When during the day are you at your best?
Danny Gregory:Between 7:30 and 9 a.m. I walk my dogs, make some coffee, sit at my desk, and get a huge-ish amount done.
TMN:When was the first time you drew Patti?
DG:It was one of the first drawings I was pleased with, probably in 1997 or so. It was early evening, she had hopped out of her wheelchair and was sitting on the couch, and I drew her in a sketchbook filled with oaktag. I managed to get in a very Zen meditative state and slowed my chattering monkey brain way down. I drew her in pencil, something I soon stopped doing.
TMN:What are you least aware of when you’re drawing?
DG:The passage of time. And the fullness of my bladder.
TMN:Do you and Jack draw together?
DG:Sure. It’s a major son/dad bonding activity as he’s still too young still to take to bars. Unfortunately, he’s much better at drawing than I am now, thanks to my lavish tuition payments to the Rhode Island School of Design.
TMN:How did you choose what not to include in the book?
DG:Early on, my editor and I had agreed that the book would be short so the printing quality could be as good as possible, and the price could be affordable. End result was 128 pages — which meant I had to cut more than 50 pages from my journals. It wasn’t easy (which is why I have been reproducing most of the rejected pages on my blog). I had two criteria for pruning: drawing quality and universality. If the story or idea was sort of complex or obscure or short-lived, I dumped it. Ultimately I wanted everything in the book to look as good as I could make it and to be something most people could relate to.
TMN:What is your favorite pen currently?
DG:I use two Lamy Safari fountain pens, one broad and one fine. And I use a dip pen with assorted steel nibs.
TMN:What is your favorite household appliance?
DG:That’s easy—my Bissell SpotBot. It makes living with two dachshunds bearable. Plus it’s straight out of the Jetsons.
TMN:If you didn’t have to work for a living, would you still make art?
DG:Huh!? Of course. Making a living is the primary thing that gets in the way of my making art.
TMN:Jack London supposedly said, “You can’t wait for inspiration, you have to go after it with a club.” Agree?
DG:No, I eschew violence and prefer relentless nagging. Do enough work and eventually the muse gives in.
TMN:Finally, what is it about the sweater vest that’s so pathetic?
DG:Hey, I’ve been a proud vestman since back in the day, but, sadly, RIck Santorum has ruined this electrifying fashion statement for all of us. I am now getting heavily into dickies.
