Why did you name your book "A Bean in the Wheel"?
This is derived from the 19th Century phrase "Five beans in the wheel". This expression was used to describe the number of bullets a pistoleer would keep in his six-shooter...of course maintaining one empty chamber to prevent an unsolicited wound to the foot or leg.
"A Bean in the Wheel" is double entendre in meaning: A) Chilibean, the main character is cranked through the cog of time and space as he encounters this spectacular adventure (a bean in the wheel of fortune)...and B) He's armed and dangerous but he ain't fully loaded!
Where did you derive the lingo used by your character Didgy Dinkum?
Many of the terms and phrases used by Didgy are taken from actual Australian slang and street lingo. This is only fitting and proper since he hails from "Down Under" but truth be told...Very deliberate gobs of "creative license" have been exercised throughout the book for the greater purpose of expression. Fact is...a lot of it is just flat lies!
Oodles perhaps...
Whatever you are on...would you share it with the rest of us?
I would be happy to share the insanity. It starts with a few too many cracks on the head, followed by lots of hard knocks, and a little bit of deprivation. Most importantly however; is an overwhelming desire to blast through this humdrum vacuum of a black hole called "Everyday" and if only for just one moment, help to free as many of you as astronomically possible!
You know...A boisterous escape celebrating the highest of jinks!
How did you learn to draw and did you graduate Art School?
The first part of the question is simple...I learned to draw...by drawing. Lots! As for Art School...I had never been asked to quit anything before but on the advice of one of my instructors (a respected executive art director for J. Walter Thompson ad agency), I left school and immediately entered the field of commercial art. It has been 36 years since those days and never once in that time did a prospective client or employer ask if I had graduated art school. I did receive 5 years of formal art training overall which was beneficial but ultimately discovered that an artist's "book" (portfolio) would say all that needed to be said.
Do I regret not receiving a diploma? Um...NO!
Is there specifically one of your characters that is most like you?
That would be negatory...each one of the characters is me! I would like to iterate this point by drawing your attention to the character Dew Hickey. Hickey represents my "feminine" side which might explain why she is so incredibly unattractive. I know what you are thinking..."If this guy is anything like these characters, it's no wonder they keep him bundled up and only let him loose long enough to eat his afternoon cookie"!
In all sincerity, I love the "bitty" me's and despite any effort to split us up, we plan to live happily ever after in my melon!...and yes...that might crowd my brain a little...but it's worth it!
Do you have a favorite character from your book?
Yes...there is this little cigar-smoking lizard at the end of the book.
He's pretty cool!
It has been noted that your body of artwork is significantly diverse. What is your favorite approach to art and will you write another book?
Diversity is a must for the commercial artist. There are those blessed few but most of us must be flexible and convincing enough to take on virtually any project that we manage to force our way. Otherwise we end up living in the G-3 Motel.
Personally I love anything creative but definitely have enjoyed writing and illustrating. It has been quite arduous at times but ultimately worth it. It's like making a small film only you are the screenwriter, director, producer, cinematographer, actor, key grip and best boy!...I could go on. There is an immense feeling of freedom and the end results are quite rewarding.
As far as writing another book...that is a big 10-4! The love and response received from A Bean in the Wheel so far has been overwhelming.
That's like asking if I do or don't wanna have some more fun!
Previously you have made references to the G-3 Motel and your G-3 Motel days. What is this in reference to?
HAHA out loud! The G-3 Motel refers to a parking garage that I once lived in during one of the homeless periods of my early "starving artist" days. I was able to enter the parking structure on level 3 by jerking the overhead door upward causing it to automatically rise.
There were four armed guards who would rotate shifts on patrol. All but one guard (Rusty...you know who you are) were amiable regarding my makeshift residence. In fact...several of the guards would periodically bring me food. Rusty however had no problem filing a warrant for my arrest as I'm sure he would do for his own dear mother!
Since we are on the subject...I would just like to ask:
"How's law enforcement casework going these days...lieutenant Rusty?"
What?...What's that?...you're currently unemployed?
See Rusty Run!
Run Run Run!
Run Rusty Run!
