James Marshall, aka Dalek, one of our favorite artists, (and the talent behind the cover of Juxtapoz #87) doesn’t miss a beat with his artwork. His new works use the iconic Space Monkey that made him a household name as a starting, rather than a focal point and propel into an abundance of color over differing planes of space. Check out Back Talk with the impressive vector based artist here.

How do you feel right now?  

Tired…keep forgetting to sleep.

If you could wake up in a different place tomorrow morning, where would it be and what would you do?

The Amalfi coast. Or maybe Costa Rica…And I would do nothing…just relax…eat some food...sleep in the sun.

If you lost your creative skill, how would you see yourself making a living?

Politician…CIA agent...something like that.

If you could punch one living contemporary artist, who would it be? 

I don’t know. There are a lot of them I’d punch I think…I’ll let you know if anything ever goes down.

Was your first kiss worth writing a song about?

Maybe a Kenny Loggins song…so, no.

At what point were you particularly happy?

The first time I heard Kenny Loggins…I have moments here and there. Answering these questions is making me laugh, which is nice.

No regrets allowed, but there must have been one?

Yeah...I’m sure…But without the path we choose we don’t get where we are…So anything done differently would put me in a different place. I’m not sure I’m ready to conceive an alternate reality.

What trait do your friends have in common?

They all walk on 2 legs and they all seem to like me...most of the time anyhow.

If you had to evacuate your home or studio, what's the one thing you would grab?

My children.

Greatest love of your life? 

My 2 sons.

What is your favorite vice?

Coffee and Rambo films.

When you blow out the birthday candles, what do you wish for? 

Health. Wealth, and love.

If you could play a character from a favorite film or TV show for a day, who would it be?

I should say Rambo...But he’s a little too dark…I’m not that much of a loner. Maybe Bruce Willis in the Die Hard films…That’s a little more my speed. Arrogant yet loving.

Do you ever lie?

Definitely.

Do you think viewers understand the intent of your work?  

I am sure some of them do…sure. I don’t know if I know half the time. I just trust how I work internally…And that my intentions come through naturally, honestly and automatically. I try to be as un-self aware as possible. The more of a stranger I can be to myself the better.

What virtue can you do without? 

Virtuosity

Do you even notice when you're swearing?

No. I curse like a sailor…nonstop. So I don’t pay it any mind.

What has been your proudest moment? 

The birth of my 2 boys...and then watching them grow. It’s a new proudest moment every day. Of course that’s usually followed by wanting to strangle them for something else…

What would you like to be remembered for? 

For being the most awesome person to ever live.  I’m getting there : )

How would you prefer to die? 

I really don’t prefer to die…I’ll deal with it when it happens. A bit creepy to presuppose anything on that front. Nice of you to ask though.

For more on Dalek, check out his website and blog.