From the Artist: "Hello everyone...I'd like to take the time to thank you for looking through my creations. I would love to hear from anyone who wants to converse, complain, or just say hello to me...so please e-mail me at: artbycarlgookins@yahoo.com ... I will write you back as soon as I can."

Artist's 4 Keys to Life:

• 1. "There are no rules...only self expression."
• 2. "Let our drugs of choice be the arts."
• 3. "Things in this life are simpler than you know...Just stop...and breathe."
• 4. "Let us remain dreamers...to teach the children to reach for the stars."

Professional Info: For years Carl has done countless flyers, CD covers and T-shirt designs. His designs and art can be found in collections all over America and as far abroad as the UK. (Still expanding further everyday) In addition, He has done several story boards and co-directed a number of local music videos.

Personal Info: Struck with a very serious disease (Cushing's) Carl has lived in constant torment even before he saw the age of thirteen. After being diagnosed, surgery followed unsuccessfully. Carl decided to either dwell on sickness and death or get busy living... He chose to live. Carl resides today with his Father in Kennesaw GA....Carl's ONLY source of income is his art.

Artist's Favorite Music: Heavy stuff, strange and gothic works as well...Type-O-Negative, Pantera, Fear Factory, Korn, Enigma...even Enya. Being a musician himself, Carl loves ALL music genres.

Artist's Inspiration: "I Love the female form...and I love fantasy work...so It just seemed right to put the two together. I love Gothic and Warrior as well as apocalyptic art. Comics are a huge inspiration as well as high end book covers too. I'm inspired by artists like: Jim Lee, Michael Parkes, Louis Royo and Alex Ross. (I have tons of others...this is just a summery.) There is one special mention I have to give credit to... Jasmine Ann Becket-Griffith ... I feel like she was one of the first artists that showed me it could be done. Thanks Jasmine."

Thanks again everyone...and remember to support our self representing artists.