Karl Bryhn - ArtBreeder
Paintings composed with the help of GanBreeder (later ArtBreeder)
ArtBreeder is “gene-based” instead of requiring text prompts for input and it’s strength, as I saw it, was to reveal imagery that had a more suggestive result, as opposed to the more realistic imagery from prompt based generators like DALL-E and MJ. That changed a bit with the addition of specific categories but it is still possible to use the unbiased option and thus a useful tool.
#midjourney ai @torsion_boneworm
#Midjourney Ai featuring art by @torsion_boneworm
Making huge waves on social media and in the art scene, the highly versatile art A.I Midjourney may be limited to a relatively small number of users but it holds terrific opportunities. A.I stands for artificial intelligence for those not privy to the acronym and the tool called Midjourney uses A.I to scour the internet for images based on prompts you input yourself into their discord. After inputting the prompt the tool generates four images that you can then vary or upscale to your heart’s content.
Understandably we believe some artists are apprehensive at first but you can’t deny that no matter how far generative art goes… it will never truly hold a flame to a creation someone made by hand out of nothing. While pretty, it doesn’t necessarily denote great hand-eye coordination but it does most definitely require other talents that are in their own category. All in all, we don’t feel as if this threatens true artists in any way, it only expands the art world to people who are more talented with words rather than hands. At Forum Obscura, we’re in full support of Midjourney and intend to use their art as much as we can.
Waveloop - Ricardo Rodrigues
Talented free-lance illustrator and character designer Waveloop has worked on indie games, comics, and other graphics for a few years now and his work is downright phenomenal. Keeping his Instagram constantly updated with stunning new art regularly you can find all of his sketches, concepts, and finished pieces there or higher resolution versions by subscribing to his Patreon. Recently Ricardo Rodrigues (Waveloop) also released a full art book of his “curated classics and new work” which includes personal stories and reflections from this artist as well as commentary.
Waveloop focuses on musculature and a slender female form for the most part, which gives his art a very sharp-edged and tight aesthetic. Ranging from fantasy to mythological lore you can find a fun variety in his portfolio on Instagram. My favorites of the whole lot have to be the project he titles “The Originals” which depict various mythology or religion-based characters in a stunning comic book-esque format that usually have them in a powerful pose or floating gracefully in their respective element. Taking “Inanis” for example is a dark and brooding god-like being sitting back on a throne adorned with a person having their head wrenched back in pain. There’s a well-crafted description along with the photo and it denotes that he’s slumped back in comfort because he rules over the void eternally, not intending to leave his throne any time soon. More of Waveloop’s characters can be found in stunning detail on his Instagram profile, Art Station, or Patreon among others. From a recent Instagram post it’s clear he has some exciting ideas in the works and we can expect to see great things from him in the future.
Emerald Barkley
We had the pleasure of correspondence with Northern California native and artist Emerald Barkley. Truly a kind and compassionate human being, Barkley says she likes to exhibit the tender glow of people in her artwork. The art coming from her is riddled with beautiful pastels and images of skulls, flowers, animals, and sometimes even teeth. Take a moment to explore inside the mind of our featured artist, Emerald Barkley.
When did you know you get started painting and when did you develop your current style?
Oh that’s a hard question to answer! I started painting when I was in high school with those funny art kits that kids get for Christmas. I began taking it seriously in community college when an art teacher suggested that I apply for the art scholarship offered at the school, The Hallberg Merit Award. I ended up winning the award and that was when I started to feel like I could have a place in the creative community.
Did you do any formal training?
I do not have formal art training in the sense that most people think – I didn’t go to art school or an atelier. I have worked with a number of fantastic artists over the years both in online and on ground environments. I had the beautiful opportunity to work with Marc Scheff in SmArt School and with Tracy Lewis at her former studio in northern California.
And of course, I have worked really hard on my own. I think that being an artist comes with an obsessive quality that keeps us returning to our mediums in continued effort to describe our experiences, and there is a lot of learning that takes place in those long spaces as well.
Have you always drawn skulls and nature?
Yes. Themes of beautiful and decadent decay have always been present in my work. The ideas that I am trying to express have grown more nuanced with time as my exploration in them continues. I love using bones to describe our selves laid bare, without all of the baggage that our egos bring to the table, working in flowers and animals to talk about aspects of identity and mental health.
