From the Artist
What happens when two wizards are equal in strength and are in an epic battle of life and death? Sometimes the unexpected.
Two wizards atop a tower, one good, one evil. As they hurl magical blasts and attacks back and forth, the good wizard is hit, and falls to his knees. Looking up at his adversary, blood trickles down his lip. His evil brother looks down upon him, as he summons the final fireball above his head. He gloats,”And what will you do now, brother?” Reaching into his sleeve, the good wizard replies, “Counter this!”
This is the moment, right before he pulls the trigger, when you see the reflection of the evil wizard, saying “Oh sh…”
More About The Art
Awards:
People’s Choice, Chattacon XXX, 2010.
LibertyCon, People’s Choice, 2010.
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.
