A Beautiful Face

Art by Sandra Singh

This is the face of an upcoming story in 2012:  Sarah, a PS-6, or "Pleasure-Simulator, 6th generation."  Pleasure-simulator is simply a fancy term for android prostitute.  But Sarah's story unfolds in the mega-city of Jasper--one of the few cities remaining in existence in the (former) United States.  Specifically in the territory of California.  The year is 2092.

FULLY FUNCTIONAL gets fully drawn!

This weekend was spectacular:  I unveiled new artwork on my deviantArt page.  A perfect illustration based on a poem I wrote called "Fully Functional," which is from my chapbook ROBOTS DANCING.  The chapbook itself follows a few characters living in a speculative future, in a mega-city called Jasper--located in the north Californian territory. 

The artist for "Fully Functional" is Sandra Singh, or *so-berauscht on deviant, a wonderful young lady from Germany was so awesome as to do a free, 1-page illustration for my work!

I saw the final product--a low-res proof--on Friday afternoon via email link.  And I was really glad she was HOURS ahead of me on the globe.  That way I didn't have to wait long for the full file...

The work is so beautiful, it should be a cover.  :)

Check out my deviantArt profile for the poem and art together!

LOVE SICK: Update

I'm close to tying off two issues, combining poetry--from the chapbook after which this project is named--and straight prose with dialogue.  It's something I haven't tried before, and I'm well satisfied with the story thus far.  Something about demons and humans.  More than something, I should say.  The artist has given me some pretty awesome character sketches.  He's almost done with the full cast, too.  

Writing a story or drawing or painting or building is exciting--and the process of my own craft I do cherish overall.  I am impatient, nonetheless.  I'm always looking for results.  The push and pull of creativity can be such a pain in the ass.  Part of me wants it to end soon, it's so painful.  The other half needs this--this outlet, this catharsis, this flow of thoughts and ideas.  A deluge that, when flowing in the right way, feels perfect.  

I've noticed a few themes, too:  old women, folk tales, devil-demons, magic, and dystopic futures.

There are writers who write crime fiction, horror, and romance.  That's their love and shtick.

Maybe I should get used to it.  Having an ingrained passion for fantasy.

Inspiration #1

I've been a long-time fan of BLADE RUNNER, so I thought it fitting that I use the name, "Damask Rose," after the song by Vangelis.

DAMASK ROSE: Page 5/Splash Page

I love full-page panels.  They're always good for introducing a strong character.  Case in point:

Art by Axel Medellin.

She (Panya) literally has strong legs.  And if anyone has a problem with strippers, or a stripping belly dancer, then look away.  (I ain't got time for prudes or pricks).  But for the brave, this page was a happy accident.  DAMASK ROSE, originally, was to be 8 pages when Richard (writer-creator of ELEPHANTMEN, and my editor) suggested that panel 1 of page 5 be a splash page.  I readily agreed.  Panya hanging upside down by the sheer force of her thighs should be a 1-page wonder.  And I'm very happy with the effect--I freaking love Panya's nails.

New Story: DAMASK ROSE

Damask Rose is a 9-page story I wrote for Richard Starkings' ELEPHANTMEN. To appear in an August/September issue, #34 (published by Image). This is an autobiographical biography of Panya--Sahara's body double and Casbah Joe's star belly dancer.

Cover art of Panya and Casbah Joe by Axel Medellin

SDCC 2011: Sexy Beast

Oh, yeah.  That's right--

   In 2010, Joshua Dysart* called me a "Beast."  I just added the former.

      Here's my hierarchy of AWESOMENESS.

 

Photo by Richard Starkings, Writer/Creator of ELEPHANTMEN

     

Panya from ELEPHANTMEN - Inspired by Yrs Trly - Art by Boo Cook

Me in 2007 - Saucy Minx - Photo by Martin Eng

*Writer - UNKNOWN SOLDIER