Our current poster artist for Reason is Peatree Bojangles, AKA Sharan Dhaliwal. We asked her to tell us a bit about herself, and this is what she said:

I was born a bee, in a tree with only a vest. I managed to pay my way into university (UCCA) where I studied animation. I now pretend to illustrate/write. I really am only a bee living in a tree wearing a vest. If I ever meet you I'll give you some honey in return for your time.

Why the name Peatree Bojangles?

The name Peatree Bojangles was created initially by an ex. Instead of calling me by my first name he used to give me ridiculous nicknames... but funnily enough there was always a reason behind them! Peatree is from Petrie, the dinosaur from The Land Before Time - apparently I look like him! Bojangles... well, I was listening to Mr. Bojangles (the Sammy Davis Jr version), when he walked in and cracked up as I was singing along (I can't sing). Thus Peatree Bojangles was created. And that was the only nickname that really stuck. There were plenty of others though, like Bagheera from The Jungle Book (I was carrying a big bag) and a chopstick & bowl (I looked like them when i sat crossed legged on the floor once). I think he may have been mentally challenged... hope he doesn't read this.

What inspires your art?

A lot of quite random things usually inspire me. But, I think initially it is a beautiful person. I like drawing beautiful people... well, women in particular. The shapes and angles are so seductive, and women, I find, are far more colourful than men. My boyfriend is also a great inspiration to me. He creates a lot of music in our bedroom, which helps me. Creativity breeds creativity.

Do you prefer to work from life models or photos?

I love working from life models. That way I can distort what I need to, change a pose, clothes etc. A photograph is too simple I find. Straightforward - no complexities. I like working under stress I suppose. When something is harder to create I get more fulfillment from it.

What's the Reason behind the tiger? And why is it in underwear?

The tiger was created initially for a friend who wanted a 'tiger picture'. But as I am so drawn to women (and, i suppose I should admit, sex), I distorted the image. I find a tiger quite seductive as it is, but when I found an image of a tiger stretching I remembered when my mother used to do yoga. She'd stretch like a cat, and curve her back; I always thought that looked really seductive. So, I combined the two and created a sexy tiger!

Got any projects you're working on at the moment?

At the moment I am working on a couple of things. I have a graphic novel I want to release - a lonely heartsfor female super heroes. There will be an illustration on each page which will be an advert for the super hero including likes and dislikes - matching their powers and characters. Hopefully it'll be more humorous than it sounds. More importantly, I am working on a story with artist/boyfriend Damir Bojanic/Dominic Tanner calledThursday Nights In Downtown Cruel Tokyo. Each terrifyingly beautiful chapter will contain one illustration by me. So far, he has written over 40 chapters, and I have only illustrated 14! As the story sees no clear end at the moment, it may go on for quite a few more chapters, but when completed we are considering turning it into a (graphic) novel.

Tell us something important you've learned.

The most important thing I've learnt about art is not to look for a reason. Usually, when art is created people ask for the reason behind it - something profound, or political. But I like illustrating for the aesthetics. I simply adore beauty, and there is nothing wrong with that.

You can pick up the Reason poster with Sharan's artwork, completely free at these outlets now. If you miss it, you'll soon be able to purchase it from here (or, if you can't wait - email us).

To see more work by Sharan, visit her site.