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Interview: Pablo Ruvalcaba

Amelia Sits Down With Pops

Amelia Aparicio: How do you process your dream sketches?

Pablo Ruvalcaba: I always have a sketch book near by, so I thumbnail very quickly different versions of it while it’s still fresh in my mind. If it’s a lucid dream, I’ll have the character pose for me to grab as much detail before I wake

AA: How long does it take on average for you to complete a sketch book? Where do your sketchbooks go after your done?

PR: I’ll finish one in about 4-6 months. But I have about 4 sketchbooks going on at the same time. I use white for pen and pencil, natural tones for ink and paints, and a black paper one for guache/watercolor.

Most of them are in a huge cardboard box in my storage unit. I have a large stack of them in my closet right now.

AA: How do you manage to incorporate your personal work with your professional work? Is there a big difference or do they relate?

PR: It’s rare for me to really incorporate my personal work in my profession. I work in a team environment, so everybody pulls their weight. As a video game artist, I contribute my skills, knowledge, and adaptability for the sake of the project. I get to exercise my creative instinct and make some fun and difficult choices. I enjoy challenges, as they allow me to grow in areas I would not have otherwise.

As for my personal art, it’s all about mastering the medium to expressing the idea. My goal here is to tell a story without words, and say it as clear as I perceive it, both intellectually as well as visual.

AA: What are three priorities that you apply in your everyday life?

PR: Honesty (I fail at times). Being thankful for what I’ve got. Learn something new.

AA: What are three things you wish you had more time for.

PR: Sleep. Music. Exercise.

AA: If you were to meet Bruce Lee what would you ask him or say to him. Where would you invite him to hangout for the day?

PR: Wow. I’d just say thank you for being who are, a sincere human being. Then I’d introduce him to my mom and her wonderful cooking and take him to the Sespe Creek to scramble up some purple sandstones.

AA: What do you like best about animation -other than motion?

PR: It makes your paintings come to life. I enjoy losing myself in the character and story. It’s like being possessed and asking them “where do you want to go?”, “how can I help you get there?”. They reveal themselves to you. That’s what I mean by it makes them come to life.

AA: Which sense could you live without -if you had to choose?

PR: Sadly, I’d have to say taste. I’d just spend a long time smelling my food before eating it.

AA: Share an experience from art school.

PR: No.

… well, I didn’t enjoy most of it. It felt like a rip off. But my colleagues are the best thing I’ve come across since my childhood friends from Fillmore.

AA: Is there an art skill or style you want to explore?

PR: Oil Painting. I just want to explore the medium and develop a good working relationship with it.

AA: What’s your dream job? Would it include you creating art?

PR: My dream job would be owning a ranch while touring the world as a visual artist and musician. Either performing in a band as a singer/songwriter with custom stage installations and album art, or a gallery artist/animator with original music and soundtracks.

And when I’m home, I can have fresh fruits, veggies, and warm chicken eggs.

http://digitalpops.com

Carina’s photos of the show!