It’s Just a Ride
Well, I studied at the University of Applied arts to become an art teacher, graduated as well, but never worked in the field. Somewhere along the way I decided freelancing is more suitable for me. I honestly can’t remember how I got involved in metal artwork, must have been something through some common acquaintances or similar, then some bands saw the work, hired me, and one thing led to another.
It’s a variety of techniques, influences, goals, in a word – a stew. I always thought that a visual artist should experiment as much as possible, it’s the only way to really find your ground. 90% of my work is done manually, the rest is a digital touch-up in photoshop, only if necessary, of course. I prefer feeling the material rather than relying on the digital experience, it’s the process that gives me the rush, otherwise, for me, it doesn’t count. Great stuff is made digitally, but I’m retro.
Usually I do get directions from bands and any input is welcome, it makes things easier, naturally. I basically get the main concept, and try to follow through as much as I can. If I feel there’s a moment to improvise, I do it, and that’s an extra personal touch, besides the visual aspect. Directions are based on the main description of the scene, and the rest is work in progress, I produce a basic sketch, and once we’ve agreed on it, I hit it.
Well, I enjoy reading horror literature etc. but it’s only for the strength of imagination, I don’t take it seriously. My feet are on the ground. No religion, I don’t plan on losing the reality’s grip by taking H.P. Lovecraft’s work too seriously, or something like that. There’s strong stuff in literature, but If I have to let a piece of literature influence my life, I prefer it to be Dostoevsky or Bukowsky.
The best painter in history is William Turner, a man who gave us Impressionism, abstract painting and the strongest sense of the power of nature. Then, I would mention the films of Ken Russel and David Cronenberg, two brilliant directors with the balls to break the boundaries of the movie industry (check out the movie Gothic by Ken Russel if you haven’t, and The Devils as well). I also highly appreciate The Silmarillion by Tolkien, great epic stuff, pretty impossible to turn into a movie, I think. And Type O Negative.
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Interview by Alex Milazzo – Copyright 2016 © Heavy Music Artwork. All rights reserved.
