Artist Proof Interview with Artist:Matthew Laznicka
Global Location: US
Shop:http://www.zazzle.com/MLaznicka
Matthew Laznicka was born in Racine, WI on February 28th, 1968. From childhood he alway found solace in drawing and painting the images inspired by science-fiction, movies, and comic books. After high school Matthew attended The Milwaukee Institue for Art & design, where he recieved a degree in illustration. When not illustrating he’s with his wife Sheri and their two children: Ashton and Violet. If he is not illustrating Matthew enjoys spending time with family, camping, old movies, and stop-animation.
AP: How long have you been making art for and what lead you to start?
ML: Since I came out of the womb, I have been doodling. I really got even more inspired growing up watching old sci-fi movies, mags, comics and old retro pulp art.
AP: Where do you currently live and work ? And how does this influence your work?
ML: I live in Black Earth, Wisconsin, I love where I live. I’m not really a big fan of winter but it gives me drawing time and creating time since I don’t like going out in it!
AP: Did you have formal training if so what? If your self taught can you tell us what you prefer about being a self taught artist vs having formal training?
ML: I always new up through HS that I would go to collage for illustration degree. I graduated from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design.
AP: Can you tell us about where you make your work is it in your house, a studio , etc.,. and how it effects your work?
ML: I have a tiny little basement studio with no outside light. I call it my little art cave. Its tight and confined and I’m almost always on my computer. I usually draw everything out first, then scan , and illustrate it digitally.
AP: What are some of you favorite design projects/exhibitions you have worked on to date?
ML: I did an illustration for Mac-User magazine in the UK and it was an editorial about un-welcomed technology it was pretty cool and i really dug the final illustration.
AP: What is your medium of choice?
ML: I love acrylic paint on wood, but these days its all digital!!!!
AP: What is the relationship between technique and content in your work?
ML: Working digitally is really cool for getting a lot of detail, although it can sometimes get you into trouble when your zoomed in and working on a little spot nobody will ever even notice.
AP: In what direction would you like to see your work going over the next five years?
ML: I have always loved the retro art I create, but if you follow my work from the early days, I’m always progressing and adapting it slightly as the years pass. I would love to do something with animation.
AP: What forth coming projects and or exhibitions do you have scheduled for 2011?
ML: I’m creating a 3 different “Barbarella” style illustrations for a hair products company. I’m doing a really retro style illustration for Popular Mechanics.
AP: Take us on a guided tour through a day in your life as an artist.
ML: I get up, I drink about three cups of coffee while watching something cool on Netflix, I dissapear down to my little cave. Even if I don’t have illustration work due for a client I still am always creating. I love illustrating and thats really all I do outside of dabbling in a little animation, I love stop-motion. My work reflects my obsession with past stuff from the 40’s-50’s- 60’s……..I really like researching on the computer all the old illustration from the past.
AP: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions.
Thank You, I’m a big fan of all of the work on Artsprojekt!!!!!
