From the Artist
Our favorite Appalachian cryptid, available both with and without kitties!
The original concept was a commission featuring the collector’s wide assortment of cats. The first original I created depicted the Mothman, with a dark fluffy face, surrounded by cats, with no bridge in the background, and the moon behind his head. This piece is titled “Mr. Mothman and his Minions.”
While working on the composition, one of my study sketches had the Point Pleasant Bridge (also known as the Silver Bridge) in the background. I decided to make a second original, redrawing the Mothman and illustrating the more detailed background. This original depicts the Mothman, with a skull face, with no cats, and the bridge behind him, the moon off to the side.
I then went a little crazy and essentially made almost every permutation available. So there are now 6 different versions of the print. I am excited to see what is the most popular one.
More About The Art
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.
