Since joining the group, Jedrzej Spychala has shown that by combining a varied color palette, a mindful concept and a complexity graced by superior skill, you can achieve something much more than mediocrity.

Yu Jie:
Hello Silesti, and congratulations on being the featured artist for slashTHREE's 8th release, "30th Century". Why don't you start by telling everyone a little bit about yourself.

Jedrzej Spychala:
Ok, something about myself? Well, I'm living in Pozna?, Poland. I've just moved here 2 weeks ago and started studying Graphic Design on Academy of Fine Arts. Now I concentrate on developing my traditional skills, but as you know in my spare time I still like doing some computer graphics.

Yu Jie:
Jedrzej, you have a intricate clean yet somewhat grungey style that isn't seen too much today, how did this style come to be? was it created through many sessions of experimentation or through outside inspiration?

Jedrzej Spychala:
so I guess you are interested in how I begin an adventure with graphic? ; )

Yu Jie:
Yeah, so I guess it's sorta how you got this style of yours.

Jedrzej Spychala:
That's a good question. I've been always trying to create my own recognizable graphic style. Maybe that's why most of my works are quite similiar? I don't now. I love to learn new graphic techniques, but in my opinion developing your own style is much more importent than copying everything you've seen last week on the internet.

Yu Jie:
Jedrzej, your work portrays many complex forms, but is the technical aspect of your composition complex? elaborate on what your creative process is and what tools you use to help you on your way

Jedrzej Spychala:
Oh, my technique is much less complicated than you suppose. There are only two really essential and useful tools: Pen Tool And Brush. It that order. Firstly I create some shapes, then I use them to paint as precisely as it's possible. Of course I can't imagine painting any work without a tablet, I work on it for almost 2 years. I've also created quite big collection of my own brushes...Then the whole trick is to make work looking like it's unbelievably complex - obviously not by multiplying the same layers. What's interesting, In my first pieces you wouldn't find any stock photos. I have to admit that now I use them sometimes, but fortunately a have my own camera and I'm trying to work on my own photos always when it's possible.

Yu Jie:
As you work, do you improvise or is there a fixed plan that you create at the beginning and follow?

Jedrzej Spychala:
Well, most of my works are produced spontaneously. In my spare time I make planty of very simple sketches on any piece of paper, just to save ideas that come to my head, then I'm trying to focus on the best one. However when I turn on a computer it's usually just a big flow, never planning next move precisely. I use to spend really long time on a piece, so sometimes I change almost everything (for example I turn my canvas upside down and find it looks much better) A final piece is often completly different from the original concept.

Yu Jie:
So, how long does the average piece take you now?

Jedrzej Spychala:
Too much! I'm not so patient person as you may think. It's usually several hours, but not in all cases. Some of my graphics were waiting to be finished for a few months.I like to forget about me new exciting piece for a couple of days. When I come back and take a look at it after that short breake, it's much easier to find and fix all the mistakes.

Yu Jie:
Now, you've also submitted a photograph to the pack, and it's a beautiful one. (http: //www.slashthree.com/artpacks/members/view/748/) What role do you think photography has played in your artistic development?

Jedrzej Spychala:
Well, I'm sure it helps me improving my art skills generally. I find photography as s fascinating way to observe and save some changes, little transformations in my surroundings. It could be an eye-catching, really impressive accident or a small chip in a water, it doesn't matter. I'm not sure if you know that, but all my photos were taken using very basic and common, 50-dollars camera.

Yu Jie:
Woah, that really is amazing.Overall, would you say that the 30th century is going to be a bright future or a dark one?

Jedrzej Spychala:
I'm rather optimistic person, so I choose the first option. Of course if the LHC wouldn't change our planet in a cosmic dust.

Yu Jie:
Which is your personal favorite of your 6 submissions to the exhibition? And why?

Jedrzej Spychala:
Here's my answer: Creating The Queen of the Clockwork Earth was almost ridiculous. There's a lot really different and not related eachother elements (for example a girl doing some gymnastics, fragments of a car engine and a huge fluorescent globe. What the hell? I don' know how does it works put together on a canvas, but I like this submission for some. reason

Jake Colosimo:


howdy there, Silesti. i'm jake, and i'll be conducting the fun part of the interview

Jedrzej Spychala:
hi, let's start.

Jake Colosimo:
What is your favourite 'fast food'?

Jedrzej Spychala:
Cheap pizza

Jake Colosimo:
Yum! Okay, you're at the bar or nightclub with your friends - what would we expect you to order?

Jedrzej Spychala:
Well, it will be just a beer. Maybe then something stronger.

Jake Colosimo:
Do you prefer the hot or cold weather?

Jedrzej Spychala:
hot! no doubts here

Jake Colosimo:
If you had to wear either pink or lime green for the rest of your life, which one would it be?

Jedrzej Spychala:
lime green

Jake Colosimo:
Would you prefer a drought, or a monsoon?

Jedrzej Spychala:
A monsoon.

Jake Colosimo:
Would you rather be blind, or deaf?

Jedrzej Spychala:
hard question for a person, who loves art and is addicted to music!!

Jake Colosimo:
haha yeah, i've never seen anyone actually answer that one. i love throwing curveballs. Football (soccer) or basketball?

Jedrzej Spychala:
football

Jake Colosimo:
Favourite teams?

Jedrzej Spychala:
Poland!

Jake Colosimo:
Cars or Motorcycles?

Jedrzej Spychala:
cars, more comfortable.

Jake Colosimo:
Mercedes or BMW?

Jedrzej Spychala:
80's Mercedes, black.

Jake Colosimo:
Very nice pick, Mercedes are so much better!Would you rather love and lose, or never love at all?

Jedrzej Spychala:
Love and lose. I would rather like to regret I've lost something, than that I've never had it.

Jake Colosimo:
Good answer! Coke or Pepsi?

Jedrzej Spychala:
Coke

Jake Colosimo:
Favourite band?

Jedrzej Spychala:
Tool

Jake Colosimo:
Favourite musical instrument?

Jedrzej Spychala:
guitar and drums

Jake Colosimo:
Do you play both?

Jedrzej Spychala:
not really smile only a bit on a classic guitar. But some day I will learn more.

Jake Colosimo:
Nice, nice! Favourite male and female actor? (one of each)

Jedrzej Spychala:
Female - Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Tilda Swinton... I don't really have favourite male actor, but for example Al Pacino is not too bad!

Jake Colosimo:
Favourite movie of all time?

Jedrzej Spychala:
I was watching Kill Bill yesterday and I'm still impressed!

Jake Colosimo:
Favourite book(s), if any?

Jedrzej Spychala:
"Dune" by Frank Herbert

Jake Colosimo:
Excellent choice! Last but not least, do you have anyone you want to give a 'shout-out' to?

Jedrzej Spychala:
My friends from all graphic/desing communities that love to criticise my work, but they help me to make it even better wink

Jake Colosimo:
Okay, that should be enough for a good interview. Thankyou very much for your time, and once again congratulations on being chosen as the Featured Artist for 30th Century! smile

Jedrzej Spychala:
Thank you!