[Un]Discovers: Dan Hillier

Ever since I saw Dan Hillier's Feather and Claw series, I have been hoping to do a profile feature on him in this blog space. His illustration style is very surreal and I like how he combines the Victorian style with animals features in his works. Today, it is my honour to introduce you Dan Hillier.

Hi Dan, thank you so much for taking some time from you busy schedule to answer my questions. Would you mind to tell me what was the main reason why you wanted to become an illustrator?
I've always made pictures and illustration was something I was wisely guided towards at art foundation.

I am very glad you have chosen illustrator as your career path or else I would not be able to see some amazing works by you. Are you inspired by any illustrators from the past or present? 
Yes many, especially Max Ernst and lots of comic book illustrators.

I can see some comic book illustration influence in your works. So, how will you describe your illustration style? What made you want to combine the Victorian style with animal elements?
Surreal and a bit dark, maybe a little mysterious. I've always loved line work and I enjoy working with found elements, collaging them together to make new pictures. I've been interested in the mixing of animal and human attributes since I was a child as I loved ancient Egyptian art and the old Medieval bestiaries, and there's something about the Victorian era that really appeals to me, with the curiosity of the 'freakshows' and the sense that society is operating on a surface level of respectability and social order whilst underneath elemental, animal powers are at work.

I totally love your style as it is very unique and fresh! I fell in love with your works ever since I saw the Feather and Claw series? Would you mind to tell me more about how you created this series?
I'd planned to make some pictures involving masks of human faces concealing something non-human beneath, and at that time Hendrick's Gin asked me to make some pictures to be handed out as miniature limited edition prints that would also be business cards so I made these and then showed them at a big night put on with Hendrick's at Wilton's Music Hall.

Ah, I would really love to see these pieces in person, but too bad, I live too far from your country. Last but not least, what is your plan for the rest of this year?
Hopefully to draw more and to put on another couple of events...

Thank you so much to Dan for taking his time to answer my questions. I wish him all the best and you can see more of his works on his official website. All images are courtesy of Dan Hillier.