Stay Nerd interviews Karl Kopinski
You are well known as the author of paintings of Magic cards . Would you tell us how you worked to create these small works of art ? You have received indications the authors of the game ? Or did you proceed on your own ?
I draw inspiration primarily from the ranks and military clothes, the clothes and the uniforms they were using. I have also taken particular inspiration from the Victorian era. So those were my main forms of inspiration.
Keeping in theme Magic, you have made ​​various designs and concept art by hand, using traditional techniques ? You’re either party from digital ?
I always used both techniques. Lately I ‘m focusing on the traditional method, because I think I’m a better artist traditional and digital.
Do you think that your works have been printed and distributed small cards a few square centimeters can somehow have limited their beauty ? And what is the card that you’re most proud of and why?
I do not mind to the question of size. I knew from the start to what would be used. It’ something I think about when I create the design and composition. It’ hard to choose a specific paper, Slave of Bolas which is a special edition card and my wife was the model for it. And so it is special for this reason.
You are in many ways a self-taught, grew up as a child with a pencil and a brush in your hand and then you studied at university. How was your experience with the teachers and the school in general?
My university studies were really bad. The relationship with the teachers was not optimal because not very interested in my skills in painting and drawing, is preferred such as abstract art. But now, especially with more schools and professors specialized in the art of videogames, there are many more opportunities for young people.
You are just back from a Master and a master class in painting in Florence. How did you find the experience? Have you ever thought to dedicate to teaching? And you believe that art and art history are materials to be protected in the school curriculum?
The workshop was an amazing experience. I was a bit ‘nervous because I’ve never learned a lot, and in the end I felt like I had learned also a lot about my own techniques. It ‘was a great experience and the standard of the students was really high. To preserve the art in the school, I think it’s more important to educate people to take an interest in fancy art, digital art rather than looking to the past. Here in Italy there is a great opportunity with a unique art collection, and you can find amazing pieces of art almost anywhere. There is so much art, and people should look to the great masters as the starting point and from then develop.
We are in Italy, home to a heritage and history boundless. What is the artist who fascinates you among those of our own? There’s someone that you consider a master?
I do not know if there is someone who can be considered a Master. But I think there’s this incredibly high artistic standard. We also have a great awareness of the fact that Italy descended the greatest artists of figurative art. Italians have in blood all this experience. The experience of Leonardo and Michelangelo (as well as others) and then Italians should take advantage of this opportunity.
The military theme and warlike is among those that occur most often in your works. What fascinates you about this subject? And why did you decide to paint portraits of cyclists?
I take my inspiration from different places. I am always inspired by things like movies and TV series that I see. An example was watching The Vikings and from there I got so many resources for inspiration. I love also the Victorian era. I “change” because I can be inspired by many different things.
Are you a fan of video games?
No
Why not?
Because I have no time! I spend all my free time cycling or draw. Two things! And of course, I spend time with my family!
You’re selling a collection volume of sketches. What prompted you to want to show the moments of study and preparation that precede the final papers? You’ve had requests from fans? Or do you think that is an aspect of artistic production a bit ‘left out in favor of the finished work?
It was definitely for fans. I had so many requests on Facebook and Instagram. And one day I decided to post a sketch, thinking that no one would be interested but it was not so, and indeed they asked more and more. So I posted more! Then they asked me: “We need to see a sketchbook” “When you make it?” And my wonderful wife Tara made it possible.
Thanks for giving us this time. Before saying goodbye, you would like to say anything to all the young artists who follow us and doing their first steps in this field?
Thanks to you! The most important thing is to never stop doing sketch and draw, and to look around and feel concerned. One should not approach the work as an obligation but rather something that you love to do.
Interview by Raffaele Giasi and Eugene Fitzherbert.
