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Art CVLT Interview Series:
BO ORR of Dead In The Dirt

(Death of the Smiley)

Fresh off their most recent tour out west, I had a second to catch up with Bo Orr, the brain child behind the artwork of his band DEAD IN THE DIRT. You may also recognize his artwork from bands like HARMS WAY, HEARTLESS, FULL OF HELL, and SUNN O))). Bo’s art is extremely thought-provoking, and can make you feel uncomfortable at times. I wanted to pick his brain about some of his influences and how he approaches each individual work of art. Enjoy.

Q: Bo, what’s up dude!

Hello and thank you for this opportunity.

(Death of the Smiley)

(Death of the Smiley)

 

Q: I must say you have a very eccentric and refreshing take on punk/metal art. What were your biggest influences when getting into art and graphic design? 

I was influenced by comic book art. I spent a lot of time drawing The Flash and Sonic the Hedgehog. Then I discovered music on a personal level. I used to think the high contrast images and Albrecht Durer prints on hardcore punk and metal records were hand drawn, so I spent a lot of time wondering how my lines never looked like that.

(Infinity Forever)

(Infinity Forever)

 

Q: I love the piece you did for Heartless, with the devilish creature kneeling in the boiling pot. Everything from the text to the illustration is spot on. What was the process you went through in creating that piece? Did the band come to you with an idea or was that all you? 

I read about torture methods and based the drawing off the brazen bull. At one point I was trying to make a illustration book of various torture techniques/devices. Heartless contacted me and asked if I would make a shirt for them. They entrusted me with free reign. I prefer when someone lets me have some creative autonomy over design and concept. Heartless is a band of friends and I especially like making things for my friends.

 

(Internal Mass)

(INRI)

 

(Internal Mass)

(Internal Mass)

 

Q: Care to give us any insight on the artwork for DITD’s new release The Blind Hole? (See Below) It has a very iconic feel, and I’m sure the meaning goes a lot deeper then what the title implies. When you’re working on DITD related artwork, are the lyrics inspiration for the artwork? Or do you take influences from pieces you’ve already completed? 

I was making the drawing while we were writing the music. The title of the record came from the drawing. I will sometimes write words that invoke an image in mind, and sometimes I make an image that brings words to mind. The process is incestuous.

There are particular reoccurring ideas that DITD touches on and those themes are always pressing in my mind. They are probably always present in everything, as we create things in our own image.

 

 

(The Blind Hole)

(The Blind Hole)

 

Q: With Dead in the Dirt’s fairly extensive touring schedule, how often do you find yourself looking to take on new artwork? 

My job at home is strange in that I have a lot of time to contemplate ideas and concepts for other things. Music… Drawings… Poems… etc. I would love to take on more art and less work. When I am dying I would prefer to look at a stack of drawings over a stack of pay stubs.

 

(diver of the first mars bridge)

(diver of the first mars bridge)

 

Q: Do you work on stuff while you’re away? How is that process different then when you’re drawing from the comfort of your own space? 

I used to carry a sketchbook with me on tour. It becomes too hard for me to keep up with. Now i just carry a pen in my pocket and make drawings on whatever I find. I like drawing in my house. Making drawings is a private expression and often if i am left to my own devices i will do a million things at once. The creative process is strange and vulnerable.

 

(The Keepers Hand)

(The Keepers Hand)

 

 

Q: What does a typical playlist look like while you’re working on stuff? 

I listen to a lot of TED talks while drawing. I’ve also been listening to Zomes new record “Time Was”. Jason Molina’s music is a constant for me.

 

 

(The Blaring Eye)

(The Blaring Eye)

 

 

Q: Are there any current artists that you’ve been really into lately / following up on their stuff?

I’m attracted to artists who seem like they don’t have a choice in the art they create.

I will attempt a list : Gross Nerd, Will Laren, Daniel Higgs, Rotor Finerats, Dorothy Stucki, Raymond Pettibon, Nick Blinko , Matt Bivetto, H.P Horse, Sad Monkey and any smiley face on anything.

 

 

(Tools of Mutilation)

(Tools of Mutilation)

 

Q: If you could design for any band, whether it’s a current band or a band from the past, who would it be?

Lungfish. Though, full disclosure, I’d rather see what Daniel Higgs does.

 

(Way Out Is The Way)

(Way Out Is The Way)

flyer

 

Q: This is like asking a parent to pick their favorite child…but if you had to pick a favorite piece, what would it be? 

Whatever I’m drawing at the moment. The image titled “way out is the way” is a good one though. It’s an apt reflection.

Often the most satisfying things I make are the doodles made without thought that create thoughts that lead to other drawings.

 

(Prism Prison)

(Prism Prison)

 

Q: Thanks for taking the time to do this, good luck in Europe.

Thank you for your interest. I will have fun in Europe.

 

You can check more of Bo’s art here: http://boorr.tumblr.com/

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