Cameron Gray is known as an artist/photographer in Australia and the editor of Parable Visions Magazine as well as the Art Director of Dark Arts World. Cameron's new book "The Artistic Methods" has just been released and we recently had the chance to ask him about the new book and his various other projects.

So how are things Cam?

Things are relaxing at the moment, but I go back to Uni in a few days, so I'm just glad that the book and texture CD are now completely finalized and out of the way.

How long did it take to produce the book and CD?

The book took about 14 months from start to finish. I had the idea for the book in about November or December of 2005 just after the release of my debut portfolio book. The texture collections CD didn't take as long because it's a compilation of textures that I already use in my own artwork.

I noticed a new website design on ParableVisions.com

Yeah that's something I've been thinking about for the past month or so, I really liked the old webpage design, but this new one makes the site much more cleaner and less cluttered, so I'm happy with it.

What is the book about Cam?

The book is basically an art reference book for digital artists who want to learn different methods for using the tools within Adobe Photoshop to create artwork.

Why would you write a book that gives away all your techniques and methods for creating your art?

Well, I wrote the book in a way that leaves plenty of room for artistic intervention by the reader. So whilst I'm demonstrating my techniques, I'm not actually giving it out step by step. It requires the reader to experiment in their own styles too.

So what other projects are you working on?

I've been doing alot of abstract painting lately as well as some sculpture work which has been really cool and different.

Do you paint often?

Painting was something I did on and off for a couple of years, then last year I decided I would begin to explore it more often. It's alot different from my digital work, but most of it still has a dark or thought provoking mood to it. I have one next to me that I'm working on which is about 36x48 inches. It's massive!

How come you don't post your paintings on Parable Visions?

I've posted some of the really early ones on there, but nothing that I've done over the past year. I will eventually, maybe on a rainy day or something. When I look at photos of them it doesn't seem to do them justice.

What's the deal with the hidden webcam link on Parable Visions?

haha, it's not really meant to be hidden, but it's not meant to be an advertisment for myself either. It's just something that people can click on if they want to see me working live. It's nothing exciting, I'm usually just starring at my computer screen or sketching ideas. I work mostly late at night as well, so it's usually quite dark.

Anything else on the cards?

Just the usual really, CD covers, magazine features and interviews. Maybe a couple of exhibitions on the way. Also working on my next portfolio book which has been in development for about 12 months already. I had to slow it down a little while I was working on "Methods", but it's back in focus again now.

Got a title for the new portfolio? Any release date set?

The title will probably be Parable Visions II - The Art Of Cameron Gray, but I may change it later if I need to. No date is set yet. I'm aiming for between December 2007 and March 2008 but nothing is set in stone yet.

When does the new PV magazine come out?

No word on a release for the next PVM. It's a project where we all need to be available, so we may only work on it for 1 or 2 days per fortnight, it just depends on what needs doing, who's available and if we're all happy with the direction each issue takes. It's a great project to be a part of, but it needs to be done right, so I don't allow any of it to be rushed, just because it's been 3 months since a release.

Congratulations on the new book Cam, and thanks for taking some time out for this interview.

Not a problem, anything for my brothers at DAW!