a great company and I’m so happy that they published my book. It’s a great fit and a preview of more great collaborations with them in the future.

Where did the title come from?

I have to credit that to my sister AdaPia. Many people know her or of her, as my manager and business partner. Lots of what “I” do is a “we do” because she makes so many things happen. She’s also got a knack for words so when we were all brainstorming, she threw this one out there and it’s so fitting!

Ashley Wood wrote the forward to the book. How did you get to know him and why did you ask him to write a few words about your work?

Ash is my hero. I'm not shy to say it. When I was first entering the world of comics, I picked up one of the most unique books I'd ever seen, Popbot, and this opened my eyes to an entire new world. I had no idea that comics could be painted, that they could exist outside the "standard" paneling, and flow freely and express themselves with few words. I was blown away. We had a connection, Ride Snowboards. I was doing the new series of boards and Ash had done the last, so I took the opportunity to email him. I was SO nervous, to email your idol is not easy. But we began a rapport and have been friends ever since. I couldn't think of a better person to write the forward, he's the reason why I think outside the box!

It was announced a while back that you were working on a project with Grant Morrison at Vertigo. Is that still happening?

It is! However, Grant is like a god and so we must all wait for his schedule to clear up – and probably also for him to get into the story. It’ll be a creator owned graphic novel. I’m still excited about it, and whenever it happens, I’ll be ready! I was even in his documentary … though I wanted to crawl under the seat when I saw myself since I’m quite shy, but at the same time proud to be in there. I know it’ll happen, like I said. I’m ready when he is.

Is there anything that you haven’t tried your hand at, but would be interested in trying?

I've tried lots of things, sculpting, water colors, oils, acrylics, ceramics, soap stone, sculptures made of found objects, paleontology (when I was a kid I thought I found a dinosaur foot!). I think I'd really like to do more sculpting, and maybe learn to carve wood. Actually, sewing sounds like fun! I've always loved fashion and it would be so great to learn to make outfits, especially if I could design the fabrics.

So 2011. Your first art book is now out. What else can we look forward to seeing from you this year? 

More Tanpopo! Issues 4 and 5, plus vinyl toys – my very first vinyl of my character Kuro from the Tanpopo series. I’m also working on a mini manga for a Spanish pop opera singer, Monica Naranjo. Once that is done I’m going to dive into a new graphic novel with a French writer, and you’ll be seeing some Sky Pirates of Neo Terra stories – and the game version go live in March. I’m also prepping a solo show for 2012. I haven’t been painting much the past few years other than my Helmetgirls solo last June so I’m looking forward to producing a body of incredible, full color paintings. And of course – you’ll be hearing more about Helmetgirls.

Well I’m certainly looking forward to more Helmetgirls. Did you want to talk a little about Tanpopo? I can’t help but feel that it’s something that falls off a lot of people’s radar.

Tanpopo is my passion project! I started it as a single 20 page self-contained story and printed only 100 copies, but it was so popular, selling out in only two conventions, that I expanded it into a series of 10 books. It's based on classic literature - poetry and prose. The overall story arc was inspired by Goethe's Faust and each book is inspired by a different piece of literature. I take the literature and use the original (public domain) text to narrate the story of Tanpopo and Kuro. Tanpopo is a mysterious girl who is superhumanly smart however she feels no emotion. She laments her existence, knowing everything, but yet feeling nothing. So along comes this cute little character, Kuro, who as it turns out is the devil in disguise. He tells Tanpopo that he'll guide her through the world and teach her to feel emotion. She leaves her machine of knowledge - the only world she has ever known - and goes with Kuro. He maintains his promises by creating situations where she will feel emotion. A trickster, a shapeshifter, a sly fox ... but at the same time you can't hate him! Being that he is the devil, and he's ultimately after her soul, I wanted the story to play on a lot of different themes, that are not necessarily about evil or good.  It's a very emotional story, and each issue brings her to more emotional peaks that I really want the audience to feel with her. What's surprised me about it is that it has been SO appreciated by people and especially young people who LOVE reading classic literature in this format.  It's like an indie, underground cult book.  This year I'll be releasing issues 4 and 5, where Tanpopo feels anger and fear. Very strong emotions that I'm excited to draw.

As for Helmetgirls, you'll definitely be seeing more! Lots more.  I'll be making some announcements about it soon, and releasing some new images too.  I can't say much more than that, but for sure this year the website, www.helmetgirls.com will be going live!