Interview with Garv
of Garvgraphx.com

How did you started in art?

GARV: I loved drawing comics as a kid. I would draw Spiderman, Daredevil and the rock band Kiss. In high school I was known as "that kid who can draw." I come from a family of creative, artistic people. So I was always encouraged to express myself artistically.

Have pinups and models always been the subject of your work?

GARV: At about the age of 11 or 12 I was exposed to my first Playboy magazine. At that point my art changed from comics to pinups. I wanted to be the next Vargas! I would search out every piece of artwork that was related to pinups. I discovered the works of Patrick Nagel, Sorayama and Milo Manara. It's obvious they've had a huge influence on my work.

Is your interest in fetish content BDSM related or more "fashion" related?

GARV: I think I'm more interested in the porno-pinup kind of thing. I mix modern porn with old fashioned pinups. Someone once wrote a review of my work and said it was like Vargas, but more satisfying. I like that description

You portray certain components of S&M in such a positive, beautiful light; it seems you are familiar with a dominant nature, is that true?

GARV: Actually no. I am only familiar with what I've seen in porn movies or on the web. I think it's a fascinating area. It certainly has a strong and dramatic impact on the viewer. So it works well in pinups. As far as my work showing women in a positive, beautiful light, I want every Garv girl to be a strong, intelligent, horny woman. I think they are in charge of what they are doing. They are innocent and playful girls with a little bit of a dark, sexy side

Do you have any favorites? Why?

GARV: Wow, that's a good question. I think the pinup named "Blue" is one of my favorites. I also like the pinup named "Blue Bottom." That's my wife and I think that piece really reflects her sensuality. Plus it shows off her great ass.

How long, typically, does each piece take you to complete?

GARV: Well, from start to finish it can take 12 to 24 hours. Some go a lot quicker than others.

Do you work from photos, live models, both?

GARV: I use everything I can. I'll take photos for some. Others are a mix of images I see in magazines or off the web. I'll take the sexiest images I can find and then create a whole new image from it. But I'll leave in the stuff that turns me on.

Where do you see yourself in five years, as far as your art goes?

GARV: That's a tough question. I'm not sure. I would love to see digital art become a truly respected art form. So I would naturally like to be known as a ground breaker in this field. Maybe a book or a calendar that is entirely devoted to my work. I can't really look that far into the future. There is a reason why someone once said the phrase "starving artist." OK, so I'm not starving but I would love to have more on my plate.

Any closing thoughts?

GARV: I'm really surprised to find that my work appeals to women. That really makes me happy. It makes my work different from some of the others. It's great to know that couples sit down in front of their computer together and go to my site to see the updates. I'm not sure what they do when they get done but I hope I've inspired them.

(www.crystal-bridge.com)