Who are some of your biggest influences?
I’d have to credit my former teacher and current friend Tracy Lewis as a huge influence. I worked with Tracy for a few years when she was teaching out of her studio in my area and she has very much informed the way that I see and use color.
I think many of my other influences are less of a direct visual influence; rather, they get me to think more deeply about my own relationship with my work, and how best to have a language and understanding of the ideas and experiences that I want to communicate. Artists that challenge me in this way are Teagan White, Christina Mrozik, Sandi Escobar, Jennifer Hrabota and Sam Guay.
Read more in Issue 02
Jeorge Milonas - Astral Projecting From Greece
The featured artist of Forum Obscura issue 01, Jeorge Milonas is a Greek artist who’s had the pleasure of making graphics for his favorite band TOOL. From an interview Jeorge had with another publication I was able to find out that he started his art in 2002 on an experimental basis but in 2007 he thinks it really took off as he began work professionally. A large amount of the most recent art on Jeorge’s Instagram (jnk2007) features comic style or even tarot card-Esque depictions of mythological beasts and Gods/Goddesses in a display of muted colors and exceptionally simple yet lively detail work, one of which you can see on the cover of Issue 1 that we released earlier in the year.
We described the aesthetic choice of muted tones, but Jeorge also highlights the important details in his artistic depictions with bold colors like crimson red or electric blue to highlight the main focus of the pieces he puts out. For example, one of my favorites he’s done is “Gryps”, we see a well-detailed griffin but Jeorge commands these details in almost the same way a traditional tattoo artist does. Highlighting detail with negative space among muted tones of green and purple yet in the eyes, beak, and claws we see fiery tones that capture the depth and bold nature of the beast he’s brought to life. When we look closer at all of his artwork we really notice the immense talent he holds within himself and the level he holds his art to, just noticing that he’s able to capture the emotion and tone of a character just using 2 to 3 colors is a phenomenal feat that not many are capable of achieving.
While we love his simplistic mythological amalgamations that subtly boast technicality, Jeorge also does anatomical skeletons that are oftentimes distorted and combined with rays of vibrant color or sacred geometry, very TOOL-centric psychedelic art that shows us how Jeorge got started doing artwork for the monumental Rock band. A common symbol in the work done by Jeorge is the decagram or the 10 pointed star that intersects in every third point, the symbol relates to the kabbalistic tree of life in religious lore and brings forth a shocking depth to the skeletons having a spiritual experience in a few of the pieces he’s finished. Honing in on one specific picture of a skeleton breaking its back to look up to the sky in a rapture of flames overlaid on the Fibonacci spiral, from what we know about the tree of life is a representation of all life that’s ever existed we can assume the depicted skeleton is having a samsara moment or a reckoning of sorts as he downloads the genealogical experiences and historical code passed down from his long lost ancestors. Or – At least that’s what we got from the art and that’s what makes art so interesting… Taking your own path down the shaded wood of someone’s work is a journey, and it always ends differently. You can find Jeroge’s artwork on Instagram at Jnk2007, please lend this guy your support so we can see more thrilling artwork grace our vision.
Jae Lee - Comics Brought To Life
South Korean immigrant Jae Lee moved to America with his parents in 1977, just 5 years after being born. Starting at Marvel Comics and getting his first big project on a story arc of Namor, The Sub-Mariner, Lee later went on to illustrate small arcs of Spider-man as well. Not too far into his career, he helped form Image Comics to help artists get a better deal for the characters they imagined and helped with a few comics before trying his hand at his own project, Hellshock. Although Hellshock didn’t come out as he wanted at first, he refined the product and released it in 1997 to continue into its final product in 2007. The earliest signs of Lee’s work with DC trace back to about 2000 when he started doing a slew of things for the comic company including but not limited to inking, penciling, and covers.
Comic fans are more than familiar with the works of Jae Lee in Batman, Superman, Batman/Superman, Uncanny X-men, and Spider-man. The Gallery from Jae Lee can be found on Jaeleeart.com and it is fascinating to see these larger-than-life examples of our favorite comic book heroes. Of course, we love seeing the comics in a lively and colorful representation, but in his gallery, we can find the raw examples of his pieces and possibly even some we aren’t used to seeing on the cover of comics. Jae Lee’s use of negative space highlights details admirably and the black and white theme adds a dark depth to all of the characters he draws up.
