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I do not believe in providence. Not at all. Doesn’t matter that we’ve been fans of illustrator David Grove for forever. Doesn’t matter that out of nowhere, a friend of the show emailed us and basically offered to hook us up with him. Doesn’t matter that while he wasn’t a podcast guy (at all), David graciously agreed to chat not knowing what it would entail. And it doesn’t matter that a wonderful career-spanning art book on Grove came out not four months ago. Nope, that ain’t providence.
Okay, thinly-veiled sarcasm aside, this interview was a coup. If you’re at all a student of illustration, and by that I mean the hey-day of it, you know David Grove. He worked throughout the 1970s and ‘80s and left a trail of broken art-loving hearts when he finally retired from commercial work in the ‘90s.
Book covers, editorial illustration, national ad campaigns and movie posters were his bread and butter — and he knocked them all out, folks! The Outsiders, Pale Rider, Something Wicked This Way Comes and Vision Quest are just a few of the films Grove painted posters for. And they made him a star of his industry.
We would be telling a big fat lie if we said we didn't have an awesome time on this one. David was witty, warm and charming, and he told terrific stories. And if you know anything about his life, you know he’s got a few. Last year, Norfolk Press put out an art book called David Grove – An Illustrated Life. It is chocked full of drawings, sketches, color illustrations, photographs, and yes, tales from Grove’s past that will curl your hair.
Do grab a copy of the book from his site. It’s well worth the asking price ($35). And while I don’t believe in providence, I do love and believe in great art. David Grove’s kind of art.
- SWAiN
**First things first. The fella who made this interview happen is artist Ray Bonilla, and we owe him a huge debt. Ray, good lookin’ out, pal.
Second, that's David on the right undoubtedly enjoying an adult beverage. On the left is his friend and former student, Greg Manchess. Titans, they are.
Wow what a great show, thanks you guys!
(RE: Thanks, Sean! Grove was everything we hoped for and MORE! - ADRiAN)
Posted by: Sean | April 02, 2012 at 22:28
He was hilarious,
"Tough shit."
And a touching 'Thank You' that warmed my heart.
Now I'm going to listen to Sketches in Spain.
Thanks you guys for another gift.
Posted by: Joaquin Jutt | April 03, 2012 at 15:33
Grove's book is an amazing reflection; anyone interested in the art of illustration should just buy the damn thing - now! I can't wait to watch this podcast (unable to here at school where I teach; it's on the afternoon whiteboard!) What a humbling experience for many of us, looking at a Grove illustration.
(RE: Jim, we agree wholeheartedly on Grove's book. Wonderful! And the podcast is actually audio, so you can listen in anywhere. Thanks for the comment, sir. - S)
Posted by: Jim Colbert | April 09, 2012 at 09:07
David Grove, are you freaking kidding me???? How do you guys do it? This is one I will listen to with rapt attention.
Posted by: ken meyer jr | April 11, 2012 at 19:56
Great show, guys...one of your best, and a big reason is Grove is so darn entertaining...especially to someone like me who has loved his work for soooooo long. I ordered the book before I even read the interview and can't wait for it. What a guy. I wish I could tell him personally how much and how long I have loved his stuff. Thanks.
Posted by: ken meyer jr | April 12, 2012 at 10:12