Interview by 2DCloud
In addition to being a major talent, Maurice Vellekoop also happens to be a major charmer! For the Little Heart kickstarter, Vellekoop is offering up his original pages for his contribution to the book as well as himself for a one on one date/conversation with the artist. These opportunities are very limited, so hop on it already!
Could you tell us a little about yourself and your general interests as a cartoonist/artist/creative person?
Maurice Vellekoop: I am a 47 year old Canadian artist whose bf of 10 years has finally moved in after a long renovation of my Toronto Island home. I’m interested in large swaths of culture both high and low. A typical week might include catching up on the latest episode of The Bold and the Beautiful or American Idol, attending a rigorous modern opera like Saariaho’s “L’amour de Loin” or viewing “Now, Voyager” on TCM for the zillionth time.
Was there something in particular that interested you enough to be involved in the comic anthology Little Heart?
MV: I sat beside the guys from 2d cloud at TCAF several years ago and was charmed! When they asked me to participate, I said yes in a flash!
3): Why is marriage equality important to you?
MV: Whilst I myself am not thrilled by the idea of marriage, I do believe it is a human right every person must have. Gay people are humans!
Are there any non-profit fueled anthologies of note that have sparked your interest in the past?
MV: Err…. Sorry, next question?
Could you tell us a bit about your comic, how you approached the project, the tools or medium used in its creation, or what it means to you?
MV: I decided to do a comic-umentary for the anthology in which I interviewed various friends, common law, married and divorcing, to give a Canadian perspective on the subject. (Same sex marriage is legal up here.) After gathering and editing my material I rendered the art by tracing the sketches onto watercolour paper, then painting in some tone with ink. No darn computer for me, nope!
Should Little Heart be successfully funded via Kickstarter, do you plan to be in attendance at TCAF for it’s debut?
MV: I will definitely be at TCAF with Koyama Press, the publisher of my recent (and first in 13 years) comic,“The World of Gloria Badcock”. I can’t wait to get a copy of Little Heart in my sweaty hands!!
Finally, what are you working on now (comics or otherwise)? Anything readers can look forward to?
MV: I am working on some new pictures towards a possible art show. The work explores the idea that, while everyone knows in advertising “Sex sells”, until recently men have traditionally not been exploited nearly to the degree women have. I’m out to revise some historic wrongs….
Thanks Maurice! We are looking forward to seeing you again at TCAF this year!