I follow a group on Facebook for artists and illustrators. While I've shared some of my work a few times, I mostly like to browse through the amazing things that other artists create and share. Recently, I stumbled across the work of Glenn Brucker in my FB Newsfeed and immediately fell in love with his illustrations! The choice of colors and touch of whimsy make his illustrations lively and fun to look at. I reached out to Glenn about doing an interview and he was kind enough to take me up on the offer! Please enjoy and if you love his work, make sure to follow him on instagram.
Q: Who are you?
A: Glenn Brucker (Langley BC, Canada)
Q: What kind of art do you make?
A: Illustrations for kids books and a story I’ve been working on for ages. Some people say it’s whimsical, which I like - it sounds nice. Sometimes I try and make cartoons but don’t really have the patience for it. I was also an aluminum welder for years and made an almost life sized skeleton (without legs) out of scraps. I’d like to do more of that but currently don’t have the space or necessary equipment.
Q: How did you get started?
A: Originally I wanted to be a biologist. Drawing was just something I liked to do but I didn’t have the resources to go to university so I took a more creative path (fine arts and animation). Biology is the study of life and art is kind of the study of everything. Art seemed like the best of both worlds and illustration was a way to take a picture of what I was thinking/dreaming and show anyone who was interested.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about being creative?
A: The endless possibilities. I can use as many or as few tools as I have available to bring something to life. There’s always something new to learn or discover and you never know when the information will be useful. How light hits a window or what the underside of a tractor looks like suddenly become important years later when your working on a certain project or trying to solve a particular problem. Sorry, I ramble a lot.
Q: What’s your #1 tip for new artists?
Find what works for you, what you love to do, and make that work. If you love drawing penguins, draw penguins but try to solve drawing (or whatever medium you choose) problems as you go. I hope that makes sense.
Q: What artist inspires you?
A: Artists in general inspire me, but if I had to pick one - it would be Bill Watterson. He created an amazing/deceptively simple world with Calvin and Hobbes. He put so much thought into his work - the poses, expressions, colour choices. And in only three panels, he could really make you think or get lost in how animated the characters were. In one of my favourite Calvin and Hobbes strips, Calvin is hammering nails into the coffee table. His mom comes screaming in and asks what he’s doing. He just looks up and says, “Is this some sort of trick question, or what?” Pure genius!
Q: What project are you currently working on?
A: With a publisher, a kids book I wrote and illustrated and in my spare time, a graphic novel. Most of the work I put on Instagram is concept art for the novel. I hope people enjoy the work and come up with their own versions of the story.
Q: Where can people find you if they love your work?
A: I mostly post on Instagram at www.instagram.com/towherethewildthingsare
Q: Anything else you’d like to mention?
A: Just thanks for interviewing me, that was really nice!
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