Bill
Pruitt is a talented artist who also
happens to be a huge Sylvester Stallone fan. What's really
cool is that Sly is also a fan of Bill's art and
owns several of his paintings. We've profiled Bill before
here at the SZ, but felt that it was time to check in
with him again now that he's providing art for Sly magazine.
Craig: Could you briefly
give us your background?
Bill: I
was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri and have
been always been artistic since I can remember. I studied art
all through school and in college and recieved my BFA
in illustration from the University of Missouri.
After about 5 years of living in Kansas City, I decided
to move to Los Angeles in 1991 to pursue my art and have
been here ever since.
Craig: How did you get
the gig with Sly magazine?
Bill: I got the gig with
Sly Magazine Issue 2 because there is a history with
my artwork and Sly. He is very
familiar with my work. Sly first purchased a painting
of mine back in 1987 when I was still in Missouri
and has collected several others since then through the
years. I was first contacted by Neal Boulton, Editor-in-Chief
of Sly Magazine back in December '04 about doing
work for the premier issue but unfortuneately, for what they
wanted and the detail style work I do, there simply wasn't enough
time. I let them know I would be available for anything in the
future.
Anyway, I paint outside this
restaurant Cafe tu tu Tango in Universal City
right next to Universal Studios. I
paint there on occasion just to get out of the studio and be
outside around people. It's a nice atmosphere.
Well, one Friday night
in February of this year, I was there and Sly
went walking by with a group of people (one being Sugar Ray
Leonard - they were going to the Hard Rock Cafe nearby
for this basketball event) and I got his attention and said,
"Hi." Sly was very gracious since we'd met
before and he knew me and my work. Sly told me he wanted
me to do work for his magazine.
Sure enough, he kept his word
and less than a month later, the art director of Sly
Magazine called me and asked if I was interested in the
job. Of course, I didn't hesitate in saying yes I am interested
and I'm available. Even if I didn't see Sly that night,
I am sure I would've have gotten the job anyway since they contacted
me before.
Click HERE to go to
Page 2
- Craig
