From the Artist
Combining the classically recognizable Uncle Sam “I Want You” poster with the popularity of The Lord of the Rings, this idea came about a few years ago when my friends Claire and Megan were putting together a local magazine. I decided to do a humorous piece touching on the fact that if you were in the least bit aware of the situation of Middle Earth, you would probably not join the losing side. But well, either orcs can’t read or just don’t care, because a huge number of them threw away their lives in the war.
And so honestly, if you see this recruiting poster, and still want to join the fight against the forces of good, well, you just aren’t very bright. Every line of the poster reminds you how badly this all went last time.
As I kept writing, I kept coming up with more witty lines. Though once I reached 10 pt font, I decided it was time to cut off the jokes.
More About the Art
Eye Want You: A Humorous and Creative Lord of the Rings Art
If you are a fan of the Lord of the Rings, you might be familiar with the iconic image of the Eye of Sauron, the evil and powerful entity that seeks to dominate Middle-earth. The Eye of Sauron is a symbol of fear and oppression, but what if it was also a source of humor and creativity? That is the idea behind the Eye Want You art post by Paul Bielaczyc, a talented and award-winning fantasy artist.
Eye Want You is a parody of the famous Uncle Sam recruiting poster, which urges Americans to join the army. In this case, the Eye of Sauron is the one who wants you to join his forces of darkness. The poster is full of witty and sarcastic lines, such as “I want you to fight for me, because I can’t do it myself” and “Join the army of Mordor, where the only thing you have to fear is… well, everything”. The poster also reminds you of the disastrous outcome of the previous war, when the One Ring was cut from Sauron’s hand and his army was defeated.
The Eye Want You art post is a clever and original example of Lord of the Rings art, which shows the artist’s sense of humor and imagination. The poster is drawn in black and white, with a striking contrast between the eye and the text. The eye is detailed and realistic, while the text is handwritten and informal. The poster is also a tribute to the work of J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of the Lord of the Rings, who created a rich and complex world of fantasy and adventure.
About Paul Bielaczyc
I have been drawing and whatnot since as long as I can remember. Any spot in my school notebooks that didn’t have notes were filled with sketches. I drew mostly from the D&D adventures that my brother ran, as well as the fantasy books I was reading. I did a few pieces based on Terry Brooks’ Shannara series, but focusing on being a nerd, I didn’t have much time for art in high school.
Education
When I got to college I dual majored in Computer Science and Art History. Minoring in Studio Art, I took as many art classes as my schedule allowed. I seemed to be pursuing a career in art or art education, but decided to try graduate school in Computer Science. Graduating in 2004 with a Master’s in CS, but again switched paths and returned to my art interests. Mike, my brother, and I co-own Aradani Studios, a costuming and art company that we founded in 2002. We travel mostly in the Southeast United States, to various conventions and Renaissance Festivals, selling our art, and our ears.
Now
I currently call Nashville, TN my home, and don’t see that changing for quite some time. This is where my friends, my family, and my career is. When I first posted this bio, I said that, “I still have no idea what I want to do with my life.” Well, in those 4 years that I wrote that, I think I have found my calling. At the age of 26, I won the most prestigious fantasy art award there is, the Chesley Award. Mike and I have slowly but steadily grown this business into something that now employs other people! And most importantly, I love what I do, and I truly enjoy being able to talk about my art with people, and have a dialogue with them.
And I owe all of this to my brother. Without him, I don’t know where I would be today, but it wouldn’t be here. And I hope he always remembers that I am grateful to him.
