Q. & A.
Q. Tell us about your childhood and your family.
A. I was born in Whitestone, N.Y., and raised in Queens. My wife Florence* and I have been married for six years. I have four daughters, Rachel, Marah, and twins Savannah and Elizabeth. My mother operates a state-run orphanage in Mexico.
Q. What led to your interest in art?
A. As an only child, I spent a lot of time alone, and always loved comic book art. I would draw faces and pictures out of "MAD" magazine. That helped me learn shading and proportion. As I got older, I took art class to heart. I had good teachers who always encouraged me. I think my greatest influence later in life was -- and still is -- Frank Frazetta, who is known for his fantasy art. He created the covers of all the old Conan the Barbarian paperbacks. His attention to proportion, symmetry and detail awes me.
Q. Do you enjoy reading?
A. The first book I read was from the bookmobile of our library. It was a kind of mobile library for areas that did not have a library. I don’t remember the title of the book, but I will never forget the author: Ezra Jack Keats. To this day, I am a die-hard science fiction fan. I also like some horror (Stephen King and Anne Rice). Over the years, I’ve developed an affinity for history (feudal Japan, the Dark Ages, the nomadic hordes). and leadership strategies of the great historic leaders.
Q. Tell us about your career in law enforcement.
A. I studied criminal justice at Midlands Technical College. I started working with the Columbia Police Department in 1985 as a police cadet. I’ve been a traffic safety officer and a midnight shift investigator. I was in the training unit for three years as the officer in charge of the Basic Candidate School. This is my seventh year (combined) in the narcotics unit. I also serve on the bomb squad as a hazardous device technician and am certified through the FBI/U.S. Army.
Q. What do you think about having your art published in a children’s book?
A. The shock still hasn’t worn off. Artists are their own worst critics. I’m more accustomed to drawing battle scenes and warriors, or Sponge Bob, for the girls. It’s an honor and a privilege to be thought of and appreciated.
*Florence McCants is also a policewoman with the Columbia Police Dept.
