We recently got a new shirt design from Shane Bonthuys AKA xCHOPPERx from the UK. We love his artwork and decided to do a short interview with him about his art, how he works and of course straightedge! Enjoy!

How old are you, how long have you been straightedge and where do you call home?

I'm 22 years old, I can't remember the exact date or year but I have been sXe for a good few years now. For me personally you just can't beat the feeling and the lifestyle! I call home behind my drum kit or anywhere where I can draw!

How did you find out about straightedge and what was it that made you make the decision to commit?

I love so many different styles of music from old school Rockabilly to reggae, but my true passion has been for punk music. I found out about straightedge when I was around 14-15, when I heard Minor Threat for the first time back in school. I made the decision to commit after a couple of drunken house parties and dumb nights. I realised how lame (this is personally my opinion I realise sXe isnt for everyone) it really was and how much it was'nt for me. I was never really into that kind of thing to start with, but like every kid at that age you do it thinking why not everyone else is, but that didnt last for long haha! Im not preaching as I feel each to there own but I saw what it did to people and the problems that lead on from alcohol, like sex to cocaine etc. I personally havnt touched drugs, not even a cigarette but I quickly realised how much it wasnt for me, and how much I would never let that be me. That was when the sXe lifestyle really made sense to me and how much it really IS ok NOT to drink! Obviously HC music had a large influence on my life also.

How did you get involved in art?

I got into art from a very early age! Ever since I can remember I have been drawing and painting. Before my teenage years I was always obsessed with drawing super heroes! I have always had a facsination with the MARVEL and DC comic super heroes and the artwork that goes along with it! I really respect those artists and look up to them.

Who are some of your inspirations as far as style and technique go?

There are so many artists that I really love! As far as style and technique go my big inspirations are guys like Usugrow, Mike Giant, Vince Ray, Jeremy Fish, Maxx 242 to name a few. I also love a lot of traditional tattoo style art which does go hand in hand with the style that I do. A big inspiration to me is a straight edge artist named xManekox and his band is pretty sick too if you like your xVx stuff! One reason why I love these artists so much is although they do some digital work alot of there work is all done by hand. As much as I love the digital stuff, I have a real respect for artwork that was created by hand, its real and its raw. Majority of my work is all done by hand!

Did you go to any kind of art school or is this something you have picked up naturally?

I took art back in school but I have never taken any real lessons, it is something I have picked up naturaly since I was very young. Although at some point I would love to go back to college to study it as I have a love for all types of artwork, and all the different artists out there. I would love to learn to paint like Todd Schorr, Rockin' Jelly Bean, Gunnar, Caia Koopman, Cartoon, Miss Van haha the list goes on! I have so many inspirations!!!!! I do love a lot of the old works from the Tudor and Victorian times too, as well as a lot of the art that was around in the ol west from the 1800's to the early 1900's. Most of all I have a huge love for the american artwork from the 40's to the 50's!

Without giving our any trade secrets how do you take an idea and bring it to reality? Whats the process?
Well without telling too many secrets haha it's pretty simple. I'll have an idea in my head of the main component that I want to draw, or something that I am given to draw. Sketch it out in pencil then add all the little components around it wether its lettering, roses, skulls etc, and make sure everything is even balanced and looking how I want it. Then from there I'll add the ink and all the small details that really make the peice come to life. I have a huge passion for black and white art, and I think that it shines through from some of the samples on my myspace!

How does someone get in touch with you if they are interested in getting some work done?

If anyone is looking to get in touch for artwork wether its for your company or personal pieces the best way is through myspace; www.myspace.com/chopper_24