by Lannis | Jul 10, 2018 | Art Show
czukart.com
In spite of her diminutive physical stature, Amy Romanczuk is a huge part of the JordanCon art family, someone who packs a lot of warmth, humor and talent into a small package. As an artist, her work is intensely intricate, unique and personal, loaded with symbolic meaning — but also eminently collectible. In 2015, she was awarded JordanCon’s People’s Choice Award for Best 3D Art for a collection of her pysanky work titled “The White Tower Collection.” While Amy regards herself chiefly as a folk artist, she is also an illustrator and designer, with many exhibitions and accolades for her work. If you want to see a smile that can light up a room, seek her out and ask her about it.
Artist Amy Romanczuk holding the guitar she inscribed with Wheel of Time and pysanky symbols for the 2017 JordanCon Charity Auction.
Art and music, color and sound, have been a huge part in my life since childhood. I have a bit of synesthesia, where one sense triggers a response in another. For me, colors and patterns trigger music and vice versa. A print of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” hung in my childhood bedroom, and I used to stare at it, transfixed by the sounds that the colors and brush strokes created in my head. It wasn’t until years later, singing in a choir, that I realized, to me, “Starry Night” looks the way Mozart’s “Ave Verum” sounds. Patterns and repetition, colors and sound all work through me when I create. I have found inspiration in the patterns around me, both in nature and in human creations. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a physical need to find a way to express the designs that filter through my brain, and have done so using a multitude of mediums over the years.
The means of creative expression I may be most known for comes from the folk art of pysanky, the intricately decorated eggs often displayed at Easter-time. Pysanky (a word derived from the Ukrainian word “to write”) are created using a wax-and-dye resist process similar to batik, though on eggshell, instead of cloth. Though my family comes from Ukraine, writing pysanky was not part of my cultural heritage, although it was for my husband Alan’s family. I had long loved the patterns and intricacy of the designs but figured I was incapable of creating such beauty. With encouragement from a Master pysanky artist, I picked up the kistka (the tool used to apply the wax) in my 40’s, and have yet to stop. Writing pysanky is a form of meditation for me, the meanings behind the symbols and the music in my head becoming a sort of prayer as I work on each egg. Writing pysanky was a way for me to relieve stress after working long days with disabled children and their families as a clinical nurse specialist. And when I became ill myself, it was a huge part of my healing and acceptance of the changes one takes on with chronic illness. I only began to feel comfortable with the title “artist” after I had several of my pysanky accepted into the collection of the Kolomyia Museum in Ukraine. To this day, I am more likely to describe myself as a folk-artist.
Taking the pysanky art from eggshell to paper and ultimately to interactive art such as Patterns of the Wheel, a coloring book based on The Wheel of Time (Tor, 2016), is entirely due to the JordanCon family. Without the encouragement, enthusiasm, and a bit of nagging, I’d still be only working with eggshells. My art, in all its forms, reflects the wabi-sabi concept of Japanese art (before I became a nurse, I received a degree in history, anthropology, and Asian studies, and embraced some of the cultural ideas I encountered, particularly from the Far East). These ideas reinforce the folk versus formal aspect of my art. I also incorporate aspects from some of my favorite artists: the Impressionists, whose paintings color my memories from childhood visits to museums; Utagawa Hiroshige’s marvelous prints and drawings; Warli, Kalamkari, Mehndi, miniatures, and even the painted trucks of India; indigenous creations from all over the world; street art, local works, and artistic friends. Lately, the art of Nigerian-born Victor Ekpuk, both for his designs, and for his exploration of nsibidi (a traditional pictorial writing of his homeland) has been drawing me. The similarities between two arts using pictorial language and a transient format (chalk/eggshell) is a thrilling find, as are his artistic talents.
My Wheel of Time-inspired art ranges from elegant, elaborate fantasy creations to simple stick figures. Individual taste and perspective guide the way artists approach their craft and the way in which viewers assess the result. One can glory in the art of Michelangelo, whose realistic depictions of the human form captured every nuance precisely, yet also delight in Marc Chagall, whose folk-art style featured casually drawn people and cows seen floating in colorful skies. One artist was a genius whose technical skills were flawless; the other recreated the art of commoners for a totally different purpose and effect. Luckily for me, there is room among the extremely talented Official Wheel of Time artists for a folk artist to explore the world Robert Jordan created.
