Upbeat writer and self-taught artist Robert Aragon has thrilled many fans with his award-winning art. When not painting, Robert enjoys collecting art and film memorabilia and playing classical piano. Now, Aragon is choosing to follow his spirit and change paths concerning his career. He will pursue a different passion that will showcase some big ideas in a cute and cuddly way.
Namtar: So, what direction will your professional life take?
RA: I’m leaving all the genre work that I have been associated with all these many years and I’m devoting all my creative energy towards a very personal project. I have authored and illustrated my very first children’s book. It features the tale of a forgotten tiny stuffed bear who realizes the power of love and a world of endless possibilities. My book is titled A Tiny Teddy named Cuds.
Namtar: What motivated you to do this?
RA: My heart. I vowed to always follow my creative bliss and it was saying it’s time to leave the horror genre. My little character, Cuddle T. Bear or simply, Cuds, has emotionally moved me. Somehow, working on the book has reminded me of what’s important for the child within me and for children of all ages. Dreams of a loving nature and a spirit full of empowering imagination. He is quite an unforgettable tiny teddy bear. He truly is.
Namtar: How did you come up with Cuds?
RA: Well, to be perfectly honest, A Tiny Teddy named Cuds is autobiographical. Growing up as a child, I was always the “tiny teddy” who sat on a shelf all by himself. Sitting between a beautiful doll and the shadow of a ball. I never lost sight of how that felt and that very feeling became a motivating factor in my life. Cuds was a subconscious sort of symbol for me. He had not developed a name or a form, but, I was empowered by him. Regardless of my successes, Cuds was always within me. Over time he developed into my character, Cuddle T. Bear… a tiny little black bear with tiny little round feet. Cuds’ is simply adorable!
Namtar: How did you and Mark from MNS come together to create The Art of Robert Aragon project?
RA: My rep, Don C. Gates met Mark at one of the shows. Mark suggested we’d work on a trading card set of some of my work. I was hesitant at first, but, quickly realized MNS was so incredibly open to my ideas. Mark literally handed me absolute creative freedom with it. So, I agreed. The result has been amazingly beautiful! We were able to bring on board the greatest names in the classic horror genre. Karloff, Lugosi, Chaney, Price and many more. Along with so many of the last survivors from the classic Universal Studios monster films. All dear friends and some who have since passed on. Without question, it has been an emotional project for me, especially considering it’s runs the gamut of my work from the last 2 decades. It’s simply a tribute to friendship, imagination and the power of the world of art. There has never been a set like this before and there never will be again.
RA: Absolutely, powerful emotions within my heart and I create from that very same place. I’m so grateful to all the hundreds of friends I’ve made in the monster world throughout my career. I always felt as if an invisible hand was guiding me through that monstrously great maze and now this same hand is guiding me to move on.
Namtar: While leaving the monster genre behind, and other than books, where can we expect to see Cuds?
RA: I’m working on several Cuds projects and I hope they’ll bring great joy to children of any age. During this coming SDCC I have a meeting with a company which seems to be the right fit for my ideas! Needless to say, I am thrilled!
Namtar: Can you tell us more about Cuds?
RA: Oh, that tiny teddy! Let me tell you! He is simply the very finest of what we can be or should be. I admire his determination and limitless curiosity. But, mostly, I admire his gratitude. He seems to interact and react to his world from that very same grateful place within. So, I think he’s a very wise little bear.
Namtar: So, Cuds is planned for a continuing series that tackle different themes, am I correct?
RA: Yes, every book will have a joyously thoughtful meaning behind it. In Cuds’ second book, he realizes that life is best when shared. I think am important philosophy for all living beings.
Namtar: That’s it? No, more new monster projects then?
RA: No, new ones. Right. I’ve been saying no to all new career opportunities regarding the genre. I’ve said no to magazines. I’ve been turning them all down.
Namtar: Is there any farewell project or item you want to leave with your monster fans?
RA: YES! Mark approached me about a SDCC exclusive binder for The Art of Robert Aragon trading card series. I loved the idea and I created several works of art exclusively for the binder. New artwork will be featured on the cover as well as additional new art within the binder. The binder will be released in three versions and only limited to 280 in total. It will feature new premium sketch cards created by yours truly, six NEW leather cards and a signed open letter with my closing thoughts regarding my 20 year monstrous career. The premium set which will be limited to 30 binders will include a very special limited edition fine art print of my very last genre painting. I painted it exclusively for this SDCC binder. What a wonderful way to close this project and a chapter in my art career.
Finally, I’d like to invite everyone to visit A Tiny Teddy named Cuds facebook page or his new website: www.tinyteddypress.com to order a copy of the book or for general information regarding future projects. Just to let you know the site is currently under Cudstruction.
Namtar: Interviewing Robert Aragon was an amazing experience. Robert is truly one of the nicest and most positive minded persons I’ve ever met. He wants everyone to know one last thing regarding Cuds.
RA: Well, as Cuds’ would say, “Follow your bliss and follow your heart! Why? Just Be Cuds.”
Source: Nuke the Fridge