Legend of Zelda Art Print
Orders fulfilled by Aradani
From the Artist
Michael and I participate in a panel at many of our conventions named the “Charity Art Jam.” Originally named “Iron Artist,” all of us laid back artists soon realized that “Iron Artist” (inspired by “Iron Chef”) implies a competition between us. While there is slight competition to see whose piece sells for the most during the auction, it is more about helping each other come up with cool ideas and just making some art.
Our friend Melissa Gay first coined the term “Charity Art Jam” for JordanCon. Because it is literally, a bunch of artists, sitting around, having a jam session to make some art in 2 hours, that we then sell for charity. Perfect description that is in the title!
At some shows, the theme is a simple thing, “flowers and death,” “goblins and skulls,” “science fiction.” But then there is JordanCon. The people that come up with what they do are artists themselves. For 2017, the theme was archetypes, characters, character types, and creatures that exist through literature and film, but a tried and true, universally recognized being.
The presenters had gotten these beautiful cards printed up, thick card stock, fancy design work, very top notch. Being in the midst of playing a whole lot of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, I decided, who cares what I draw as my archetype, I can probably make it fit into the Zelda universe. The first card drawn to my right, “Furry Animal Companion.” Next up, “The Outsider.” Third up, my brother draws “The Creator.” Now it’s my pick.
And what do I flip over… “Hero.”
Bah-na-na-naaaaah!
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.
