A Descent into the Macabre with Gris Grimly :: Interview

Gris Grimly is an artist with an eye for the macabre and darker things in life. Grimly is heavily inspired by horror films, comics and writers such as Edgar Allan Poe, Edward Gorey and H.P. Lovecraft. There’s also a fair bit of Rock N’ Roll evident in his style and his subject matter as evidenced by his works featuring Nick Cave. To loosely paraphrase Tom Waits’ “Tango ‘Til They’re Sore,” Grimly will take apart nightmares and leave them by the door. We recently had a chance to ask Grimly some questions and he graciously responded.

1. How are you doing and how was the experience at the San Diego Comic Con?

I’m doing well. A little overwhelmed, but well. Comic Con went well. We had some new merchandise that we premiered that was successful. Everyone seems to have a good time at San Diego Comic Con.

2. What can you say about the fans and newcomers at the San Diego Comic Con?

There is a really strong and loyal community that attends Comic Con. I see a lot of the same faces that have been coming back every year for 6, 7, 8 years now. It’s like one big reunion for the society of graverobbers.

3. I notice a lot of historical events in your pieces, where else do you find inspiration for your art?

Emotions mostly. Whatever is driving my emotions the strongest at that period ends up finding reflections in my artwork.

4. What music inspires you when you’re working?

It depends on my state of mind. I will listen to anything from Jazz to Garage Rock to Punk to Folk.

5. Would you count Ralph Steadman as an inspirational figure?

He’s one of the most prominent inspirations in my work. But hats off to you, because most people don’t know his work or recognize him as an influence.

6. Your work is also political, would you say that as a nation, the U.S. hasn’t gone past the Salem Witch hunts in terms of current affairs?

I don’t think mankind has ever evolved. It’s always the same story, just with a different fashion.

7. Has Nick Cave seen any of your renditions of him? I think they’re pretty fab.

Actually he has. There is a collaborative project being driven (and hopefully will come to light) that requires his approvals. As I am one of the participants on the project, he saw some of my pieces. He commented on how thin his leg was.

8. A lot of your work has the EC Comics vibe too in that it has this timeless quality, have you ever thought about going the comics route?

I’ve always wanted to go the comics route. I had never intended to do children’s books. But in the beginning, I was rejected by every comic book company out there. A children’s book job happened on kind of a fluke. It pays well and I get to draw monsters. So I can’t complain. Maybe some day I will get to do a comic.

9. What are some new projects that you’re working on?

Currently, I am wrapping up the DVD features for a music/video project I did with the band Ghoultown and Elvira. I am also in post production on my second film Wounded Embark of the Lovesick Mind. On top of all that, I am illustrating Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein for a 2011 release.

10. Would you like to work in other media, animation or vinyl toys?

I never say no to new experiences.

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