Although the show is weeks away, August 14th, we wanted to get you all excited for Ferris Plock and his solo show “Rest For The World” here at the Shooting Gallery. We drafted up some text and picture questions that we hope you will enjoy, and also be able to learn a little more about the awesome Ferris Plock!

So, kick back, and relax with these entertaining and interesting question.

1. As a self-taught artist, what initially inspired you to take your artwork to the next level?  How were you able to do achieve this success?

Wait… did I make it to the next level? Sweet! Finally! Nooooo…Seriously… I met my wife Kelly Tunstall and she told me to put up or shut up. She helped me take my art a bit more seriously. I have achieved all of my success by working really hard, knowing rad people, and getting really lucky.

2. What sorts of comic books have been especially influential in your artistic development and why?  Does the imagery, storyline, or a combination of the two draw your attention?

I read everything I could get my hands on. However, Frank Miller made me want to make comic books and draw batman on my binder when I was a kid. I also worked at a comic book store in high school. I think everybody that draws characters should be trying to tell a story or else it’s stagnant, static and boring. Even if the technique is amazing… I tend to want more than a portrait.

3. You have a background in creative writing and literature – how have you been able to integrate this sort of character development within your paintings?

All my characters have stories attached to them. I think that my creative writing experience helps me build my stories and themes that I like to work with in shows.

4. Does the title of the show, “Rest for the Wicked” reference any particular character,  story, or personal experience?

I have to believe that there is rest for all of us. I mean, before the big sleep. The title is  me focusing on aesthetics of the characters instead of focusing on the over-all theme of  the body of work.

5.  What were your favorite stories as a child?  Is there any specific story or experience  you remember that often comes through in your work?

1) Farewell to Shady Glade by Bill Peet

2) Lone Wolf and Cub was probably one of my favorite stories…

3) I also loved the sleep book by Dr. Seuss.

I feel like Mercer Mayer is probably one of my biggest influences. I loved his drawings.  My mom was a preschool teacher so our house had every book imaginable in it.

6.  What are you nostalgic for from your childhood?  If you could, would you go back to that time in your life?

Oh man. I guess east coast summers, cowboys & Indians, slurpees, skate boarding, checking out Sherlock Holmes books from the library, climbing trees, chasing rabbits, chasing cars, chasing girls, eating ripe tomatoes out of the garden in our backyard, skateboarding some more… I am going back to that time in my life right now as a first time poppa.

Visual Questions:

1.What would it look like if you were in a scene of a comic book or story?

2. What do the paintings in this show remind you of or call upon in your head?

3. What do you picture when you think of the title, “Rest for the Wicked?”

4. What do you hope people envision or imagine when they look at your art?