One of my most treasured memories is talking about pysanky with Jim Rigney, and his fascination with the symbols and language of pysanky. His interest in both the history and the art-form, and Harriet’s encouragement, is what led to my becoming one of the licensed Wheel of Time artists. I am still astonished and grateful that my folk-art is in the company of such amazing art and artists.
If you’d like to find out more about the authors and artists who share their work at JordanCon, check out our other “Meet the Artist” blogs.
by Art Show | Apr 11, 2018 | Art Show
www.medusasmirror.etsy.com
Artist Sara Glassman creates stunning crocheted jewelry, each piece of which tells a story worth reading. Her work is tangled, entwined, and bound about with symbolism and literary references, entirely appropriate for a self-professed bibliophile and fan of the written word. Spend some time at her Art Show table, look closely, and you’ll find yourself quickly drawn in or, better yet, say hello to her at her Dealer table and discover why she’s become a storied member of the JordanCon family.
Which artist do you find most inspirational? Why?
Kinuko Craft is one of my major inspirations. Her works are so intricate and rich. Every time I look at one I’m mesmerized. That is the sort of sense I try to create with my crocheted necklaces; the feeling that every time you look at them, you might find something new.
One year at DragonCon, they had some of her original paintings in the art show and I remember feeling almost trapped, unable to look away from them because there was so much to SEE! More even than I had ever seen on a poster or book cover. I stood in front of the bay where her work hung for almost twenty minutes until one of my friends came and got me.
What’s the one thing you most enjoy about attending conventions?
The people. Both the guests and the attendees. I first started coming to JordanCon because of a guest and kept coming back because everyone was so wonderful. That’s pretty much how it’s gone with every convention I find myself going back to. I’m looking for that sense of community much more than I am the opportunity to meet a particular guest. I love getting to meet other artists, but also to watch people react to all the art in the art shows as they pass through. Networking is certainly something that happens, but really, it’s all about getting to spend time with people who are excited about the things you love. And, of course, the Bielaczyc dance parties are also a vital part of a good convention. (EDITOR’S NOTE: That’s true whether it’s Michael or Paul Bielaczyc (a.k.a. The Dragon Reborn) behind the groove.)
What do you see as the primary link between writing and art? (If you think there is one.)
I find huge inspiration from writing. Several of my pieces are inspired by characters from the stories I adore. Many of them are from books that I read as a younger reader that have just latched onto my heart. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered an artist who was not also a reader. Reading stretches the boundaries of your imagination; even the most descriptive book leaves something for you to fill in. I think reading trains your vision and your curiosity, which are vital for any kind of artist.
If you could create your masterpiece, what would it look like?
Probably a wearable stained glass window. I’m not even entirely sure what that would mean, but somehow combining light and color into a piece of jewelry. There was a book I read ages ago, “Shattered Glass” by Elaine Bergstrom, that described someone pouring and blending a huge piece of glass and all the colors that swirled together in the molten glass. I want to capture that feeling someday. Seeing the big pieced or poured stained glass windows in person with light behind them has always been an elevating experience for me.
by Art Show | Apr 1, 2018 | Art Show
JordanCon is very pleased to announce the following artists will be exhibiting their art in the JordanCon 10 Art Show. Those marked with an asterisk (*) will not be in attendance, but their art will be in our show and/or in our Print Shop.
Artist Guest of Honor:
Stephanie Law
www.shadowscapes.com
by Art Show | Jan 11, 2018 | Art Show
www.angelasasser.com
Angela is the author of “Angelic Visions: Create Fantasy Art Angels With Watercolor, Ink and Colored Pencil” and an alumni of the University of West Georgia and the Savannah College of Art and Design. She works in many mediums, including watercolor and digital media, to create whimsical Art Nouveau and narrative fantasy art. She is also a leather artisan and mask-maker in her spare time. In the next few years, she hopes to expand her skillset into writing and illustrating her own novels.
How did you first discover art, or that you wanted to create art yourself?
