Today we’d like to introduce you to Ash Kleczka.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Hello world! I’m an illustrator, character designer, game dev, somewhat human, survivor, and all-around mess of self-discovery. I’ve been in Arizona for going on 19 years now, but grew up in a nomadic lifestyle – moving every two to three years across the country. As such, I have a big personal interest in the concept of home and family and have plans for a series of paintings to explore the topic.
The past decade for me has been one of intense self-discovery. I grew through an abusive long-term relationship, got help, and came into my own as queer and non-binary which has freed up so much of my mental energy that I had been using to stay hidden to instead apply towards personal ventures.
I love making artwork for my D&D campaign, as well as creating monsters, or delving into occult symbolism. I really enjoy the process of research and applying small details to characters that tie back to larger concepts or history. It makes me so happy to hear what viewers get out of my work, what they connect with, or what they recognize.
I also really enjoy casual oil painting – especially portraits.
Professionally, I recently published my first mobile game, called Brigands, as well as just finished putting the final details in an associated art book. I’ve always had a love and passion for video games (currently playing Fallout New Vegas). Hopefully someday I can make it a full-time thing!
As for just me as a person, I have two cats and a husband that keep me company. I also collect medical and scientific antiques as well as books – including a 19th century copy of Grey’s Anatomy! I love to garden, eat weird food, and share dank memes with my friends.
Please tell us about your art.
Oh no! I kind of answered some of this in the last question.
I have a few areas of focus that I play around in.
Professionally I consider myself a portrait artist and game dev. I take on a fair amount of portrait commissions every year which I enjoy doing. They help me afford the occasional treat to myself like coffee or new paint brushes.
I’ve also been working with a startup game studio named Studio Melusine for the past two years. I help create in-game assets and characters, as well as the occasional background. Everything thus far has been digitally painted using Photoshop – however, I’ve tried really hard to keep a feel of natural media in our projects. It’s mostly personal preference, but I think it adds visual weight and ‘realness’.
My personal work is a little different. I’m kind of all over the place. I love working in graphite, ink/watercolor, and oils. I also enjoy working digitally in Photoshop and mixing everything together. I’m not sure if I have a set process for anything, I just keep going until it feels done. I guess I’m kind of a trash panda when it comes to using my materials. I can never seem to keep anything orderly for very long.
As for inspiration, I’m a huge fantasy nerd! I love to read and research things, and I pull from all over the place. I really enjoy religious and occult iconography as well as science and nature. I don’t really have a particular message that I’m trying to get across in a broad sense – but I do consider myself somewhat of a storyteller. Some pieces have personal significance – relating to my own prior trauma, or acceptance; but generally, I want my creations to speak for themselves.
I guess my big foray into strongly projecting a message is upcoming. I mentioned before that I’m planning on creating a series of paintings exploring the topics of home and family. It’s a subject that has weighed heavily on me for many years now and I think its finally time to make it happen.
At the end of the day – I can’t /not/ create. I need to. I will never be a mother in the traditional sense, but I can give the world this. Fun fact – most of my original characters are named after birds in some regard.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I don’t think the role of artists has changed so much as it’s been reawakened. Artists have always had a place in politics, from WWII propaganda art to art from the French Revolution to the Spanish Resistance of 1808. I think now is a key period of history where current events will be remembered through the art that is created now.
That sentence got away from me, but hopefully it made a little sense. I guess I’ve personally been a little nervous of diving into the political discussion with my work. I have strong opinions and have made them known in my social circles – but I use my work as an escape from the constant barrage of news.
That’s not to say I haven’t been totally unaffected. I try to be much more conscious of inclusivity in my work when it wasn’t so much a focus before. I listen and support more, and try to be a better ally in discussions that aren’t about me.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I’m by no means a social media mogul, but you can find me online at my website: umbertheprussianblue.com as well as on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @ThePrussianBlue. Mileage may vary. I have also had my work on display in LA at the Los Angeles Center for Digital Art as well as in publications such as the online periodical, The Asexual.
You can support me fiscally by visiting my Etsy shop at /shop/umbertheprussianblue or by donating via Ko-Fi at ko-fi.com/umberpenumbra. I make the rounds at Tucson Comic Con every year, so come say hi next November! Commissions are also open. Feel free to contact me through any of my channels to work something out. Or you know, just spread the word! Any and all amount of support is greatly appreciated!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.umbertheprussianblue.com
- Email: ashekleczka@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ThePrussianBlue
- Facebook: /ThePrussianBlue
- Twitter: @ThePrussianBlue
- Other: www.etsy.com/shop/umbertheprussianblue
Image Credit:
Ash Kleczka
Studio Melusine (where noted)
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