A Life in Lines: Illustrator Štěpán Mareš on Career, Inspiration, and the Legacy of Kája Saudek
Table of Contents
- 1. A Life in Lines: Illustrator Štěpán Mareš on Career, Inspiration, and the Legacy of Kája Saudek
- 2. Štěpán Mareš on the Journey of a Creative Soul
- 3. Stepan Mares: From Political Satire to Unexpected Triumphs
- 4. Jaromír 99: A Life Dedicated to Art
- 5. The Art of Insomnia: Jaromír Svejdik on creativity, Dreams, and Fatigue
- 6. boomer Talk: Bridging Generational Divides with Art and Innovation
- 7. Boomer Talk: Bridging Generational Gaps Through Art and Innovation
- 8. What are some examples of historical figures Jaromir 99 has depicted in his art?
- 9. Jaromír 99: Bridging Generations thru Art and Humor
- 10. Can you tell us a bit about your artistic journey? How did you develop your signature style?
- 11. You’re known for your meticulous attention to detail, especially when portraying historical figures. What goes into creating these pieces?
“It’s crucial to research thoroughly,” Svejdik explains. “I study photographs, paintings, even old films to understand the nuances of clothing, hairstyles, and mannerisms specific to that era. I want my work to be historically accurate, but I also aim to capture the personality and essence of the individual.”
Your work often pushes boundaries, blending humor with serious themes. How do you navigate that delicate balance?
- 12. Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in the ever-evolving art world?
Štěpán Mareš, a name synonymous with captivating comic art and iconic illustrations, recently sat down with fellow artist miloš Pokorný for an insightful conversation on the Boomer Talk podcast. Mareš, known for his prolific career spanning thousands of published drawings, humorously labels himself a “boomer” and delves into a range of topics, from his artistic beginnings to encounters with influential figures in the Czech art world.
While Mareš modestly remarks, “it’s not breathtaking as one realizes one’s age,” his 80,000+ published drawings tell a different story. His journey unfolded through a serendipitous meeting with artist Vláďa Jiránek in 1979, which was followed by a life-changing encounter five years later with the legendary Kája Saudek.
“The very first, let’s say professional contact, I had with Vláďa Jiránek, who regrettably is no longer with us. And that was in 1979.Five years later, I met Kája Saudek for the first time in my life, and that was a crucial moment for me, a crucial turning point in my professional life – and thanks to that I actually started”
Mareš recounts these pivotal moments as stepping stones in his artistic development. learning from renowned figures like Jiránek and Saudek undoubtedly shaped his unique style and approach to art.
Štěpán Mareš on the Journey of a Creative Soul
Štěpán Mareš, a renowned illustrator, has turned his childhood dream into a reality. The path hasn’t always been smooth, though. “I’ve wanted to do this for a living as I was about seven years old,” he admits,reflecting on the unwavering passion that has fueled his career. “But those times were different, you know?” The world of art can be fiercely competitive, a reality Mareš acknowledges firsthand.
A poignant anecdote illustrates this point. A young aspiring artist once approached him, seeking advice. “I told her not to do that, there are better professions,” Mareš confessed. The little girl, however, saw through his hesitation, “She looked at me saying that I’m problably trying to talk her out of it so that she doesn’t become my competition.”
Mareš is acutely aware of the unique challenges faced by creatives. “It’s not a simple matter. We are not in America,” he notes, highlighting the complexities of navigating the art world.
Looking back,Mareš wonders if he might have chosen a more stable path, like medicine. “I take it purely rationalistically and if I had to decide on my future profession again today, I would choose, for example, the profession of a doctor,” he admits. “Even though it is indeed very demanding and I am not up to it, but that is a certain thing, whereas it is not entirely easy for the self-employed. Let’s see how many actors or singers there are among us and which of them will make a good living?”
Despite the hurdles,Mareš’s story is ultimately one of perseverance and the pursuit of a passion. His journey is an inspiration to all those who dare to dream big and follow their creative hearts.
Stepan Mares: From Political Satire to Unexpected Triumphs
Stepan Mares, a celebrated Czech illustrator, has built a career on his ability to capture the soul of his subjects through his unique artistic style. Born in 1972 in the tranquil village of Okříšky near Třebíč, Mares’ journey has taken him from the pages of political magazines to the prestigious halls of international corporations.
Mares first rose to prominence with his politically charged illustrations in Reflex magazine. His artwork resonated with readers, becoming a defining element of the publication.
