Cunei interviews Eugene Plotnikov

Cunei Media: Eugene, what’s new in your life these days?

Eugene Plotnikov: These days I spend most of my time in front of a piece of cream-coloured paper, endlessly drawing. Aside from that, I’m studying graphic design and enjoying the hell out of it. I’ve also been meeting so many inspiring people lately, it’s almost overwhelming. Being surrounded by an art/design culture is incredible.

CM: What’s life like in Melbourne?

EP: Melbourne’s pretty sweet. Train-lines and trams mean I can get from A to B, but also means there is a brilliant graffiti / street art culture. We also get the best gigs around here. Once you get to know the city you can pretty much indulge any interest. It’s damn cold, though.

CM: I’ve been meaning to visit. The characters in your art are pretty cool. Who are these guys?

EP: They are the grotesque spawn of my emotions, desires and secrets. Most of these characters actually represent me in a certain situation or state of mind. They illustrate how I see myself at that point in time. Some are people that play a part in my life and how I see their personalities, or what they mean to me. I like to think that people can look at my artwork and find emotions in the characters that they can relate to, similar to hearing a song and relating to the lyrics.

CM: I can see that. If your house was on fire and you only had time to grab three things, what would they be and why?

EP: I’d probably grab a fire extinguisher first to put the inferno out. If that’s out of the question then i’d probably salvage my sketchbooks because losing over a year worth of ideas and drawings would cut me deep. I would also be quite distraught if my family photo albums were burned to a crisp, so i’d save one of those. You have to hold on to memories like that, they’re a part of who you are. Oh and perhaps my camera, because it’d be so easy to save and at least I’ll have something to take pictures of the burned wreckage with.

CM: Nice choices. Get the practical and sentimental shit. What are you listening to these days?

EP: A lot of underground hip-hop like Cage and Tame1, as well as some Aussie shit like Drapht. I really dig grimy lyrics in hip-hop and let it feed into what i’m drawing at the time. I’m pretty into metal as well, dudes like Job for a Cowboy and The Black Dahlia Murder really get me going, their lyrics tend to paint a gruesome picture of the world.. really inspirational stuff. Chilling out I’m usually listening to Death Cab or some sort of two hour trance mix. I guess I’m pretty broad as to my musical tastes. I like to keep it mixed up so that I have a broad level of musical inspiration, not just restricted to one genre. You know what I mean?

CM: I definitely know what you mean. When you aren’t making art what do you find yourself doing?

EP: I’m on a train somewhere wondering what life is like for each person around me, or kicking back with my friends, perhaps in some leaky garage or back yard.. discussing various philosophies and the mysteries of life over a glass of red wine. Maybe I’m huddled in a dimly lit cafe with a few others, talking about everything and nothing over some sort of pizza and a chaser. Or else I’m playing old school Playstation games like Abe’s Odyssey… Please tell me you’ve played this!

CM: Abe’s Odyssey…?! Of course. Do you see a correlation between Selande’s music and your art?

EP: Selande’s music evokes images in my mind of a raw, gritty, urban environment, a maze of dark corners and secrets, in which every strange being who passes you has a story to tell, and secrets of their own. This draws many parallels with my illustrative style. Both are unconventional and mysterious, offering questions rather than an answer or a point of view. This musical style is a breathe of fresh air among many genres today. I try to emulate this in my artwork.

CM: Thanks a bunch Eugene! Keep up the good work. We’re looking forward to showcasing your work for Selande’s release. Is there anything else you wanted to add or anyone you wanted to shout out to?

EP: Thanks, Cullen. I’m really looking forward to it. Massive hugs to Beeftoons and YESIR for invaluable inspiration and motivation.

CM: No doubt. Check out Eugene’s blog: Something Fierce for his latest and greatest.