“I love to create worlds where the dark side of human nature is present. Life isn’t always good times. While in our youth we experience many things we would rather forget, but this is what makes us who we are. It defines us. That’s why my characters have an adolescent quality to them. I’ve been very fortunate in experiencing and hearing many great stories, which now find there way into my paintings. I guess the best way to describe my profession is I’m a visual storyteller.” – Bob Dob
1xRUN Thru Interview
Death of An Icon by Bob Dob
1xRun: Tell us a little bit about this original piece, is it still for sale?
Bob Dob: The original piece was painted with 0ils and acrylic on birchwood in April of 2012. Yes, the original is still available along with several other originals from the recent show this was featured in at La Luz De Jesus Gallery.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Bob Dob: My son and I were watching Sesame Street and Big Bird was handing out trophies to everyone that participated in a race he hosted. “Everyones a winner!” said Big Bird. I turned to my son who looked very confused and said “Don’t listen to Big Bird, he’s a communist!” The rest is shown here.
1xRun: How long did the piece take?
Bob Dob: About a week and a half from start to finish.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
Bob Dob: It’s very relevant to the current social and economic issues found today. Plus, it’s funny as hell.
1xRun: Describe this print in one gut reaction word.
Bob Dob: Satisfaction.
1xRun: When did you first start making art? What was your first piece?
Bob Dob: In high school. I painted my vision of the Guns ‘N Roses song Mr. Brownstone.
1xRun: What artists inspired you early on? What artists inspire you now?
Bob Dob: Early on it was artists like Robert Williams, Edward Hopper, Gustaf Tenggren. Lately it has been Thomas Hart Benton.
1xRun: Do you listen to music while you work? If so what? If not then what is your environment like when you work?
Bob Dob: I listen to a lot of folk music, I really like this band Wild Child. But I’ll put on some Misfits, early Metallica, jazz. Pretty much anything.
1xRun: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why? Any deceased artists who would it be and why?
Bob Dob: Greg Simkins, because he has a great imagination and attention to detail. For the latter, it would be Norman Rockwell. The man was such a great talent. He set the standard for illustration. JC Leyendecker would be a close second.
1xRun: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it? The last?
Bob Dob: I bought a matchbook drawing by Jason D Aquino, it hangs in my studio at home. That was it. I have 3 kids and a mortgage so art is not a priority right now.
1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Bob Dob: Website – Facebook – Twitter –
-1xRUN