Valerio Ventura
Feb 25, 2008
1) How about introducing yourself, your name, and tell us where you went to school and how long you've been making art, been in the animation field or have been an artist?
My Name is Valerio Ventura. I was born in Italy and studied art in Rome at the Liceo Artistico "Giorgio De Chirico". When I arrived in California I had the good fortune to work under the guidance of such amazing artists, as E. Michael Mitchell and Walter Peregoy. Mike is currently a faculty member at CalArts and Walt created the overall look of 101 Dalmatians and The Sword in the Stone. From them I learned how to find my voice as an artist and hopefully I've done some justice to that and to Gay Lawrence, my wife and partner for twenty-one years, who is just awesome. In the past ten-years I've worked in live-action as a writer, producer and director on TV spots, music videos and many other projects. Last year I wrapped up two seasons as Supervising Art Director for Cartoon Network on the Emmy award winning TV series "Class of 3000". I'm currently working on my first illustrated book, "Hasta Pinata", an horrific blood splattered tale penned by rocker Mike Penketh, additionally I'm in post with a live-action documentary I directed for Firestone Motorsport on the Indy Racing League.
2) What are your favorite or most important artistic influences?
I was obsessed with the work of; Giorgio Cavazzano, Sergio Toppi, Jean Giraud (Moebius), but off course I can't go to far without being inspired by the power of; Michelangelo Buonarroti, Leonardo, Canova, Jean A. Ingres and Emilio Greco.
3) What inspired you to get into animation?
My grandfather used to screen super eight movies of the early Donal Duck and Mickey Mouse... and then I was really taken by Bruno Bozzetto and thanks to Giorgio Cavazzano I rediscovered Mickey and Donald... I don't think there's is an artist in the world that draws those characters like he did, truly amazing to me.
3) What are some of the books or projects that you have worked on that we might be familiar with?
I was a part of the development of many projects; Mulan, Hercules, Emperor's New Groove, Rescuers Down Under, Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child" and have production designed the feature " The Pagemaster" and lately I just finished two seasons on the TV Series "Class of 3000" at Cartoon Network.
4) In your career what are you the most proud of?
I just directed an animated music video featuring the voice and music of Andre' Benjamin (Outkast) and that was just so much fun, I had to design the look of it too and had the excited and passionate support of Andre' who's really a kick to work with.
5) What would you like to accomplish in the next 3 years?
Direct a feature, do more fine art, a clothing line based on my art and... oh wait, I'm already doing that!
6) If you can talk about it, what are you working on now and what is coming up next for you?
Well let's see, I can't talk about too much, but I also work in live-action and I'm finishing my first film, yesterday I listened to the score and it is so exciting...
7) What's the one tool of your trade that you can't do without?
Quill Pen and Black Ink of course.
8) What's one word of advice or trade secret you'd like to pass to another artist?
Talent is worth nothing without perseverance.
9) Do you have any gallery shows or events that we should know about that feature your work?
I'm currently preparing for "The Art of Valerio Ventura" an event which will take place at Wax Poetic Art Gallery in Burbank, CA. May 31st 2008.
Visit Valerio's CTN Portfolio
Visit Valerio's Blogs:
http://valerioventura.blogspot.com
http://v2finearts.blogspot.com
http://v2photography.blogspot.com
http://v2-films.blogspot.com
http://v2graphics.blogspot.com
To purchase artwork by Valerio Ventura browse Valerio's Storefront
Thanks Valerio for keeping us posted.
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