July 10, 2007 | Arts / Entertainment

Skaters, and skins, and punks, oh my!

BG Exclusive interview!
Tired of images of over-muscled men, all pumped up and shaved clean? Looking for real, blue-collar types, who play hard and aren't afraid to get a little dirty? Drubskin knows exactly what you need!

Like most artists, Drubskin started young. But as he grew, his thoughts skipped passed the pretty boys, and landed squarely in the crotches of local toughs. And what started as art that was "stashed away, under my bed or in more hard-to-find places for midnight meat beating" is now available for everyone needing fodder for their own late night wank.

You won't be needing your twinks and club queens any more... 

BananaGuide: You were one of the artists showcased at the TOONFETISH Exhibition at Antebellum Gallery. Creating art, and writing, is often seen as a lonely profession ... how was it to interact with other artists, or get first hand feedback from your fans?

Drubskin: I went up prior to the show to meet Rick Castro in person and also help hang art, which was fun. I hate to say it, but I was more than fashionably late to the opening. The hour and a half that I was there, I met loads of cool people. There was so much going on, with the art up on the walls, dancers up on big blocks, people mingling and chatting, music, drinks - definitely a sensory overload. This isn't my first show, so I feel a little like an old pro, and I like socializing with people who enjoy my work and hanging out with my contemporaries. We each had our own reception over each of the subsequent weekends and I was excited by all the people who showed up and took art home with them.

Do you find that people's reactions to your work have changed over the years?

Sure. My fan-base has gotten considerably larger than when I used to hide my stuff under my mattress! I'm always intrigued by reactions from people - negative or positive. It says so much more about the person than it does the work.

We've heard your work being described as anti-Tom of Finland. What does that mean to you?

There are so many ways to answer that one. If you want to talk about the process, it's a modern, mixed media process whereas Tom's work was produced with a more classical approach. If you want to speak to the content, I feel my work is less idealized but more warm and accessible. Tom's stuff was good for it's time and is instantly recognizable for it's impact on gay men of the old guard, (but) I'm very glad people are ready for something a bit new.

Why do you find yourself attracted to punks, skaters, blue-collar workers and skinheads? Why do they picture so prominently in your work?

I took a creative writing course in college and was told to write about what I know best. So, that easily translates to making my illustrations. My formative years I was surrounded by blue collar workers in my family and once I flew the nest, I sought out my own identity and threw in with non-racist skinheads, punks, and skaters which were all subcultures who tend to like similar music. You are what you eat, after all.

You mention in your profile that it was around 15 that your thoughts turned to boys. Do you remember your first erotic images at that time? What were they of?

Guys with sideburns, tube socks, big boots, dark brooding looks, lots of cum - so pretty much the same but a whole lot less experienced. Looking back, I think it's rather strange to know where I wanted to put things when I didn't have sex until 3 years later.

Are we looking at Drub's wet dreams everytime we look at your work?

Hell yes! I only work on stuff that makes me want to drop trow, grease up and go to town on my cock. If I don't get that kind of feeling, I scrap it and nobody gets to see it. I know a piece is really good if I have to take regular breaks to take care of business.

What is your favorite image -- yours, or even another artists?

The newest one is always my favorite at the time, but when I get excited over other people's work I tend to commission work to own. I like to support other artists.

What kind of negativity, or backlash, have you experienced in the community? Or have you found people mostly supportive?

Coming out with my artwork, was like coming out all over again. The anxiety was filled with confidence when I found people wanted to see more and own it. The Internet is a great thing and I wouldn't have gotten nearly the amount of exposure without it. Of course, every artist is not without his detractors but that kind of stuff is never constructive, it's minimal and doesn't compare to the support.

Why Drub? Where did the name come from?

Drub comes from the name of a sex column I used to do which sums up my opinionated writing style, speaks to my skinhead roots and the stereotype that skinhead go around beating the crap out of each other, and hopefully what people do to their cocks when looking at my work.

Do you consider your work porn? Why?

Definitely, but I let other people read more meaning into it if they want. I do play around with pop culture, humor, and some conceptual ideas but it's peripheral and not forced.

We will be profiling one of the other artists from TOONFETISH who has actual porn experience. What about you? Do you prefer to stay behind the art and writing, or is their an exhibitionist in there as well?

I've always been a ham in front of the camera and I have tons of dirty photos to prove it, so yes, I like to show it off. I love trading pics with guys who like to do the same thing. Amateur porn kicks ass!

You also write. Some of your work is critical of the queer community. Where are we going wrong? Do you see opportunity for change or growth?

With anything, there is always room for improvement. People mistake so much of my attitude for anger when it's actually passion and an expectation for something better. I'm a vocal critic against group-think, hypocrisy, stupidity, and settling for second best.

Did you ever get back at your neighbour who let his dog crap on your yard?

I'm all about immediate results. I yell at them and then I never see them again. How did this interview go from talking about sex to dog poop? It's like having dinner at my family's house, all conversations end up in the toilet! HAHA! I do fantasize about collecting it all in a box and leaving it on some prick's front porch, ringing the bell and telling him he dropped something.

What other other disturbing ideas are lurking in your head?

I just wrote and illustrated a short comic book story for Hard To Swallow Comix #3 with Justin Hall -- also in the Toonfetish show -- and Davey Dogspunk. It's got sex, magic, hell, an uncut warlock, and murder. Look for it in September!

Down time. Since you're not heading out to the clubs, what do you do to get away from work?

I go to the nude beach. I record shop. I get tattoos. I go see live bands. I prank call people. I take dirty pictures. Good times.

What's next for you? What are you most excited about?

I'm excited about the day where I'm doing nothing but freelance illustration, living in a modern home or apartment, and being rich and famous. Seriously, I have no idea what I'm doing next. I keep plugging away doing my thing.

• Drubskin [homepage]