My personal favorite piece within the limited gallery on his website is a windowpane-looking affect both housing two different stories meeting together in the center on each end. Superman on one end and Batman on the other the sides depict happy children living admirable lives until their parents are tragically taken from them, causing them to take up the suit and begin to dedicate their lives to fighting evil. Such a powerful series of images detailing the shockingly similar and depressing backstories these two heroes have has been captured so well by Jae Lee in this instance that the message speaks volumes on the idea that no matter how amazing or strong one person may be, there was probably a series of situations that caused them to be that way.
If you found this deeper look into the comic artist Jae Lee’s work find his art website or follow him on Instagram at jaeleeart. Don’t forget to support your artistic friends and neighbors in their endeavors, and to keep creating yourself no matter what.
Jae Lee is an Eisner Award winning comic book artist.
Notable works
Stephen King’s Dark Tower
Inhumans
Batman/Superman
Spider-Man
Captain America
Before Watchmen: Ozymandias
Namor
Uncanny X-Men
X-Factor
The Sentry
Fantastic Four
Hellshock
WildC.A.T.S. Trilogy
Youngblood: Strikefile
Dorian House
Dorian House
A full-time tradesman, a devoted husband and father of four, and a passionate illustrator. We meet with Dorian House, a post apocalyptic/comic artist and one of Frank Frazetta’s biggest fans.
Firstly introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Dorian House. I’m an independent, self-taught artist and father of four. I enjoy lifting weights, movies, music, or just pop culture in general. Whatever that may encompass for someone, I can find something I like in just about anything. I think it comes down to respect for other artists and knowing that it’s a process that can be very challenging!!!
How would you categorise your style of art?
If I had to put a label or labels on my art, I would say it has elements of comic style and art mixed with abstract elements. I mean, I try to experiment and do things that push my comfort level of skill, but I do get stuck in themes sometimes, like pop culture portraits and futurescapes, or that’s what I call them, and then I end up doing a few pieces with similar themes until I feel I’ve reached the idea potential.
Who are your biggest influences?
Todd McFarlane is a well-known comic artist, spawn creator, and, in my opinion, the only cool Spider-Man! As well as other comic book artists, such as Jim Lee, Rob Liefeld, and Will Ace Portacio! Erik Larsen
What inspires your art, and how do you create it?
I always read this question and other articles that I read and think, “Wow, that’s a tough question!” I can remember in grade three specifically, I used to hang out with a kid named Elliot, and he drew!!! And for me, all of a sudden, all I wanted to do was draw. We would ignore the class lesson and draw figures of various types that we thought were cool!!! So I guess that other art inspires me to be artistic in my own way, but I usually put on music or a cool movie from the ’80s or 90s with a good soundtrack to get started on a piece. I would also say that the outdoors is a huge influence, and I see the outdoors in frames sometimes, and I want to draw those frames that are captured in my memory.
What motivates you to create?
A number of things motivate me to create. I think that occupying myself with productive things is good for my sense of accomplishment, which is important. I think for any artist, we as humans want to contribute, but in our own way, not the way someone wants you to! So for me, other creators truly motivate me to create. I’m constantly taking screenshots of images that I like throughout the internet to see if I can incorporate aspects of the images I enjoy in my own creations!
How has your style changed over time?
From worse to better for sure! It’s been a long haul for my own approval. I think every creator wants to be original, even whilst producing something we all know. As we all say, art is subjective, truly!!! But I would say that I’m way more comfortable taking challenges rather than being reclusive in an artist sense (like sticking to what I already know how to do).
When is your favorite time of day to create?
2:00 in the morning is probably my favourite time because I don’t have to be up anywhere, I can stay up to do something if I want, before work. I can still go back and sleep before I go to work. After being up for an hour or two, At weekends, at midday, when the sun is shining in my art space, I can feel the warmth of the sun on myself whilst I’m drawing. It’s a very enjoyable feeling! But I think in the end, my best work comes from when I’ve just woken up and I come downstairs in the middle of the night. There’s no one around, it’s all quiet, and all I have to do is put on some Star Trek and draw!!! Alternatively, how about some instrumental music!!! If I’m listening to music, music with lyrics sometimes distracts me a little bit when I’m drawing! So it’s all about the instrumental stuff!!!