I had always been a crafty child, thanks to my very crafty mom. I was always devouring coloring books, making my own pop-up books, and doodling my own little illustrated horror stories. Scariest Stories Ever Told provided so much inspiration for my young mind! That series and unicorns (what a mix!) activated my joy for the fantastical and the strange very early on.
When I was around 8 years old, I read the book Saint George and the Dragon over and over. I never got tired of finding the faeries and creatures its illustrator, Trina Schart Hyman, had hidden in the expertly crafted borders. Magic permeated every corner of the book’s fanciful illustrations. The first time I looked at the book’s credits, I realized that a human being just like myself had taken a story and created imagery for it. I wanted to be a person just like that, whether I brought life to someone else’s stories or to my own.
What do you see as the primary link between writing and art? (If you think there is one.)
As a writer and artist, myself, I find that both activities fulfill different sensory needs and oftentimes one will inspire the other in an amazing feedback loop of inspiration. I do my best work when I am both writing and drawing.
For example, a viewer looking at a painting can get an immediate read of a painted scene and impress upon it their own thoughts, feelings, and narrative, while a written scene can provide a deeper sense of lyricism, of hidden history and emotion put into words. I tend to write to get to know my characters as people, while drawing those characters and scenes gives me a sense of atmosphere and physical presence. One activity most certainly enriches the other!
If I had to put a word to what this primary link is, I’d call it ‘immersion’. Stories, whether told in video games, art, writing, or any other media, all give us a piece of the puzzle to an immersive experience, one that lets us form an empathetic link with the characters.
Are you a fan of The Wheel of Time? If not, what is your favorite book or series?
I’m a newcomer to the series, so ask me about this at the next convention you see me at after I’ve had a chance to finish reading The Eye of the World! Brandon Sanderson’s work has drawn me into the series via Mistborn, which I’m also currently reading. So far, I’m intrigued and can’t wait to dive into this rich, complex world!
My favorite book series, the one that first hooked me into mature fantasy is undoubtedly the Kushiel’s Legacy series by Jacqueline Carey. Imagine if the spies and courtesans of Game of Thrones were the main characters of the series and you have a hint of the intrigue of the world of Terre d’Ange. Add the mysticism of fallen angels, an amazing female protagonist, and a complex sex-positive culture and you have all the things that make the world of Kushiel’s Legacy stand out in a way that’s inspired my muse for years.
What’s the one thing you most enjoy about attending conventions?
I’ve always felt like the geeky outsider with my love of tabletop games, fantasy EVERYTHING, and video games. Conventions are magical places where I get to feel normal, like everyone I meet is a kindred spirit who understands my passion for these things. It’s also a place I get to ramble endlessly about fantasy art without people’s eyes glazing over! The sense of connection I feel at cons helps me when my small world of the art studio starts to get lonely. My profession as an artist is an isolated one and it helps me feel less insane to get out of the art cave and bond with other like-minded humans!
I wanted to thank the Art Show staff and JordanCon con-goers for making my first year at JordanCon last year a special one and welcoming me to the JordanCon family! Winning Judge’s Choice award in the Art Show last year was a wonderful surprise and the first time a convention has given me a trophy with an award. I have it displayed proudly next to my favorite Assassin’s Creed and Horizon Zero Dawn statues! I’m looking forward to taking part this year and diving back into the thick of things. Please do feel free to drop by and say hello to me at my table in the Dealer Hall. I’d love to chat and geek out!
What are your plans for the future?
I’m currently working on a series of Art Nouveau paintings that I hope to turn into an art book next year! I’ve been toiling on this birthstone-inspired series of goddesses for the past few years and can’t wait to share their dreamlike visages with everyone in a beautiful cohesive volume. I also plan to Kickstart a coloring book based on this series in the next few months, since I have a glut of meticulous line art that came out of this series and would love to share that detailed insanity with coloring fans like myself.
After this series has been fully wrapped up, I can’t wait to venture further into the world of writing! I’ve always wanted to indulge my writing muse, but haven’t had the time with my art muse having a majority vote. Once my latest series is wrapped up, I look forward to adventuring into my story world of cursed princes, has-been monster hunters, and snarky elves! I look forward to sharing more about this venture in the coming JordanCons.
