PN Featured Artist: Jon Cousins

Hey Pure Nintendo fans, as you may already know I enjoy browsing the internet in search of awesome video game artwork. When I stumble upon something great I like to share it with my fellow gamers. Today I’ll be showing you some artwork from a really cool artist I met via Twitter. He took the time to answer a few questions for me. He’s done a variety of work from abstract paintings to digital character pics. Jon Cousins has a knack for capturing the spirit of our favorite games and turning them into truly original works of art.  At the bottom of the article is a link where you can view his artwork or contact him about purchasing a piece.

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KD: When did you start using video games as references in your artwork? Did any certain game inspire you more than others? 

JC: I remember drawing comic strips of me walking down the street playing a game boy when I was about 7! I always doodled sonic and donkey kong for as long as I can remember, but experimented more when I did an N64 logo screen print project when I was about 15. It’s slightly frustrating these days because games I like the most- Metal Gear Solid, (Yoji Shinkawa is such an amazing artist) Wind Waker and a link between worlds are too perfect I would do a disservice!

KD: I noticed a variety of different types of artwork (digital, abstract, etc). What’s your favorite, or which one do you prefer to do the most?

JC: Regardless of medium, I am interested by the notion that simple indicators such as a group of colours or shapes can ‘click’ when the viewer sees them and resemble a character from a game or an anime etc. I especially like this with regards to pixel art, because there is a degree of skill and style needed within its limitations to convey the intended image. I’ve always enjoyed abstract art more because I think you can be more creative and expressive, yet still use a subject matter that is recognizable.

KD: How do you create those awesome 8-bit pixel sculptures? Is it a long process?

JC: The first one I did (Mega man) felt like it took ages because it was spread out over two weeks, but they take about 4-5 hours to finish. I use 0.5cm square wooden blocks from the local hobby store. They stand 25-30cm tall, painted on the front and lacquered on the back. I really want to make original pixel art sculptures in the future.

KD: I imagine your house is full of artwork, is it mostly video game related or do you enjoy painting other things?

JC: For some reason, video games (not just Nintendo) became a major source of inspiration for my art work recently. I think it is because I hadn’t had the space or time to paint consistently before I moved into my own house.
Since moving to Japan, my artwork mainly consists of Mount Fuji, bamboo and Totoro! I really enjoy photography too, and have produced a couple of books, with the intention of getting some images printed in the future.

KD: Is there a place online that people can view or purchase your art?

JC: At the moment I’m in the process of finishing a website, but in the meantime, people can see my work and contact me through

www.eigotakudesign.wordpress.com

Any interested artist who would like to have their artwork in the fan art section of our magazine, PNM, or displayed on the website email me at Kaelyn@purenintendo.com I would love to see it!  To see artwork from artists featured in our magazine, PNM, please head to PureNintendo.com/magazine and subscribe!