What are your long-term goals?
I don’t have too many long-term goals to be honest. I think anyone would love to be able to live in this world off of their creations, but I guess if I had to say I want to do cover/album art to sustain my life. Or even just to do it for fun. I don’t care. I just want to do it. The opportunity for any cover art would be amazing! From books to music to comics, wherever cover-art can be prevalent!
Can you describe your dream project?
Album cover art for the Deftones!!! Or any type of comic cover for any title. I mean, I have so many. Realistically, I’ve had a few dream projects come true. I did some work voluntarily for Infinite Squid, who’s advertised on your website! As well, I had the great opportunity to design logos, and text logos, and album cover art for a band out of Sweden called Tungsint. If you end up searching for them, the logo you see for them is the one I designed. I’m very proud of it. So I’d say that I’m living my dream in retrospect.
What is your favorite piece of art that you've created?
If I had to choose, I really like my Adam from Evangelion. I took all of the series into consideration as I was drawing it, so with some aspects I was true to the original concept, and with others, not at all, I gave it my touch, so to speak!
Do you listen to music when you create? If so, what kind of music?
Most certainly, when the family is out, and my wife gives me the time to be creative, the music starts, and well, I listen to a whole range of music, from metal, to all of its subgenres, to indie rock, to pop, to punk, grunge, and gaze in all its forms! To be honest, I enjoy everything electronic and its subgenres, as well as hip hop! But no radio top 40 of any genre, so when Ashley comes rolling in wanting to listen to the latest, that’s not when I’m creating! Instagram is where I find a lot of my music. It’s where I met bands like Tungsint and Infinite Squid. These bands gave me an opportunity to be an artist for them! Creating art to their music was the first and only experience so far. Even though I create to music, it’s different when another artist shares his art, so you can create art! This experience left me wanting more!
Do you have other interests other than your art?
Yes!!! I was an amateur athlete playing Canadian football in the Canadian Major Football League (CMFL), and was lucky enough to win a national championship in 2018 and yes, retired right after!!! I’m an avid collector of comics, magic cards, music, movies, and action figures. I don’t collect them all, just what I like, but that’s a lot! Of course, I love my family and children!
Do your other interests influence your art?
Yes, especially with movies and music. I tie so much of my childhood happiness to these subjects, which naturally influenced me as an adult in my art. I still watch and listen to music and movies every week for all of next week!! I would say the athlete in me is the commitment level of my art these days!! But I can always remember loving all kinds of pop culture as long as there’s been one to like. I had never had the opportunity to compose a piece of music before! Tungsint (the band) gave me the opportunity to do a piece for an interlude that they created for a single that they haven’t even released yet!!! Which will remain nameless, but I’m authorised to share the art! All the interests I have help me to be creative and to create. I can remember my dad having Doc Savage books and loving the cover art and thinking how cool it would be to do what these guys/gals do!!!
Where can people look at or purchase your work?
Good question! It’s not easy! Hence, this interview! But all it takes is a message on Instagram, and whoever is interested, we work out an arrangement that’s fitting for both parties! and progress from there. If they want a piece of art, I usually start it the day they contact me! So, in short, Instagram is where you can get a hold of me! DM’s welcome @housedorian
How do you seek out opportunities?
I have found that, for me, social media is definitely the best way to seek out opportunities. In any form or fashion, it’s truly amazing how you can build a meaningful online relationship with other artists! So I generally just offer my perspective, and if it’s a warm welcome! Then we work together! If not, then I move on. I try somewhere else, but I let them know! Maybe in the future, we can work together! Other opportunities come to me through friendships and the things that I do, and where I meet people and the atmosphere I meet them in! For example, somebody might want me to draw an event, which could be a milestone, or a birth, a death, new beginnings, getting sober, whatever it might be, and then I take the opportunity to maybe ask them a few questions, and get to know them a little bit so that I can further make the art that they are looking for!!!
How do you promote your work and your shows?
So I’ve never done an art show! I’m still waiting on that part of my artist’s journey. But I’ll tell you! I’ll relish the opportunity if it ever comes by! But I think the idea is that interviews like this, and promotions on Instagram, and, of course, word of mouth, are really the only ways. I mean, I have a full-time job as a boilermaker (tradesman), and I’m a full-time father, so it’s tough to find time to do art, but I find it!
Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
In just over a year, I have become a vegetarian, and I will possibly become a vegan in the future as well. I think that this is an interesting fact about myself because, looking ahead, I never would have imagined that I would be giving up meat. Maybe this new lifestyle choice may have something to do with my creativity and being open-minded about not just artwork, but other things in my life.
Follow Dorian on Instagram
Jeorge Milonas (JNK2007)
Jeorge Milonas (JNK2007)
Visual artist, Music experimenter, Space cowboy
From a small village in Greece, Jeorge Milonas has created some of the best Tool posters and some epic fictional, dark and comic art. Getting noticed is hard enough and probably a thousand time harder from a small village… But with his passion and skills we are all happy he did get noticed!
Jeorge is one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure to Interview. We are honored to be able to use his artwork on the cover of our first issue!
What inspires your art and what is your creation process?
Everything that‘ s weird. Fictional and dark. To create something I need first to find a theme, to get the idea and just imagine it. Then I start work on trying to design it into an image as close as I can. Finally coloring it and I believe color is very important on the way that art looks, so I pay a lot attention on it.
Who are your biggest influences?
I think it’ s comic art mostly. The old school one.
“Images” that stuck in my head since I was a kid mid to late 80’s.
What motivates you to create?
It’s a need. You need food to feed your body, so by creating something is like feeding your soul. I just feel so useless by not doing it. It’s not only about design and visual art. I also like creating music. No matter if I am good on what I ‘m doing, I just enjoy doing it. Of course getting a good feedback from people motivates me even more and I believe every artist/creator wants that too.
When is your favorite time of day to create?
It used to be late in the night when everything was silent outside. Nowadays I enjoy it anytime. It s cool to start something in the morning with a cup of coffee and fresh mind.
How has your style changed over time?
There is always evolution. My current style is what I wanted but also work more on and improve it. I tried many styles to finally end up to this one. It’s not only what you want to do but what you are able to do. So the more I learn and exercise the more evolution goes on.
Describe your dream project.
My biggest dream as an artist was to do something for my favorite band Tool. This dream fulfilled and I am so grateful for this. After that I think my dream project is to do more for them. I don’ t know how, but you never know. Their music is a great source of inspiration and a huge impact in my life.
What was it like being contacted by Tool and what inspired you?
Unreal. Really. Like I was living in a parallel universe where I finally made it! I still can‘ t believe it. It was really ecstatic to talk with Adam Jones and have this great opportunity. I was doing Tool fan art based on characters of their music videos or random photos of them, until Adam shared on of them as a story on IG. That was a big shock to me!
Do you have any other possible ideas artworks for future tool shows if you’re asked to do it again?
I wish they ask again. I could start working on new art anytime, they can always inspire me do new stuff. I get so many emotions by listening to their music.
Do you listen to music when you create?
Sure! Always listening to music. Makes it easier gives you energy, even inspiration. Sounds and melodies can give you feelings during creation that can be transferred in art. If music stops I m getting heavier and art goes slow. It s not fun working without music in the background.
What bands do you listen to?
Guess…Tool!
Ok I listen to more bands and music genres. I also love Alice in Chains, Puscifer, Primus, Radiohead, Ozric Tentacles and many stoner rock bands but I also like electronic music. Aphex Twin is one of my favorite of this kind.
What is your favorite piece of art you've created?
That’s a hard question. It’s like asking a parent… who’s your favorite child? Each one is a part of me. I can’t answer on this.
Do you have other interest other than your art?
Creating music and sometimes music videos. Photography and especially astrophotography. I hope one day can take some cool nebulae photos and get more cool lenses.
Do your other interests influence your art?
Yeah and many times I can combine them. For example I printed one of my artworks which is called “Seraph” and I created music and a video to promote it. I wish I could get more into animation and 3D design but there is no time for everything.
How do you seek out opportunities?
I just keep doing my thing. I can’t really say that I’m seeking out opportunities. I don’ t really like to press things. Everything happens for some reason. If you act then you get a reaction. If not then you try again until you get it and if you quit you get nothing. I prefer to focus on my art and enjoy that part.
What are your long term goals?
To get better on what I do, learn more and create more. To evolve to a better artist and human being.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
I live in Greece in a very small village and it’s a really quiet place. I love being at home. I don’ t like big cities. Makes me so anxious.
