Art & GenCon

Always collect art. Period. Just do it; if not for an investment, do it because it makes the warm fuzzies inside every time you see the piece. View it as an inspiration for what ever you do in life. For me, I enjoy collecting all kinds of art, including fantasy art. Perhaps the biggest event to do that: GenCon.

My first GenCon was in 1985. I was fifteen, and at that time it was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a teenager, the amount of people who played the same games we did gathering in one spot was intoxicating. It was as if we were a part of the largest family reunion on Earth. Exhibitors lined the hall, giving away free samples of new products, trying to get their foot in the door; gamers lined up at the gaming tables to test their wits against DM's (yes, we called them DM's back then, not GM's). Talking to anyone in the convention center was like talking to your siblings or cousins. You just 'fit in'. 

Of all the things I found interesting, the artwork was perhaps the most inticing. My first piece of art was from that GenCon, a sketch of a tree by a relatively new artist, Pamela Shanteau. In the following years, Pamela Shanteau would become a world reknown artist in another field of custom vehicle painting. She gained the title "The Godmother of American Airbrushing." Last year, as I sat, drawing digital tiles, the sketch of the tree hanging directly above my desk for inspiration, I looked up Ms. Shanteau's website (she'd been busy these past 30 years!) and wrote her a letter of thanks; for creating a piece that would be inspiration for years. When she wrote back, I almost peed myself, returning to a state of that 15 year old, all Squee-afyin' that she had taken the time to respond to li'l ol me. Pamela Shanteau website.

This year, I was fortunate enough to meet and talk with two incredibly talented artists: Mike Schley and Micah Epstein. I couldn't believe Mike Schley was talking to me about techniques in Photoshop, styles of illustration, etc. Here was a fellow who has become a pretty household name from his map-work in the 5th edition DnD series, chatting away as though we were swapping dry-walling tips or the best recipe secretes to making the ultimate apple crisp, just as humble as he could be. I of course, had returned to that gibbering 15 year old, starry eyed and hanging on every word or advice this fellow could offer. Very Squee-worthy moment indeed. I think I ended going back to his booth about three times during the course of one day, and bought four pieces of limited edition prints; one of which made a perfect gift to a buddy for his kindness and generosity earlier this year. Mike Schley's work

Micah Epstein is new to the fantasy art circuit, GenCon being his first big show; and what a way to make a spash! I was immediately drawn to his work: the perspectives, the style, the composition. Had a chance to chat with him for a few minutes as well. One piece, "The Stand" featured a mage battling a mummified corpse, with souls in the background swirling about. We discussed my background in archaeology and the mummies, and it was great to have some questions from the artist. That one threw me...not really expecting someone to take interest. lol Micah gave me the same impression Pamela Shanteau's work did so many years ago. I most definitely look forward to seeing more of his name in the near future as well. Micah Epstein's work.