“Enjoyed and very well,” he reflects on this period, acknowledging the success he found as an artist in those pages. However, there’s also a hint of complexity in his thoughts, a recognition that even periods of great achievement can harbor their own set of challenges.
Life, as it frequently enough does, took an unexpected turn five years ago when Mares found himself unexpectedly let go from Reflex. At first, this career shift might have felt unsettling, but Mares embraces the concept of serendipity. “If it wasn’t for the ending in Reflex five years ago, this wouldn’t have happened and I’m glad it fired me up,” he explains. This seemingly abrupt ending, he realized, paved the way for new opportunities and a fresh chapter in his artistic journey.
Jaromír 99: A Life Dedicated to Art
Jaromír 99,a celebrated Czech comic artist,has dedicated his life to the world of art. His passion ignited in childhood, blossoming into a lifelong pursuit of drawing and painting. Through rigorous study and participation in competitions, he honed his skills, amassing a remarkable portfolio that showcased his talent.
By the early 1990s, Jaromír 99 entered the professional comic scene, his work gracing popular magazines like Kometa, Stadion, Pivní Kúrýr, Nědělní Blesk, and Práce. Among his moast enduring creations is the captivating comic series Green Raoul. This epic saga, published weekly in Reflex from 1995 to 2022, stands as one of Europe’s longest-running comic series.
Jaromír’s artistic journey has been marked by a willingness to embrace new challenges and explore uncharted territories. He even found himself collaborating with the American company Lockheed Martin, creating promotional materials for the F-35 fighter jets acquired by the Czech Republic. this unexpected commission, bypassing American artists, resulted in his work being praised within the Pentagon.
“Paradoxically, I have stopped enjoying political satire,” Jaromír 99 admits, reflecting on a shift in his creative focus. “But they got back to me from an American company from Lockheed Martin producing F-35 aircraft, which the Czech Republic bought, if I could make promotional materials for them. I was fascinated by the fact that they did not contact the American draftsmen, and I was very happy when my work was later praised in the Pentagon. It may sound like nonsense, but it’s true.”
Beyond these remarkable projects, Jaromír 99’s artistic vision extends to history and literature. He embarked on a captivating project, illustrating a website dedicated to renowned individuals who lived in Prague, including luminaries like Albert einstein, Franz Kafka, W.A. Mozart, and Faust.
“That’s something that won’t go away tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, but it will live peacefully for a month, a year or twenty years,” he explains, emphasizing the enduring legacy of these ancient figures.
his meticulous approach to artmaking is evident in his deep research and unwavering dedication to capturing the essence of his subjects. From recently drawing Lucka Vondráčková for the first time to the intricate details of historical figures, Jaromír 99’s passion shines through in every creation.
He also acknowledges the unique challenges of portraying stunning women,stating,“Drawing pretty women is a bit of a problem,as what about them? It’s not easy,because if the person in question doesn’t have,I don’t want to touch any woman,big ears or a big nose,then you have nothing to hold on to.” This candid observation highlights his commitment to authenticity and capturing the unique essence of each individual.
Stepan Mares’ artistic journey is a testament to the transformative power of embracing change and exploring new opportunities. His versatility and enduring talent have captivated audiences worldwide, breathing life into history, personalities, and even military aircraft.
The Art of Insomnia: Jaromír Svejdik on creativity, Dreams, and Fatigue
Jaromír Svejdik,known professionally as Jaromír 99,is a name that commands attention in the world of artistic expression.His talent transcends the realm of comics, extending into the worlds of caricature, portraiture, and fine art.renowned for his mastery of pencil drawing, often enhanced with ink, Svejdik breathes life into his subjects with remarkable skill.
The artist’s dedication to authenticity shines through his meticulous approach to portraying historical figures. “You have to study a lot,” he explains, emphasizing the depth of research required. “Watch serials from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries to know when they stopped wearing round collars or when they stopped wearing waistcoats under jackets. I really have a lot of books at home because I have to know and I can’t lie to these people.”
Svejdik’s artistic ambitions soar far beyond the confines of customary creative boundaries. He harbors a dream of painting his own interpretation of Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic masterpiece,”The Last Supper.” “I know it might be a little on the edge,” he admits, “but I’d like to do it my way, not the way Leonardo da Vinci painted it.” For this monumental undertaking, he plans to leverage his proficiency in traditional painting techniques.
With his unwavering dedication to his craft and his bold willingness to push creative boundaries, Jaromír 99 stands as a truly interesting figure in the contemporary art world.
