image//martin wilson words//tzivia halperin
Referring to his own work as “the scribbles of a full time derelict” on his website, multi-talented Dan Zvereff creates with a light-heartedness and animation. From photography to pen drawings and more, Zvereff’s projects focus on the natural and organic. Currently at work on a children’s book, he took a break to hobnob with Artist Advocacy.
Did your upbringing contribute to your current artistic work and if so how?
Definitely! My mom was always an artistic person and my dad is obsessed with collecting beautiful things, so growing up I was always surrounded with new and interesting brain candy. Also, I was never allowed to have Nintendos or Segas… maybe that had something to do with it also.
What were the circumstances that prompted you to actively pursue art?
There were never really any specific circumstances. I think it’s just something that gradually became a part of my life as I experienced more and grew up.
Who do you see as your biggest influence, either in the field of arts or otherwise?
My friends, the people I love, that’s most important. It helps to be running around NYC everyday. A lot of visual stimulation and loads of things to do. Sometimes I have nothing to do, yet I feel like i’m too busy to do anything. It’s pretty brilliant here.
So when you sit down, pen in hand, about to begin a new illustration, what are you thinking about?
Absolutely nothing. I just start moving.
I noticed that some of the illustrations and designs corresponded to certain areas you’ve traveled to, including Barcelona, Argentina, and Thailand. Do you feel that your travels catalyzed the illustrations–that the illustrations were a response to the travels? Do you travel in order to gain inspiration for the illustrations?
Travel at this point in my life is what keeps me going. Thailand was the first place I went to alone, and it sort of sparked the travel journal thing. I love it–it’s a fantastic way to give myself a reason to really pay attention and soak in the daily life that otherwise I might miss. The drawings I do while traveling aren’t in anyway a direct representation of what I did or saw, but more like a personal mood board.
You also spend a lot of your time skateboarding. Would you say that this has influenced some of your artwork in any way [or vice versa]?
I cant say it didn’t. Truthfully, I try to keep the two somewhat separate, although I guess that’s impossible since I have been a skateboarder for over 10 years. Sometimes drawing for me is a way to escape myself, so I guess yes and no.
Most of the titles and art direction for the Thanks Camera videos was done by you. How did you meet those guys and what was that like?
Back in the old old old days, before YouTube, there was really no way to see skateboarding outside of your local scene and what came out from the major companies. I had this sort of obsession to see what other skate crews and people elsewhere in the world were doing. I guess a sort of early spark to my travel obsession. Anyways, I was looking up local skate videos on KAZAA and found the first video Justin Hogan made. The info section had an AIM screen name, which was someone that was able to direct me to him… So from that point on, we sort of traded footage, and eventually I started skating for a local company in Connecticut that I was able to get on through them. They would fly me out for the summer to tour around the Northeast. It was such a big change for me, to see real east coast skating and how insane and full of life everyone was. I definitely miss those days.
How did you make the leap from photography to illustration, and do you feel that the two mediums complement or contrast one another?
Well, actually, it’s flipped. Photography is a newer thing for me. Collecting cameras is a sort of an obsession. I think they are so beautiful, and it only makes sense to try to take pictures when you travel. I find a value in shooting film, so it’s also a very expensive hobby. I’ve actually recently started mixing photo and illustration together in travel journals, so in the next month you should be able to see a new travel journal with some photos in it this time.
You seem to emphasize ink over other materials–was this a conscious decision made on your part, and if so why? How does the material contribute to your works?
Using pens almost exclusively developed over time. Using a pen forces me to slow down and watch the lines appear… it’s almost like my way of meditating.
Animals and other creatures frequently make an appearance in your pieces. Is there meaning or message in this preference?
I’ve always been drawn to nature, sea life, dinosaurs, etc. These are just the things I’ve been curious about and inspired by my whole life, and in turn I want to draw them. They take up a lot of space in my head I guess.
How would you describe your own style?
If you gave a sloth some microns, paper, narcotics, and Pink Floyd, that would be my style.
Is there a particular project that you are most proud of?
Not yet.
Are you working on any projects currently?
A children’s book.
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Keep up to date with Dan here at his personal website!
