Artist: Dave Foreman

Website: Rebel Riot Concepts

How did you get started as an artist?  I have always been an artist in some way. It goes all the way back to when I was 4. I got into kindergarten when I was 4 because of the level of detail in my stick figure drawings. I didn’t start doing art professionally until about 3 years ago. I was a welder for about 20 years first. I was tired of working for other people. So, I put my nose to the grindstone and went to work. When I finally came up for air I realized that I wasn’t half bad. Now it’s what I do for a living.  I have the best job in the world and the best woman in the world for standing by me while I tried to make this whole art thing a reality.

What has been the most rewarding piece for you so far?  Oh man, that is a good question. Every piece that I do that is better than the piece before it is rewarding to me. But, I guess if I had to choose one that stands out it would be a piece called “Eating Crow.”  That piece is special because I entered it into a juried art competition, and out of hundreds of entries it was chosen to be in the top 25. I know, the top 25 doesn’t sound like much. But, when you consider that the other entries were from some of Houston’s, maybe Texas’, top artists that’s an accomplishment. Especially because, at that time it was the first contest I had ever entered.

What influences you as an artist?  Music and other good artists inspire and influence me mostly. But, sometimes life can be a huge influence for art if ya let it. Artists like Burr Rasmussen, who is a world-class sculptor here in Texas. He works with ice and wood and does most of it with a chainsaw. The level of skill and detail that is put into each of his pieces just amazes the hell out of me. Other artists that have inspired me over the years would be guys like Boris Vallejo, Alberto Vargas, M.C Escher, and Ed Repka who, by the way, was the artist who created “Vic Rattlehead,” the mascot for Megadeth. Sometimes I even inspire myself. There have been a few nights where I’ve gotten out of bed and started painting simply from an idea I had while I was sleeping.

Does your art reflect your musical taste?  When I’m doing art for myself it almost always reflects the music I listen too. I am a metal head to the bone. I think my style in general reflects that. But, when I’m doing art for a client, it will depend on what they are paying me to do. I think even then, my metal madness seeps into the art.  But, that’s why they came to me because they like my style. I will admit it’s not for everyone.

What Texas bands are you listening to right now?  I’ve been digging on Carry The Storm for the past year or so..Kelly Fitzsimons and crew are putting out quality metal for the masses and their live show is stellar. I’ve also been into Fallacy.  Shelby Schwem is an awesome front man and singer, and he is really putting together a powerhouse metal band. I’m just waiting for their album to be done. Soon I hope. I’ve really been digging Broken Teeth as well. I know they aren’t metal but there is nothing like a killer straight forward rock n roll band. Jason McMaster is the epitome of what it takes to be a rock star. I’ve also been listening to SYLO. They are right up there with the likes of Slipknot.  Brutal!

What does your artwork offer the Texas music scene?  Well, I see it like this: There are a lot of big graphics companies out there that offer you one stop shopping. Which is quite handy. They’ll offer you the artwork and the printing and even the merch. But, the problem is that they don’t make money off of the art. They make their money from the print side of things. So, they can’t and wont spend much time on your artwork. It ends up looking like first-day Photoshop students pasted some clip art together. Independents such as myself can take as much time as we need to make sure the art is exactly what you want. I have to make it personal. I’ll get inside your head and root around until I find the true meaning behind the art you are hiring me to create. Then I give it to you. I haven’t had any complaints yet. Well, the only complaints I hear are from those people who went to those big graphic companies first. So, I guess what I have to offer is killer art and peace of mind that your next album will look professional and kick ass! It is not easy to make 4 or 5 band members happy all at once. And it can be downright aggravating. But, it’s all worth it when you get the nice shiny brand new CD still wrapped in plastic with my art on it. It puts a smile on my face and I know my clients are smiling too.  It is what keeps me going every day!