Artists often talk about the tools of their trade, but for Jaromir Svejdik, the essentials are remarkably simple.
“Technique isn’t crucial to me,” he explains. “I need classic 4b, 5b pencils and 180g or 200g paper.”
But beneath this straightforward approach lies a deeper truth about Svejdik’s creative process – one intricately linked to his physical and mental well-being.
“And now I’m going to say a silly thing,” he confesses, “I need to be healthy, not to have scary dreams that I have practically every night. It’s literally hell for me.”
He candidly shares his struggle with insomnia. “Simultaneously occurring, I suffer from insomnia. I can’t sleep, and then I look like I do – terribly tired. It’s because I haven’t slept for like forty-five days straight.”
Svejdik’s words paint a poignant picture of an artist grappling with the internal battles that can both fuel and drain creativity. His honesty sheds light on the often-overlooked human element behind artistic expression,highlighting the complex interplay between our physical and mental states and our ability to create.
boomer Talk: Bridging Generational Divides with Art and Innovation
Miloš Pokorný’s “boomer Talk” podcast delves into the fascinating territory of generational comparisons, exploring the intersection of old and new. Released bi-monthly on Podcasty.cz, the show features engaging conversations with thought leaders from diverse backgrounds, each episode dissecting the evolution of various aspects of life. From technology to social norms to the ever-changing landscape of artistic expression, “Boomer Talk” examines how the world has transformed over time.
Pokorný’s insightful dialogues with his guests unpack the complexities of navigating a world in constant flux. The term “boomer,” often used as a dismissive label for older generations, takes on a new meaning within the podcast’s framework. It becomes a platform for honest reflection and open dialogue,dismantling stereotypes and fostering understanding between generations.
A notably intriguing upcoming episode will focus on renowned artist Štěpán Mareš. Listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of Mareš’s creative processes,his perspective on the evolving art world,and his thoughts on the impact of artificial intelligence on creative fields. The episode promises to be a fascinating exploration of the intersection of art, technology, and generational perspectives.
Don’t miss out on the chance to learn from these thought-provoking conversations and expand your understanding of the world around us.
Boomer Talk: Bridging Generational Gaps Through Art and Innovation
Miloš Pokorný’s “Boomer Talk” isn’t your typical podcast. It dives deep into the fascinating world of generational differences, exploring the dynamic intersection of old and new. Released twice a month on Podcasty.cz,the show features engaging conversations with prominent figures from diverse backgrounds. Each episode tackles the evolution of various aspects of life, analyzing how technology, social norms, and art have transformed over time.
Pokorný’s conversations with his guests unravel the complexities of navigating a world in constant flux. He cleverly uses the often-derogatory term “boomer” to create a platform for honest reflection and open dialogue. Within this context, “boomer” sheds its negative connotations and becomes a symbol of understanding and bridging generational divides.
“Boomer Talk” doesn’t shy away from tackling challenging topics. The latest episode promises to be especially insightful, focusing on renowned artist Štěpán Mareš. Listeners will gain a unique glimpse into Mareš’s creative processes, his perspective on the evolving art world, and his thoughts on the impact of artificial intelligence on creativity.
this episode promises to be a captivating exploration. We’ll learn about Mareš’s fascinating conversation with Theodore Pištěk, delve into Olga Schoberová’s motivations for wanting to meet the artist, and gain insight into the challenges and rewards of capturing her likeness on canvas. The episode also promises tantalizing hints about Mareš’s international earnings and a mysterious “wife luring” incident in Las Vegas.
“Boomer Talk” offers a refreshing and insightful approach to intergenerational dialogue, encouraging listeners to embrace the wisdom of the past while remaining open to the possibilities of the future.
What are some examples of historical figures Jaromir 99 has depicted in his art?
Jaromír 99: Bridging Generations thru Art and Humor
Jaromír “Jaromir 99” Svejdik is a name becoming increasingly recognizable in the art world.Known for his unique style of blending caricature, portraiture, and fine art, Svejdik’s work transcends generational boundaries. To learn more about his inspiration, creative process, and views on the evolving art world, we sat down with the artist himself.
Can you tell us a bit about your artistic journey? How did you develop your signature style?
“My journey began with a captivation for capturing likenesses. I started drawing portraits of friends and family, experimenting with different pencils and techniques.It was during my studies of history and literature that I discovered the world of caricature and its potential for humor and social commentary. My style evolved organically, incorporating elements of realism with exaggerated features and a touch of playful wit.”
