words and pictures: lucinda gifford's blog

August 25, 2011 | No Comments

Interview: Joe Blanck, creator of “My Scrapbook”

Joe Blanck has been busy: in those spare moments where he isn’t designing, storyboarding and painting dragons for Dreamworks’ upcoming arena show How to Train Your Dragon, he’s been working flat tack on his upcoming exhibition, My Scrapbook.

This exhibition is of particular interest to me for two major reasons: 1– it is made up of artwork for a stunning original picture book, co-written by Joe himself and 2 – the opening night is to raise money for, and awareness of, youth depression.

Through 40 oil paintings, My Scrapbook tells the story of Lilly, who keeps a scrapbook where she records her personal experiences and emotions. While the illustrations are colourful and characters rounded and child-like, the theme that runs throughout the book is darker: My Scrapbook deals with youth depression, problems that seem of a child’s control, and feelings of isolation.

Wonderfully, it also provides ideas for coping with these hardships; in particular, finding a creative outlet and connecting with other people.

The importance of a creative outlet is close to Joe Blanck’s heart. He’s now head of scenic art at Melbourne’s Creature Technology Company, painting dinosaurs and dragons, doing creature design and concept art, developing story-boards, and doing all the stuff I, personally, dream of doing – especially the story boards.

Between sketching, spray-painting dragon skin and illustrating, Joe somehow found the time for an interview:

Me: When did you come up with the idea for My Scrapbook? And what was the catalyst for its creation?
Joe: I came up with the idea about 5 years ago. It started from a conversation with good friend Sinead Fox (who has since come on board to co-write the book with me) about a bad dream she had. I analyzed it (as I do most things) and began to think of the way young people deal with difficult times differently. I ran home that night and started sketching, and within a couple of days I had the collection of images that told the story of Teddy and Lilly.

Me: You have alluded to “dark picture books and graphic novels” in your write-up on My Scrapbook. Do you feel your book is more aimed at adults rather than children? Or do you think children can handle darker content, especially if it is relevant to their own life?
Joe: It’s funny, I have thrown the idea around whether it’s written for children or adults. In the end I have really written it for myself, keeping in mind that if I had read this book when I was young it would have encouraged me to be more creative and express myself through my art. Which is was I did when I was young, and I think was invaluable to me when I was going through difficult times. And yes I do think kids today are experiencing things like living in single parent families and are having to grow up a lot faster – life isn’t always about rainbows and ponies.

Me: I remember those left-alone kids from primary school, the ones who were by themselves at break. Are Lilly and Teddy based on anyone you know?
Joe: Lilly and Teddy are based on any kid in the playground who every felt left out or a bit different to everyone else. I do see a bit of me in Teddy though.

Me: How long did the book take you to create? As this is your first book, did you go through the typical process of storyboarding etc?
Joe: So far we are into the 5th year (and still going) and I guess I have definitely gone about it a bit backwards… I sketched out the whole idea and then started writing it around the visuals I had created. There were a lot of changes made along the way.

Me: I’m looking at the painting of Lilly on the see-saw – it’s the work that you’re giving away to whoever wins the competition. I love the contrasting smooth textures of the characters with the scratchy, rough, oppressive background. Are the other pieces like this?
Joe: Yeah a few – I really enjoy creating textured backgrounds to work on I guess it’s the scenic artist in me peeking through.

Me: Can you describe your process? How did you go about doing each illustration?
Joe: I would always start with a sketch on paper to work out the space and balance of the piece, then transfer it to the canvas, block in all the colours, shadows, highlights and small details, then I open my eyes and it’s done! I don’t try and think about it too much before I start; I like to make it up as I go using the colours that feel right at the time.

Me: You’ve been painting for a long time. What materials do you like to use the best? Can you see yourself using watercolour, for instance?
Joe: I have been painting seriously for about 10 years. I used to just draw with pencil and ink, but felt limited without the use of colour. Soon I discovered the vibrant colours I could get with oil paints and never looked back. I also enjoy using watercolours for fast but beautiful results. I think my next show might be with watercolour.

Me: The sensation of putting brush to canvas or paper is so wonderful, but you must be using computer software more at work to create concept art. Could you see yourself creating finished art or illustrations digitally one day?
Joe: Yeah for sure – programs like Photoshop are fantastic. I see it as just another tool in my kit, but I think I will always start with paint to achieve the free flowing strokes you can only get with a real brush.

Me: I know that Shaun Tan is a strong influence on your style. We both agree he’s amazing. Is there anyone else’s work that you hugely admire?
Joe: I have recently discovered an artist named James Jean who I am fascinated with. Look him up he is amazing!

Me: Any picture books that inspired you in particular as a child?
Joe: I can’t go past Where the Wild Things Are, and I remember being hooked on Grug books, and Meg and Mog!

Me: And any favourite illustrators now?
Joe: Tim Burton and Edward Gorey.

Me: I’m interested that you’re thinking of self-publishing My Scrapbook with the money you’ve raised. Have you tried sending it to publishers? Or will you try perhaps one last time before self-publishing?
Joe: Yeah I’m hoping to get a publisher or two to the exhibition, we’ll see.

LIlly peeking out at Joe on Sydney Road, Melbourne

Me: I also note you’ve got Inspire Australia on board for the exhibition opening. Obviously they’ll be pleased to receive funds from the sales of your exhibition. Are you hoping they’ll endorse your book also?
Joe: I was just stoked that they were keen to be a part of the show. The whole idea from the start was to create awareness of youth depression through the book, and Inspire Australia does exactly that on a massive scale. They do so much to help kids – they’re a great organization.

Me: You’re doing a lot of drawing in your current job – and conceptual art. I’m jealous! So… is art your true love then?
Joe: Yeah for sure, that and my fiancé Meagan. She is really supportive of my art and has been a massive help throughout the project.

Me: Have you tried reading My Scrapbook to a child? And if so, what was their reaction?
Joe: I had a live reading at a friend of mine’s childcare centre, with a bunch of kids and parents, and got a great response and some great feedback. The kids were between 2 and 5 so I thought they might be too young but it seemed like they really enjoyed it. I was told later that it’s usually a lot harder to keep them still during story time, so I took that as a complement.

Me: You’re running a competition, where you’ve distributed Lilly and Teddy decals and asked people to put them somewhere unusual. Who’s been the most inventive at placing them so far?
Joe: We have had lots of great entries in so far, so it’s hard to tell… but there’s still time to enter, so get sticking!

Thank you Joe! The Exhibition My Scrapbook will open at 6.00pm on the 21st October and will run through to the 3rd November 2011 at Brunswick Street Gallery in Melbourne. Want to find out more? Visit the My Scrapbook Facebook page here!