Fluster Magazine

Pawel Kuczynsky was born in 1976 in Szczecin (Poland). Pawel graduated from the Fine Arts Academy in Poznan with specialization in graphics. recently his work has been mainly focused on satirical illustration.

Interview by Kyle A. Sorrell

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Hi Pawel, where are you now and what’s the weather like?

I’m now in my hometown Police. It’s a small city in Poland (a country in the middle of Europe, between sea and mountains, between spring and winter).

 

Who is Pawel Kuczynski? How did you first get started as an artist?

I always liked to draw.

Some time ago, one of my friends told me about a cartoon competition.

..so in 2004  I started my new adventure.

It was new challenge, drawing about special subjects, and for  people from all of the world.

..so, I’m a competition drawer.

 

Who or what would you say your biggest inspiration is?

The reality is so twisted, crazy and absurd, that it is rather hard to compete with it.. and this reality gives me inspiration.

I just try to honestly draw my observations.

 

What medium/materials do you use to create your art?

My workshop is very simply.

I use watercolor, ecoline and color pencils on  paper.

 

How do you go about creating your art? What are your methods?

I just observe reality. I put this informations in my head.. and I wait for the results.

In our time it’s very easy.

 

How long does it normally take you to complete a work of art?

If I already have something in my head (.. and it is a good idea) I need about two days to draw.

 

What are your favorite themes/subjects to illustrate?

I’m observer (as I said before).

I like to observe  people and their relationships.

We all live together on this world, for so many years but we keep doing the same mistakes.

War, poverty, hunger, racial division, ecology, money… I like draw about these themes, because they are immortal and timeless as the art.

 

Would you say your art is defined by your sense of humor? If so, how so?

I hope so. I want to believe, that I have sense of humor..

I like black humor, so my works reflect it. Our reality is sad and, as a consequence,  my sense of humor is black.

 

A significant amount of your works seems to take place during “dusk”, or at least has lighting similar to “dusk.” Any particular reason for this?

I like Carravaggio and other baroque painting. I love this theatrical light. It’s very helpful in arranging the composition and in storytelling in my works.

 

A number of your works feature rice farmers, usually hunched over so as to pick up or set down something. Any particular reason for this?

You are talking about Chinese workers :)

Yes, sometimes I use this symbol. It’s the new symbol of our time, when we think about cheap workers, modern slaves etc.

Do you travel much? If so, what were your favorite locations? Would you want to return to any of these places?

Yes, I travel a lot. It’s a part of my life.

I travel to open my exhibition. I travel on the prize giving ceremony (as a competition cartoonist, sometimes I win awards :) )

I saw many places, it is important and also a great pleasure for me to meet interesting people.

Recently I was in Tehran in Iran. It’s a strange country (with this religious authority), but young peoples are so open and are so enthusiastic, though they live in this regime.

What demographic is your art made for? What age groups buy or comment on your work the most?

I don’t know how it’s possible, but lately I find my works on  many websites. All started a year ago.

It’s amazing, that people found me and they are interested in my work.  You are one of them :)

It’s amazing how small our world is!

The web is place of young peoples and most comments are from them.. and especially from young girls.

I don’t know why. Maybe I’m too lyrical and sentimental :)

Are you working at a new project?

I have a plan to start working at a new project.. with my friend, who is sculptor.. but it’s still an idea. I hope to start this project  this year.  I would tell you, but for now it’s a secret.

 

What are you having for dinner tonight?

Nothing, after winter I’m a little bit too heavy.

..so I have to lose weight or I could destroy my beautiful bicycle. I love to ride.

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Would you dedicate  a “doodle”  to Fluster Magazine?

(Images © Pawel Kuczynski)

More of Pawel’s work here