Interviewed by Garrison Frost

It might be oversimplification say that the characters created by Redondo Beach artist and illustrator Bob Dob have a lot of attitude. Still, whether they're astronauts, punk rockers, athletes or household pets, they all look like they have something of a chip on their shoulder. Born and raised in the South Bay, Dob is part of a larger movement of successful illustrators whose art is finding an audience in the edgier Los Angeles art galleries. Dob's a busy guy. In addition to juggling gallery exhibitions and commissions from clients such as American Airlines and The Village Voice, he also teaches drawing, painting and illustration at Otis College of Art and Design (where he received his own degree in Illustration), and still finds time to serve as president of the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles.

Frost: Are we seeing the wall coming down between art and illustration?
Dob: A little bit, especially here in Los Angeles. There are so many talented illustrators it was only a matter of time before galleries started to tap into it. It has a lot to do with Illustrators being taught traditional drawing and painting skills, as well as having a good concept. It seems most students of fine art are only being taught the concept because representational painting is frowned upon in many fine art departments. This has made illustrators stand out and more desired by certain galleries. But I think there will always be some kind of separation between the two.

Does your being a South Bay guy come through in your art?
The local music scene had a great influence on me and my art. I played guitar on and off for 10 years in a punk band called Lunacy. I try and recapture the attitude of that experience in my work. I've met some so many nice people through the South Bay music scene.

Are there any special challenges being an artist in the South Bay?
Not really. I have a website (www.bobdob.com) so it's easy to get people to see my artwork. It's imperative for every artist to have one. When doing commercial illustration, all I need is an internet connection, cell phone, and Fed Ex. It's not like 10 years ago when you had to move to New York and meet with art directors face-to-face. When selling my work in galleries, it's pretty easy as well. The only hassle is driving in traffic up to Hollywood or downtown to drop off my work. There really isn't a gallery in the South Bay that shows the genre I paint. There are some great artists living in the South Bay. One is a friend of mine Greg Simkins. He's a phenomenal painter.

What are your favorite subjects?
Probably music, playing on words, and good versus evil. I just enjoy creating some kind of narrative in my work, so any subject matter interests me.

What are you working on now?
I have a show Jan. 6 at La Luz De Jesus (www.laluzdejesus.com) in Hollywood. I'll have about 10 new paintings for that show as well as some drawings. I'm also a part of a group show called "Blonde Bombshells" at M Modern Gallery in Palm Springs Jan. 14, and another group show at Gallery 1988 in Hollywood in February that will have an old Disney theme. I also am working on a book of my artwork that may be out later next year with Murphy Design.

(Feb. 6, 2006)

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