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I've recently been turned on to the work of artist Stefan G. Bucher.[Bucher][1] is an author and graphic designer from L.A., but also does unique pen and ink drawings which he posts on his blog called [Daily Monster][2].At Daily Monster you'll find just that - a monster! Daily! Each day Bucher posts a new drawing of one of his wild and funny monsters. What makes his art especially entertaining is how he goes about creating them. Bucher puts a few drops of ink on the paper and then with a small coffee straw blows the ink resulting in a one-of-a-kind spray that then becomes the beginning of his characters bodies. After adding an eye here or a horn there, Bucher expands the body and fills out the piece with a Sharpie. My favorite part is that the entire process is captured on short, time-lapse video clips which are posted on his site and youtube, allowing the viewer to enjoy the art as a performance piece rather than simply seeing the end-result and wondering how the unique shapes were made. Intriqued by his creative process, I decided to write Bucher to ask him a few questions about what inspired him. He was kind enough to respond and a portion of our email dialogue is posted below...Me: What inspired you to begin drawing monsters?Bucher: I started blowing ink for the flower poster I did in 2004 and really enjoyed it. After I started therapy in early 2006 I was making a joke that everybody's making money off their demons, so why shouldn't I? That's when the idea for the monsters popped into my brain.Initially, I made a book called [Upstairs Neighbors][3] The Daily Monster began as a way to promote the book to publishers and pass the time while they were thinking things over. But it quickly took on a life of its own.The Monsters will continue to be Daily for another 19 days. Once I reach #100 I'll cull the best stories and put them into a book along with all the drawings. So if you want to be a part of that, post your stories now.Me: And also on the topic of inspiration, what led you to start using the splattered/sprayed ink as a starting point? [Ralph Steadman][4] is also known for using splattered ink in his artwork, were you inspired by him in any way? Or was there another source of inspiration that led to the development of your style?Bucher: I love Ralph Steadman and he has definitely been a big inspiration over the past few years. I grew up looking at a lot of [Ronald Searle][5], who led me to [Gerald Scarfe][6] and to Mighty Ralph. Who begat [Steve Brodner][7] and [Peter de Seve][8], who I love, too. What can I tell you? I have a crush on crisp lines and lively characters.Me: What supplies do you use (inks, markers, pens, paper)? Bucher: I use Yasutomo Sumi Ink, Faber-Castell PITT artist pens, Staedtler pigment liners, Tombo ABT pens and Sharpies (fine point and wedge tip) all on whatever bond paper I pick up at the store.Me: Do you have a shape in mind when you first blow on the ink or do you just let it happen? And if you don't have an idea about the shape of the sprayed ink, do you at least have an idea of where the eyeball or body will be or do you just make that up after figuring out what you have to work with?Bucher: The monsters are inky improv. The whole point of blowing ink as a starting point is to get my mind to places it wouldn't ordinarily go. I don't have any preconceived plan for the creatures. Everything flows out of that day's ink shape. The animation then comes from looking at the finished drawing. Nothing is pre-planned.Me: And finally, what's with the backwards writing? It's certainly cool, but is that just a gimmick or is there something behind it, as well?Bucher: You say "gimmick" like it's a bad thing. :^D The backwards writing is absolutely a gimmick. Pure showing off. I do it because I can. I thought it would just be one more fun thing to add to the clips, but I've gotten so much mail about it that I think I'll just do all my writing backwards and upside down from now on.*Since all of Bucher's drawings are available on his site, I'll direct you [there][2] to view the rest of his videos...but, since a lot of them are also available on youtube, I'll post one here as an appetizer for what awaits you at his site...Here is one of my favorites:*Thanks to Bucher for taking the time to respond to my questions and a h/t to [wooster][9] for turning me on to these drawrings) [1]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stefan_G._Bucher [2]: http://344design.typepad.com/344_loves_you/ [3]: http://www.344design.com/monster/arthur [4]: http://www.ralphsteadman.com/ [5]: http://www.ronaldsearle.co.uk/ [6]: http://www.geraldscarfe.com/ [7]: http://www.stevebrodner.com/ [8]: http://www.peterdeseve.com/?fa=port_editorial_shakespere [9]: http://www.woostercollective.com