Welcome to part 2 in Drakestail Jewellery’s interview series with interesting, fun and fascinating artistic people Robyn and I have had the pleasure of working with over the years we’ve been making jewellery. Some we met professionally on collaborative projects, others we met personally and wanted to interview because we love what they do. The subject of today’s interview falls into the latter category.
I met Adam Tupper in the Summer of 2009 and over the years that we’ve known each other I have had the pleasure of watching him grow his artistic business endeavours from part time drawing and illustration to a full time, “I can live off of this” gig! Every artist’s dream! Adam still works hard on his own personal art but he is also the Owner/Operator of Wonder Geeks Activate, an Ottawa-based company dedicated to merging local events with geek culture which was started in 2013. You can find them on Facebook and on Twitter to keep up with what they have planned.
Adam is always entertaining, with quick wit and if you should see him around at any local Ottawa events, tell him Roxy sends hugs! 🙂
– Roxy
What is your professional background?
I started drawing when I was about 6. I’ve been doing commissions for people since about 12.
What inspired you to start WGA?
When the first Ottawa Comic Con happened in 2012, I saw the city turn out in droves for geek culture. have a lot of talented friends who I was only seeing at FanExpo and at the Fine Art Gala held at the Comic Book Shoppe every November and I thought it might be time to start running semi-regular art nights in the city showcasing those talented friends (and giving us all a place to drink, party, listen to cool tunes and play games).
Are you a formally trained or self-taught artist?
I’d been in art classes throughout grade school and I took an advanced art course during my brief tenure at York University, but outside of those rudimentary courses I’m largely self-taught.
What has been your best source of knowledge in your art?
Comic books have been my primary influences for posing, dynamics and overall content but I’ve found more influence of late in horror (HR Giger’s work particularly), pin-up, Hello Kitty (something I’m known for combining with other pop-culture properties) and art nouveau.
Describe your style in one sentence.
Art ADD – I can’t settle on just one style.
What inspires you in your day-to-day?
Everything. Every single experience keeps me motivated to create new work. I’d go so far as to say the drive to not be bored keeps me inspired.
What is your favourite medium?
Pencil and paper are all I’ve ever really needed but I’m finding paint to be a new and exciting medium for me to work in.
What projects are you currently working on for WGA?
We have our Halloween in July show coming up on July 19th at Café Nostalgica over at Ottawa U. featuring costumes, music, candy, burlesque and much more. Also we have a huge trip planned to Toronto in August for the FanExpo convention.
What is one thing you’d like your fans to know about you?
Outside of the fact that I’m always working and mildly obsessed with Batman? Probably that despite my tweets saying otherwise, I do eat responsibly more often than not.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
The work itself has always been the biggest reward. Just completing something that’s been rattling around in my brain brings untold amounts of joy. Since I’ve been showcasing however seeing the public’s response to my work is extremely gratifying. We do art for ourselves, but any artist who doesn’t find happiness through their work making someone else’s day is lying.
Best piece of advice for someone looking to throw themselves into the art world like you did?
Produce. Don’t ever stop doing new pieces. And for all that is holy, never be afraid to talk about your art like it’s your child. Sharing your passion with others will keep you motivated when you’re not selling.
