Tim Truman, artist and writer, thinker and musician.
SCOUT, GRIMJACK, HAWKWORLD and much more came from his talented hands and mind. His characters are bitten by life but have bitten back, never surrendering and always doing what is right, although often through the circuitous route. Long time readers of my column will know well that I am a fan of Tim Truman’s work. He is a bright talented artist and he has inspired fans and other creators for more than two decades with his work. This interview arose in response to a desire to flesh out a large interview published previously and to strongly address some areas only mentioned or passed over previously. READ THEM HERE: The First InterviewThe Second and Third InterviewsAbout Grimjack
Alex Ness: I've known you for almost 3 years, and know you to be a person who researches all your work deeply. Included amongst that is your interest in history... what time and place would you visit if you could do so and why?
Tim Truman: That is an easy one: I've always wanted to be a part of the Lewis and Clark expedition. I'd also like to visit pre-1930's China. If there's such a thing as reincarnation, I was already there. I have a real affinity for that era and area.
Otherwise, being able to catch another Rory Gallagher concert or two would be cool, circa 1974. I got to see him twice before he died. It wasn't enough. Catching a concert or three from the 1967 or 1968 Cream USA tours would be great. Seeing Mountain in 1969 or 1970-- I could go for that. An Allman Brothers 1971 show with Duane Allman. And seeing every good Jefferson Airplane show from 1969-1972 would be pretty high up there on the list.
AN: I just saw my son off to kindergarten so let me dry my eyes here... you are a parent of two great kids, congratulations. What kind of parent are you, are you their buddy, or are you a counselor, are you a disciplinarian?
TT: More of a buddy, I guess, though I get grouchy sometimes. We pretty much let our kids do what they wanted to do and pursue the interests that they wanted, as long as they and no one else got hurt. It seems to have paid off-- Ben is 21 now and Emily is 18, and neither of them have ever gotten into trouble. They are great kids-- really beautiful people, strong willed but dedicated to their friends and family. Ben is attending Art Institute of Pittsburgh now, and Emily just started at Pennsylvania School of Art and Design, where I teach.
AN: You just saw your son and daughter off to art school. How does that feel, to see their talents come forth similarly to yours?
TT: Well, the cool thing is that art was just something that they naturally went for. We'd have supported them in anything they wanted to do, and they know that. Neither Beth or I ever pushed them towards the arts or anything else. We just tried to raise them to be good folks, and otherwise exposed them to reading and drawing and music and let them do things at their own pace. Both Ben and Em have thanked us for letting them be themselves and pursue their own interests. That was the reward right there.
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