How do you promote your work?
I do that through social media as FB and IG. I should also built up a site in the future but at this moment that is the only way.
Where can people look/purchase your work?
I do my drops on social media. Since I don t have a site if anyone is interested on my art they can directly contact me there.
Can you turn your Greek mythology into Tarot cards or playing cards?
Haha! Some people asked for it too! Well I want to do more gods and creatures first and then who knows I might turn them to a card deck. I m planning to print them on mini prints size 8”x10.5” on Kraft paper. The cards is a really good idea though.
Frank Frazetta - Frazetta Girls
Frank Frazetta 1928-2010
Fantasy and science fiction artist, comic book artist, book cover artist, painter, album cover artist or the “Godfather” of fantasy art? But without a doubt one of the most renowned American illustrators of the 20th century.
Since 2013 Frank’s daughter Holly and grand-daughter Sara have been traveling throughout the U.S. with public showings at comics conventions. They also co-founded Frazetta Girls LLC in 2014. The Frazetta Girls company operates as a web store for official Frank Frazetta merchandise, and has a large social media presence for daily postings of Frazetta’s work.
Interview with Sara Frazetta
At what age did you realize your grandfather was a famous artist?
My grandparents helped raise me until I was five. I remained very close with them into my adult life. They were like parents to me in every way. They made my world magical. I just very recently discovered they even wanted to adopt me. Talk about love! Although I knew my grandpa was a gifted artist, my memories of him do not consist of knowing his fame, or caring. He was just grandpa. Only when he passed away did I start to understand his level of fame and the impact he made on the world.
Did your grandfather listen to music when he was painting? If so what type of music did he like?
When his family visited, everything else came second, so it was rare to see him painting. Occasionally I would enter his studio and find him tinkering with an oil painting from earlier years. If he didn’t have sports on the TV, he was listening to classical music or Frank Sinatra.
Did he listen to any of the albums that that featured his?
While he loved to see his artwork featured on album covers like Molly Hatchet and Dust, I can’t say he was a big listener. He appreciated their work but he wasn’t a big rock guy.
Do your remember watching your grandfather working on and of his paintings?
I remember him re-working his National Lampoon #13 artwork in 2010. He reworked the girl in the painting multiple times, but this time he seemed to be transforming her into my grandma, who had passed away only 6 months earlier. They had a wild relationship. Major ups and downs. The last few decades were rough but man did he miss her when she passed. I’ll never forget sitting next to him at her funeral. I had never seen him sob like that.
What is your favorite piece?
I used to be able to say I had a favorite piece but now I just have favorite elements from pieces because of how much I study them. I really love his landscapes and his Frazetta Girls.
What was your grandfather's favorite piece?
That was always a hard question for him. In later years he said his “Cat Girl” was his favorite. He said he created the perfect girl and the perfect landscape.
When will the museum in Florida open?
The Frazetta Art Museum in Boca Grande, Florida will open February 2022. It is appointment only so please email Museum@FrazettaGirls.com to schedule your visit. I am so excited to help my mom with this endeavor. I think the art should always be available to be seen by the public. Nothing beats seeing the originals in person.
And what artwork will be on display there?
As for major oils, Conan Man Ape, Death Dealer II, Dark Kingdom, Neanderthals, Reassembled Man, Castle of Sin, Flashman at the Charge, Downward to Earth, Frazetta’s Self Portrait and Dancer From Atlantis. There will be various pen and inks, pencils and watercolors. I’ll be displaying a few Frazetta originals I own as well, some personal works he painted for me and some that I’ve purchased in the last few years.
Your shop is great!, What is the most popular product that you sell?
Thank you! We design and manufacture everything in house. We always want to make sure to put out the highest quality products. Frazetta deserves nothing less. To this day, the prints are still the best sellers.
