I've been keeping an eye on certain arguements around the internet debating the style in which I have chosen to draw, and how it is a, "bad knock off of Turner's style". I would like to make a public statement about this debate.

Mood: methodical
Listening to: digitally imported radio
Reading: Ecru: the Butcher of Balis
Watching: chronicles of Narnia

A PUBLIC STYLE:

First of all, yes, I enjoy drawing in the style Mark Silvestri and Michael Turner developed , I am truely guilty of this crime, and I have committed this heinous sin, so sue me. Countless artists of any career field have done the same of their mentors, so lets all lynch them too. Out of all the comic art I have ever seen in my life, Silvestri, and Turner's style is the only style that has held any interest for me. I have never stated I created the style, nor do I deny that I have tried to emulate this style. Full credit is given here to the men who invented a style. I enjoy drawing in their style because it appeals to me, and if I choose to develop stories and characters while using that style, it is my perogative, and I will do so, and there is quite frankly no way any one can stop me from doing so. If that draws public scorn than so be it. The style is difficult to draw in, and those who have tried it will know that I speak the truth. Its not that I have desired to be original with the technique I use, those words never came out of my mouth. I have said I want to make original stories. which I still plan to do. but my goal was not to develop a style. I have simply attempted to do something most people seem to believe they are unable to do. Which at the very least should be an inspiration to the aspiring artist. In which case I have done what I set out to do in a public setting.

TURNER'S OPINION OF MY WORK:

Secondly, I have met Mr. Turner and showed him my work on more than one occassion, in each case my artwork has been met with enthusiasm and awe by him. Don't you know its flattering to have some one running around out there that draws in your style and does a damn good job of it. The way I draw is in honor of something that was started by a great human being, and if I receive ridicule for it then go right ahead and speak your piece, but I probably wont hear it as wise council. Don't you know, acceptance from the one person whom it is saught from is more valuable than all of the inane bable of a thousand nay sayers. Simply put, Mr. Turner even personally told me he liked my work, and wanted me to work with his company, so why not continue to work the way I want?

LIBEL IS FLAT OUT WRONG:

Another point I would like to address, is against libelous remarks. Its one thing to express an opinion about dislking a person's work. Its quite another when you start calling a person names because you can't stand their work for whatever personal reason you have. You are entitled to your opinion, and you are entitled to communicate your opinion publicly, but please have the courtesy to express yourself in a diplomatic manner without resorting to name calling. Libelous remarks are dishonorable and will not be condoned by me.

Recently a question was posed saying, "since you like how Turner draws you like how he draws? Or do you like how p9 draws?" This question validly states an obvious point. Many people like the way I illustrate my work because it has been drawn in honor of the style Silvestri, and Turner have created. A style that is already in public domain, and free for anyone to attempt to draw in.

I will close by saying, the claims of those who would call me a bad knock off, an artist without a soul, a copycat, and all the other names I have been called, will indeed fall silent as those claims are discoverd to be the rambelings of an ingnorant thought process. I have been as upright as I can be with my claims and my abilities. God has granted me many abilities that many do not yet know I posses, and as such I will do the best that I can with those abilities. I will continue to draw and color in a manner that suits me, and I will continue to release my artwork publicly reguardless of public scorn and ridicule.

sincerely

Chasen S. Grieshop

chasen@particle9productions.com