05.05.04

Welcome back to Interview Week, loyal, talented, good-looking readers. Let's keep those interviews coming! I was very pleased to find this on my desk this morning. Especially since it was accompanied by darling naked baby pictures. And Sherman singing with the neighbors at Club 88 in LA in 1979. And because it's all about long-time HK denizens Sherman and Jennifer! *wild applause*

Memo: Interview No. 2, of the Great HK Interview Week
Today's interviewer: Jennifer Robin
Vitals: aka Birdy; songstress of the Southwest; sister to
Today's Interviewee: Sherman
Vitals: aka Biting Shrew, pp, Sherman; significant other of Underblog; author, illustrator, and HK VIP. See also no home-like place

Birdy: Was there one children's book in particular that inspired you to become an illustrator?

Sherman: Not one. I loved lots of different books. I remember fixating on those big fairy tale books we had, remember? The Japanese one was my favorite. I'm also a huge admirer of the old Golden Books. Martin and Alice Provensen are my stylistic heroes. Illustrating picture books seemed like the funnest of all possible jobs.

Birdy: What was your favorite thing to do as a ten year old?

Sherman: Hmmm. Ten. That would have to be playing Comrades Lost in the Desert with Sue M. That and beating you up and making your life miserable.

Birdy: Did you ever want to be a mother? If no, why not?

Sherman: Once again, Sue comes to mind. Do you remember that Charlie Brown rip-off comic we used to draw called Super Moms? We would trace pictures of Lucy then make her pregnant. I think we did a blonde Lucy and a brunette. She was some kind of super hero. That was the last time I remember wanting to be a mom. No, I've never had a serious yen. I've also always assumed I'd be a pretty bad mom, with my moodiness and all. No child should have to put up with that.

Birdy: Do you miss being in a band?

Sherman: Yes. But I'm getting over it. I'm too lazy to learn the techie stuff. I do like thinking back on it though and, as everyone knows, bragging.

Birdy: How old were you when you first got attracted to a boy? What was that like?

Sherman: Who was that cute baby in the crib next to mine at the hospital? I think the first real crush I had was on Grant, (of Duncan and Grant), at my 4th or 5th birthday party. Then there was David Gould of course. Oh yeah, I loved him a lot. Robyn and I put spit on our eyes and wandered past him again and again on the playground. But you knew that.

Birdy: How do you think your relationship with men has changed over the years?

Sherman: Hopefully QUITE A BIT. ... I don't put spit on my eyes anymore. After years of therapy I can now produce real tears... A lot of it has to do with meeting someone with whom I feel I can be the geek that I truly am. Finally. After living alone for awhile I got to know myself better. That helped too.

Birdy: How do you think your relationship with yourself has changed over the years?

Sherman: I'm still pretty gosh darn neurotic but I guess I understand my neurosis better.

Birdy: What are your goals at the present moment?

Sherman: Why, I think I have it right here on my bulletin board: Find happiness in my work. Find happiness in each day. I'm trying to make happiness a cool concept in my own twisted mind.

Birdy: Is there anything you would change about your life today?

Sherman: I'd like to be less judgmental and angry. More compassionate.

Birdy: Do you think sisters are neat?

Sherman: I think you're neat, if that's what you mean.

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