Paintings
1960’s
Carson of Venus – 1963, Tales from the Crypt – 1964
Lost City – 1964, Land of Terror – 1964
Reassembled Man – 1964, Wolfman – 1965
Conan the Barbarian – 1966, Conan the Adventurer – 1966
King Kong – 1966, Sea Monster – 1966
Spider Man – 1966, The Sorcerer – 1966
Swords of Mars – 1966, Winged Terror – 1966
The Brain – 1967, Bran Mak Morn – 1967
Cat Girl – 1967, Conan the Conqueror – 1967
Conan the Usurper – 1967, Night Winds – 1967
Sea Witch – 1967, Snow Giants – 1967
Conan the Avenger – 1968, Rogue Roman – 1968
Swamp Ogre – 1968, Egyptian Queen – 1969
Mongol Tyrant – 1969, Primitive Beauty / La of Opar – 1969
Savage World / Young World – 1969, Vampirella – 1969
1970’s
A Princess of Mars – 1970, Downward to the Earth – 1970
Eternal Champion – 1970, The Godmakers – 1970
Nightstalker – 1970, Pony Tail – 1970
The Return of Jongor – 1970, Sun Goddess – 1970
Tyrannosaurus Rex – 1970, Woman with a Scythe – 1970
Desperation – 1971, John Carter and the Savage Apes of Mars – 1971
At the Earth’s Core – 1972, Birdman – 1972
Creatures of the Night – 1972, The Silver Warrior – 1972
Thuvia, Maid of Mars – 1972, A Fighting Man of Mars – 1973
Atlantis – 1973, Black Emperor – 1973
Black Panther – 1973, Black Star – 1973
Conan of Aquilonia – 1973, The Death Dealer I – 1973
Flash for Freedom – 1973, Flying Reptiles – 1973
Ghoul Queen – 1973, Gollum – 1973
The Mammoth – 1973, Monster Out of Time – 1973
The Moon Maid – 1973, Serpent – 1973
Tanar of Pellucidar – 1973, Tarzan and the Ant Men – 1973
Tree of Death – 1973, Barbarian – 1974
Flashman on the Charge – 1974, Invaders – 1974
Madame Derringer – 1974, The Mucker – 1974
Paradox – 1975, Dark Kingdom – 1976
Bloodstone – 1975, Darkness at Times Edge – 1976
The Eighth Wonder / King Kong and Snake – 1976, Fire Demon – 1976
Queen Kong – 1976, Golden Girl – 1977, Castle of Sin / Arthur Rex- 1978
The Cave Demon – 1978, Kane on the Golden Sea – 1978
Sound – 1979, Witherwing – 1979
1980’s
The Sacrifice – 1980, Las Vegas – 1980, Seven Romans – 1980
Fire and Ice – 1982, Geisha – 1983
The Disagreement – 1986, Victorious – 1986
Predators – 1987, The Death Dealer II – 1987
The Death Dealer III – 1987, The Death Dealer IV – 1987
The Death Dealer V – 1989
1990’s
Cat Girl II – 1990, The Countess and the Greenman – 1991
Dawn Attack – 1991, The Moons Rapture / Catwalk – 1994
Beauty and the Beast – 1995, Shi – 1995
The Sorceress – 1995, The Death Dealer VI – 1996
From Dusk till Dawn – 1996
Album Covers
Herman’s Hermits – Both Sides of Herman’s Hermits (1966) Front cover watercolor painting,
back cover pen-and-ink drawing. Name is misspelled “Frizzeta” in liner notes.
Dust – Hard Attack (1972)
Nazareth – Expect No Mercy (1977)
Molly Hatchet – Molly Hatchet (1978)
Molly Hatchet – Flirtin’ with Disaster (1979)
Molly Hatchet – Beatin’ the Odds (1980)
Yngwie Malmsteen – War to End All Wars (2001)
Wolfmother – Wolfmother (2006)
Movie Posters
What’s New Pussycat (1965)
The Secret of My Success (1965)
After the Fox (1966)
Hotel Paradiso (1966)
The Busy Body (1967)
The Fearless Vampire Killers (1967)
Who’s Minding the Mint? (1967)
Yours, Mine and Ours (1968)
Mad Monster Party (1969)
The Night They Raided Minsky’s (1969)
Mrs. Pollifax-Spy (1971)
Luana (1973)
Mixed Company(1974)
The Gauntlet (1977)
Fire and Ice (1983)
Kat Liepins Art
Kat Liepins Art
You never know what you will find flipping through videos on YouTube late at night.
We sit down with Kat Liepins Artist & Video Creator based in Chicago, Illinois.
Who are your biggest influences?
