Here's an interview I did for SOADfans.com...Enjoy.

urSESSION's New Artist Flippin Rocks

Anyone who’s visited the urSESSION MySpace page (or Shavo’s personal page or the Achozen one) recently, will have seen the awesome artwork that is done by a gentleman called 'Mike'. Mike Flippin Rocks simply because his artworks rocked the new baby projects and gave it a whole new look. Mike is getting ready to release a book that will be available through urSESSION.com soon, we asked him a few questions, that he kindly answered.

Did you already know Shavo and/or Narb before you start working with them?

-No, but here's how it happened. I approached Shavo because he is an incredible artist. Very diverse. Music, art, movie scoring, DJ’ing, he does it all. I sent him art, and he replied to me (Awesome right!), and liked the work. From there we have been collaborating on a lot of different projects. It’s incredible for me, as an artist, to work with another artist, especially as multi-faceted as Shavo.

How did you get involved with urSESSION? Shavo's quite talented at drawing himself, why did he choose to have someone else do the artwork?

-Yes, he's an incredibly talented artist. But, if you know Shavo, you know he loves to collaborate with other artists. We have a great vibe, and work well together.

Can you already tell us a bit more about your upcoming book that will be available through urSESSION?

-It started with an idea. I talk to Shavo everyday. During one of our conversations, I brought up the idea, and he liked it, and wanted to spearhead the book. I can't talk too much about it at this point, but I will say it’s going to be a complex and inspiring art book. So keep an eye out for that on urSESSION.

Any idea when urSESSION is officially gonna be launched then?

-I personally am not involved with that aspect of urSESSION, but look for a late January launch. It’s ready to go now; we’re just waiting for the right time.

When did you start drawing & did you have a formal training?

-I started drawing as a kid; I have always been an artist. As far as formal training, for me, life is about as formal as it gets. I draw a lot from life, experiences, thoughts, etc.

Which material do you use for your drawings? Do you also work with different colours than the red, black & white of the urSESSION art?

I work with everything, it just depends on the mode that I’m in; next week I may use water colours and crayons.

Where does the skull fascination come from?

-I don’t have a fascination with anything, because Shavo asked me to do a few pieces in that genre, I did them. It’s just one part of my repertoire. We have a bunch of pieces we are not releasing just yet. It’s just 1% of what I do.

Do you get to draw what you like, or do Shavo & Narb give you 'instructions'?

-I draw what I like, Shavo inspires me, so I do ask him, and he gives me advice. Shavo's not the type of artist that would tell me what to do. We’re always collaborating, and brainstorming ideas.

Do you prefer to work from scratch or take inspiration from photos?

-I’m an artist and do what I feel at the time, it depends on my mindset. I prefer to work from scratch. I will however use pictures at times, and put my own twist on them.

Have any of the other guys in System Of A Down seen your work? If so, do you know what they think of it?

-I don’t know if they have, I work for Shavo and urSESSION. I didn't go to Shavo because of SOAD. Shavo's an artist, and that’s why I went to him. I do of course have a total appreciation for SOAD.

Would you draw something for SOADFans? ;-)

-I would but right now, I'm not doing work for anyone but Shavo, and urSESSION. I draw everyday, and do have pieces that are available on my site. When urSESSION launches, they will be there, as well as the book.

** Mike drew SOADFans.com an awesome piece of artwork, especially for SOADFans.

Thanks Mike ~:)