The Black Side of Memory
VEN LOCKLEAR
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Originally from Massachusetts, Lael Salaets enjoyed science fiction at an early age. His growing interest in art and reading and writing fiction enabled him to explore other worlds.
His pursuit of creative writing faded, however, several years after his family moved to Oregon. He enlisted in the US Marines at the age of seventeen. Stationed in Japan as a field artillery cannoneer, he deployed across Asia, and, in 1991, to the Persian Gulf during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
After his honorable discharge Lael studied fine art at the University of Oregon and Lane Community College, where he earned a degree in graphic design. He started free writing, which developed into short stories. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Wordos, a professional writers group in Eugene, and began submitting work. He made Finalist in the Writers of the Future Contest in 2007, and then won in 2009.
Lael currently resides in Oakridge, Oregon. He is writing a novel based on the universe of his recent short stories.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Most family members and friends say Ven Locklear’s art is disturbing. However, they all agree the creatures that emerge from Ven’s vividly fertile brain are lighthearted, cool and often humorous. Growing up in central Oregon, he began drawing dragons and imaginary beasts at a young age. In high school, he set his sights on becoming a professional concept artist and illustrator.
Ven loves bringing original, exciting SF and fantasy creations to life through digital painting. His favorite subjects are bizarre monsters, dragons, sword-wielding robots, strange characters and the fanciful worlds they live in.
In 2009, Ven spent six months in Morocco working as a graphic designer at Al Akhawayn University. Currently, Ven is an illustration major at Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon.