Loui Jover, The Keats Of Romantic Ink Drawing


I've recently had the honor of interviewing not only a talented artist, but a gentleman as well, Loui Jover. He is not only pleasant to speak with but has lovely manners and made me feel like a lady in late 19th century attire, as strange as that may sound! I also sensed a certain innate elegance in his persona - the same kind of elegance one finds in his ink drawings, and the simplicity he captures in the human form. His lines are poetry, emotional, evocative, and sensual. 

As I interviewed him, I couldn't help feeling we were sitting at a small table for two, with a half-lit candle burning between us as the sun sets so low on the horizon one can only see the red streaks of its light across the sky; as the deep reds and indigos melt together in the early evening, we discuss art and the beauty of drawing the human neck. Despite Loui's evident romantic nature, he suddenly catches one by surprise when he jokes and his wit makes itself apparent. It's endearing and hilarious. 
I have much to say about his ink drawings, and yet if I were to begin, I would be writing a very long introduction! I will only say that you will find passion, story, intimacy, romance, beauty, melancholy, darkness, raw expression, and above all Great Sensitivity and Imagination. His ink does his artistic self justice, I believe.

I invite you to read his words and thoughtful replies to my questions, as he explains to us his inspirations, his thoughts on erotic art, how he feels he should draw toes more often, the poetry in his work and his chronic personality paradox.


spring



What medium do you usually work with?
I usually work in ink. Indian or Sumi.

How long have you been drawing/painting?
Like all people I started drawing as a child, however unlike most other people I never stopped drawing.

 Tell us about what motivates you to do your art.
Making drawings and creative pieces is a fundamental part of my very nature and a major part of my expressive communication, so I am motivated by sheer necessity to create and express.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
I am constantly inspired; at times I do feel a little flat, but in a day or two I am feeling like making work again, so I am pleased to say that my inspiration is mostly inner formed. I do not need external stimuli - I have inspiration foundry inside me…lol


heart softly pounding

sincerity





lamp light serenade



flying





Do you have an artwork of yours that is dearest to you? or a series of works? Share with us which one(s) and why.
No, I don’t really get too caught up in being overly sentimental about my created works. I mainly like the thought of the next one I have not done yet, so in answer I guess I am fond of most all of them equally, but am fondest of the ones I have yet to create.
 I’m very curious about the pieces depicting the back of women’s heads with very ornate hair styles, do you have women model for you for this or do you use photo references? Is it the same for your expressive nude drawings?
 I am lucky that my wife and daughter have thick hair that they can wear in a variety of styles, so at times I do work from life and then I make up the neck and shoulder lines which are always kept to a minimum, but I am not adverse to using photographs found or taken myself…actually I am quite taken by your own avatar you have a nice neck and your hair looks great, I could really enjoy drawing that :)


Oh, thank you! Of course you may draw my profile picture whenever you wish. 

remembering dreams







she knows well

 Also, I see you are drawn to drawing necks and the back of the neck too – tell us a little about this as the way you draw it is very poetic, elegant and evocative.

I like the back of necks as I do indeed see this as a very poetic part of the human body particularly, and perhaps even only in women - they are such sensual and beautiful parts of the body with simple lines, and I really like the way fine hairs reach down from the head along the neck and offer a beautiful wispy evocative juxtaposition to the soft skin on the back of the neck. I mainly draw hair that is bunched up in a braid or a bun for this reason, for the neck - so that it's exposed……I think the neck is beautiful and have always been attracted visually to this area of the female form.


iolanthe





Oh I can relate to you about necks! I find them sensual too, and expressive. I really enjoy drawing them myself. I feel the secret places in the neck contain personal stories. But I’ve learned a lot by looking at your drawings, so it’s really cool to speak to another artist who appreciates necks as well.

Any other body part you like drawing?  lol…you ask such interesting questions…I like drawing eyes and faces and hands and even parts that can’t generally be shown without causing a bother, as if we were all born with clothes plastered onto us……..I have no one thing I like drawing better than another, except for the neck we spoke about. I do know however that I don’t really do close ups of toes very often….:)


 Toes and feet in general are so full of character, don’t you think? I usually look at people’s hands and feet to get a feel for them besides their overall expression and personality. I’ve never thought of drawing toes before… I should take a look at any toe drawings you’ve done to get some inspiration :) 
Do you have any I may look at?

flirty feet

I do think toes and feet are full of character, and I did make many studies of them, but I really do not have many finished drawings, only a small hand full I think; but like I say I am always on the look out for good ideas and inspirational direction…thanks Erika I think I may draw more feet now :)…..I will find some examples of my feet drawings to show you :) here are links to drawings I can think of right now, from my RB folio.

my feet with bandaid

































 I can see that not only do you appreciate the human form but the sensuality that can be expressed through it as well. There is a boldness that comes through in certain erotic drawings of yours, while others have a warmth and tenderness to them that’s endearing. Artists like Schiele and Klimt come to mind when viewing these pieces of yours.


