Love is a great word to apply to our conversation with Cathy and Arnie Fenner, the dynamic duo that brings you Spectrum. Here's why. We love Spectrum. Cathy and Arnie love doing the series. We loved talking to them about doing it. They, we're quite sure, love each other! We could go on and on with this brilliance, but the real point to be made is—they love art. A lot. And their passion and commitment to it will once again be shared with all in the latest installment of Spectrum—15!
When the Fenners first got the idea to do the book back in the early '90s, there wasn't a very high esteem for fantastic art and illustration. One might even say a fantasy artist was the bastard child of the art family. And that's a real shame. Think about how much great art in the past was never given its due because some snooty art director or editor didn't like fairies and magic. Oh well, it's clear lots of people like 'em now (see: Harry Potter, see: Lord of the Rings, see: Pirates of the Caribbean, see...).
Over the years, the Spectrum books have gotten bigger, the categories more varied and the content more spectacular! I think it's fair to say Spectrum is "the" place to showcase your work if you wanna be amongst the best. And the cool part about that is, anyone can get in. Well...provided the jury selects you. But the goal of the series is to feature the work first, not your resume. Be ye novice or seasoned pro, everyone can submit. Of course, the cream will always rise to the top, as they say.
In our conversation with 'em, we also touch on the Fenners background and some of their other ventures. They've put together books on some of the greatest artists of our time—Frank Frazetta, Robert McGinnis, Jeff Jones, Jon Foster. The work in progress we're waiting impatiently for is Brush with Passion, a tome dedicated to the life and work of the late Dave Stevens. I believe this one was started
before Dave died and I'm sure it'll be a poignant punctuation on his stellar career. What an awesome artist...
To quote a good friend of ours, "Cathy and Arnie are some of my favorite peeps". Dwight and I couldn't agree more. They were warm, friendly, informative, funny and excited. Excited about art and illustration and all of the wonder there in. We count ourselves fortunate to have had them on the show, and also, to have them as new friends.
Thanks, folks—here's to next year and 16!
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Amazing interview guys! I've collected the Spectrum Annuals for years and I loved hearing the Fenner's thoughts on the process and the final product. A bit saddened to hear art books don't sell well but very grateful these two are doing this.
Posted by: eric orchard | October 15, 2008 at 14:46