Get to Know: Dexter Maurer
On Thursday, August 10th, The People's Printshop will be releasing "Batcopter," a stunning limited edition print by Swiss artist Dexter Maurer. In anticipation of our first release with the gifted illustrator, we sat down to get to know him a bit better. Below you can learn about Dexter's inspirations, his first artistic memories, his methods and more:
Hi Dexter! Where were you born and where are you now?
I was born in Porrentruy, Switzerland and now I live in Delémont which is 30 minutes by car from Porrentruy. It’s a really quiet place surrounded by nature, which is perfect for my inspiration.
What are your first artistic memories?
It seems to me that it was a book about archeology for children with superb illustrations of dinosaurs. But I can no longer recall the title.
Did you go to school for your artwork? What was your experience like during college?
Yes, after finishing the High School I went to Wallis, EPAC (Professional School of Contemporary Art ) for artistic study. At the beginning I wanted to feel comfortable with a medium so I tried a lot of techniques and various aesthetics. Thanks to this I was able to discover my strengths and especially the defects I had to work on. During my art thesis, I discovered that illustration was really the medium I feel most comfortable with.
Your style is very original and unique, what are your inspirations behind it?
I’m a fan of Eyvind Earle, Hiroshi Yoshida, Gustave Doré, Tadanori Yokoo and the Hildebrandt brothers. I’m also really inspired by the Disney and Ghibli animations and influenced by random stuff like toys, music, photography, legends, etc. I think that I’m really sensitive to narration in art, I love to imagine stories inside the different art pieces I might be watching.
Could you tell us a bit about your release with us, "Batcopter?"
Super-heroes are something that inspire me a lot. And since I was a kid, Batman has been one of my favorites. For his charisma and also the way he is represented visually. I really wanted to make an illustration with him in my universe, just for fun.
What is your favorite part about creating?
There are two parts that I particularly appreciate in the creation process: Sketches - character searches, compositions, scenery etc. and the coloring of the elements in the illustrations.
What is a normal day like in the studio for you?
It starts with a huge cup of coffee and a cigarette on the terrace and then I open the computer, turn on Spotify and draw.
Do you ever experience creative blocks and if so, what are your methods of overcoming them?
Yes, that happens to me from time to time. In general when a blockage happens I do not force myself to draw. Instead I amuse myself by watching a movie, doing an activity with my friends or reading a book. And often an idea emerges from one of these distractions.
What's next for you?
I’m working on a book with another artist as well as two group shows and one solo show for 2018. I am very happy with all these projects!