the lovers #2



I do make sensual and erotic drawings and enjoy making them, I also like looking at them. I think most people are a little prudish when it comes to sensual and erotic art. A lot of the ones I make I can not even show, they are not pornographic, for this is another thing all together - I do not like pornography for the sake of exploiting people and for the sake of money, that whole fake plastic shaven oily americana porno scene leaves me cold and disinterested, its too tacky and just plain ugly. But I do like erotic drawing and photography made with passion and with raw sensuality unleashed.
 Again as long as no one is under duress or hurt, and is consenting in age and agreement then, what's all the fuss about?…..sex seems to be more taboo these days than extreme depictions of pointless violence…….? I don’t get that.








sleep































You also have a witty sense of humor!
You also have a witty sense of humor!
Your cartoon pieces are brilliant. Did it take you long to develop this aspect of drawing? You’re very good at it.
I have always had the humour thing going, I am not sure how good or not it is, but it “is” ….I was a clown at school and think I have used sarcasm and individually crafted jokes (for I do not remember or like other jokes, and I can’t tell ‘official’ jokes to save my life) as a shield from the general world around me since childhood…why?….I think that is for the head shrinks to look into and I am unable to explain it here. The cartoons I make are always just doodles and quick ink drawings…I like this rough aspect to them very much….they balance out the other drawings I do……I think a cartoon that is too constructed and over drawn has lost a magical something and is a little stale.


therapy session



why me?
















techno therapy



hell of a night out

grave debts






confessional




water

To view more of Loui's cartoons please click here









Tell us something about you we don’t know, maybe something that you feel is quirky or awkward or unique ;)
Something you feel that makes you who you are.
 The quirkiest thing about me is a little sad I think…..and that is that I am a walking exercise in ‘chronic personality paradox’ - I am outwardly gregarious but inwardly a complete loner. I hate things in public but secretly like them behind closed doors. I talk tough but am very weak. I want to be sophisticated, but am in truth, very primitive. I am indecisive to the point of total dysfunction: one day I like orange, the next I hate it and am not sure why I liked it to begin with and have no idea why I hate it now. I want to be a famous cartoonist but do not want to actually be that either…lol…..I dream of being a poet……I want to be Keats, I think I may die of consumption one day like he did…..“how romantic”….lol……does any of this make any sense?….is that “quirky” enough for you?
(insert the interviewer's loud unhinged laughter here)

 Is there anything you’d like to tell other artists and people reading this? Any words of inspiration to encourage or stimulate creativity in society?
I am not one who can dispense ideas or even advice I am seeking both myself most often. I can say one thing that is quite obvious……just make stuff. Art is about making things that are from an inner place, if you have the key to this place, go in and bring things out before they destroy your mind and soul. Art can be beautiful, but it is often carved from ugly…what ever that may be?

from darkness




let it in




11 comments:

  1. testing out the anonymus first in case I lose my words here.testing 1 2 3 4.

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  2. aright we have lift off!!
    This was a wonderful thoroughly enjoyable interview. Love both of youse guys and you made a fab hostess and guest!! Love the diverse samples of the many faces of Loui. Loui is a personal inspiration to me and I love that he has the fountain of inspiration in him. Hey E? did you have a poem about that?
    Love the mix of questions and love the answers and the fond give and take here. Kudos to you both,
    a pure joy to enjoy!!
    yvonca

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    1. Thank you Yvonca!
      I was really hoping that my selection of his work was good enough - it was so hard to chose a collection that sort of captured his diverse drawing, I would often catch myself putting together only the hair and neck pieces along with the nude, erotic ones too. And then there are so many pieces of his I like, I thought: how on earth am to put something coherent together? I still feel I could've done better, but to attempt choosing select Jover works again is a daunting task actually - I don't think I'd be able to make up my mind again, not if I forced myself to.
      I so knew you would enjoy this dear Y, and your support means so much ot me.
      By the way, I'm so happy you were able to comment on here! :)

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  3. What a wonderful interview - and still he remains a bit of a mystery......which is even better.. He's one of my favourite artists and this is a wonderful celebration of works. Jane. xx

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    1. I know what you mean, Jane. I think that most artists have that mysterious aura about them, and even when you get to know them better you still sense there's a part of them that belongs only to them. I guess one of the reasons I started doing this blog was the fact that I'm just curious about other artists' methods and thoughts and hopefully exchange inspiration and connect with them too; so I turned my curiosity (or rather disguised my curiosity) into interviews ;)

      I'm happy you came by to read, Jane, and that you enjoyed this xx

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  4. What a wonderful interview Erika. Mr. Jover is one of my favorite artists too, and you made a wonderful selection of his art to illustrate the depth of talent. I loved listening to you both, two artists sharing conversation about what inspires them.
    Thank you,
    Ken Roome

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    1. Hey Ken! So nice to read your thoughts on this interview, thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed x

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  5. Thank you Erika and Loui for sharing this delightful conversation. I am among Loui's many rabid fans and am thrilled with the collection of Loui's art that hangs on my walls. He brightens my days. Erika, your introduction does a good job of encompassing the romance, delight and passion of Loui's brilliant art. Cheers!
    ~Polly

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    1. Thank you so much Polly! I am happy you found this enjoyable. I also admire Loui's art so it's an honor you found my introduction worthy enough :)

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  6. Wonderful interview Erika, really enjoyed your different questions to Loui and his response with honesty and laughter, I am very lucky to have a few of his works, I continue to enjoy his art and the mind behind it and yes he is a true gentleman.

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    1. Hi Anne, thank you very much for reading. It means a lot you enjoyed this.

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