My biggest influence is my father. He is a true maker. He can almost always build it, fix it, and patiently teach you how he did it. My dad is incredibly knowledgeable in the areas of woodworking, metalworking, and automotive work. Some of my earliest and happiest memories are of me and my dad tinkering in his workshop. From teaching me how to measure and use hand tools to covering forms with fiberglass and bondo, there was always something new to learn. To this very day, he’s the first person I call to consult on how to realistically build the projects that live in my imagination. And, I can’t leave out my mom and sister. They are huge supporters of my art. Always along for the ride taking me to extra art classes on the weekends, attending art shows, encouraging me to enter into art contests, and eventually go to art school to earn my B.F.A. These lovely women inspire me to “go for it” every day and I certainly wouldn’t have the guts to put myself and my work out there without them.
What inspires your art and what is your creation process?
What inspires my art?: I usually have dreams about the pieces that I create before I actually make them. They might live on a list of projects for a bit but I usually get around to making them at one point or another. What is my creation process?: I start with my idea, research reference imagery, create a rough sketch on my iPad using Procreate, and refine and colorize the sketch from there. Depending on the requirements of the end deliverable, I might stop my work at the digital file (ex. making merch like t-shirts or prints), or I might use a projector to scale up my work onto a wall (for a mural) or a canvas (for a painting). Then, I use traditional mediums such as acrylics and spray paint and even epoxy resin, when applicable, to finish the art piece before selling it on my website or shipping it off to my client. But, I really enjoy variety and pushing myself to create in new and different ways, so my process is one that I would consider to be ever evolving.
What motivates you to create?
Fame and fortune, of course. Just kidding (sort of)! I am energized by creating art. Creating with my hands and my mind for others to experience, relate to, enjoy and hopefully want to own is exciting and invigorating. It’s an amazing feeling to be told by another human being that you are an inspiration or that your ideas resonate with them on a visceral level. It makes you feel part of a bigger picture and that you are contributing to this giant universe in positive ways.
Do you listen to music when you create? If so, what kind of music?
I do listen to music while I work. I absolutely LOVE the 80s! It’s the music I fondly remember singing with my sister in the backseat during long family car rides. Whitney Houston, a-ha, Meatloaf, Pat Benatar, Cheap Trick, Bon Jovi, Poison, Firehouse, Heart are just a small sampling…you get the picture. Basically, anything that I can sing and bop to lives on my Spotify list and is playing in the background while I work.
Do you have interests other than your art?
I love to dance, sing (especially karaoke), watch a shameful number of cheesy horror movies, and hang out with my Boston Terrier puppy Bruce.
Do your other interests influence your art?
Absolutely 100%! I’d have to say that my work is a culmination of many of the interests I’ve had throughout my life. Pop culture in general has had a profound effect on the imagery I create. The movies of Tim Burton have always fascinated me, music videos like Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” and George Harrison’s “Set on You”, stories found within “Alice in Wonderland” and “Grimm Fairy Tales”, and cartoons like He-Man, Scooby Doo, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Spongebob, and Aeon Flux, inspire some of my color palettes and inspire me to juxtapose horror with humor, resulting in creepy yet approachable imagery.
What are your long term goals?
My long-term goal is to be able to make a lifelong career of being an artist and in whatever form it takes. Performing and visual arts are in my blood and are what I feel that I am best suited for sharing with the world.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
I was a professional ballroom dancer for Arthur Murray for a couple of years right after I graduated from college. I worked as a graphic designer full-time and taught dance part-time and traveled to compete pro-am with students on the weekends.
Where can people look/purchase your work?
My original art pieces are available for viewing and purchase on my website
https://www.katliepinsart.com/
My merchandise (apparel, prints, skateboards, etc.) can be purchased on
https://katliepinsart.threadless.com/
How do you seek out opportunities?
I have to admit that I’ve been very lucky to have clients and collaborators reach out to me about the work that I’m showcasing on my social channels. I don’t do much outreach or additional marketing. I spend more of my time answering inquiries and negotiating commissions–again, I feel very fortunate that this is the case!
How do you promote your work and your shows?
I promote my work primarily via my Kat Liepins Art YouTube channel
(https://www.youtube.com/c/KatLiepinsArt) where I showcase the behind-the-scenes
process of creating my art pieces and do my best to make the viewing experience fun,
entertaining, and educational.
I am also actively providing regular updates on my Instagram (@kat_liepins_art) and
Facebook (@KatLiepinsArt) pages.
