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Interview

PATRICK ARRASMITH p3

Patrick Arrasmith gives some good reading tips...

READERSVOICE.COM: You have illustrated a lot of book covers and chapters from horror and fantasy novels, and I was wondering if you normally read a lot of these genres and what some of your favourites were.

PATRICK ARRASMITH: Unfortunately I don’t have a lot of time for actual reading but my illustration work gives me lots of time to consume Audio books. When I was much younger I used to read a lot of horror. Authors like H.P. Lovecraft, Clive Barker and Stephen King. Now when I’m working I’ve found myself really enjoying some works of SciFi and fantasy I stumbled upon by chance, or was recommended by friends.
The Game of Thrones series by George R. R. Martin got me through some large projects. I think I’ve listened to the series twice. First time I believe there were only three books.
Sabriel by Garth Nix was a young adult fantasy novel that I found to be excellent. Can’t wait to share it with my son when he’s old enough.
That brings to mind the Golden Compass series which also blew me away.
With scifi, discovering Dan Simmons’ Hyperion was a great experience as well. I also just finished Hugh Howey’s Wool series. I was impressed by the feeling that I was having while listening that I was watching one of those old great dark scifi movies from the seventies that would capture my imagination.
Also got the chance to finally read Dune. I actually loved the Lynch movie and was so happy to find so much more in the books. Altered Carbon by Richard K Morgan and Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey have been a lot of fun with great concepts. Another recent one was by Peter Heller. Great post- apocalyptic book. I should probably to highlight my itunes books list for the ones I enjoyed. The authors are doing so much good work!

RV: You mentioned a favorite comic series Pablo’s Inferno which inspired your picture Old Fire God. What grabbed you about this comic and what other comics have you liked?

PA: I’m actually not a big comics guy. I always mean to do my homework and read the greats but I’ve never gotten the chance. The Pablo’s Inferno comic was created by a friend of mine from art school. He’s an amazing human being and a great creative force. Rhode Montijo. He was nice enough to ask me to contribute a piece to his comic.

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-copyright Simon Sandall