Interview from Matej Cadil / Fantasy & Landscape Artist from Prague

1 : First question, i would like you to introduce yourself to the readers of the blog... Where are you from ? 

Hello ! I'm a self-taught artist who wears several hats in the creative world. By day i'm a freelance graphic designer, but you'll often find me lost in the world of traditional art, and I also sell my pictures online.I call the picturesque city of Prague, Czech Republic, my home. Honestly, i think it's one of the most beautiful cities in the world and I'm constantly inspired by its rich history and stunning architecture.On a personal note, i'm happily married and blessed with three amazing children who keep life both chaotic and wonderfully fulfilling. Balancing the roles of designer, artist, devoted spouse and proud parent keeps me on my toes, but i wouldn't have it any other way !

2 : Where does this passion for drawing and painting come from? And what is your background on this subject... (Studies, etc...?)

My passion for drawing and painting has been a lifelong affair, rooted in my childhood. It's one of those things i never outgrew, the thrill of putting pencil to paper and letting creativity flow.
I am a self-taught artist. I didn't have any formal art training, but i did take a few drawing classes. These experiences provided some structure, but my artistic journey has largely been a personal exploration.
I have a great appreciation for the history of art and architecture, it's like a treasure trove of inspiration for me. And, of course, the beauty of nature is a constant muse, its colours, patterns and ever changing landscapes are an endless source of inspiration.

3 : What are your working supports? (Materials used? Paint? Pencils) ! Tell us all !

My work tools are quite diverse, reflecting the varied nature of my artistic journey. You'll usually find me with a trusty pen and coloured pencils in hand, creating intricate designs on paper. There's something wonderfully tactile about the process, and it allows me to bring my ideas to life with a level of precision and detail.
But the artistic toolbox doesn't end there, i enjoy dabbling in a variety of mediums. Watercolour adds a fluid quality to my work, while oil pastels and charcoal allow me to explore different textures and tones. From time to time i've delved into the world of oils and acrylics on canvas, it's a realm i'm keen to explore more.
And while i primarily work in traditional media, i've started to incorporate digital tools into my creative process. It's a handy addition, especially when working with reference images or experimenting with different compositions. So you could say I'm constantly evolving and experimenting, letting my choice of materials and tools evolve with my artistic vision.

4 : Let's now approach the world of the Professor ! Where does this passion for the work of JRR Tolkien come from? How did this begin? Or ? And what ? (Books? Movies?)

Ah, my love affair with the enchanting world of J.R.R. Tolkien traces back to the days when my dad would read "The Hobbit" to me aloud. I was seven or eight years old and completely captivated by the adventures of Bilbo Baggins. That's where it all began. As I grew older we continued with 'The Lord of the Rings' and even tackled the epic "Silmarillion", bedtime stories that shaped not just my childhood, but my entire outlook on fantasy literature. The magic of Tolkien's storytelling was like a spell that stayed with me, and i've revisited his works countless times since those early introductions.
Fuelled by this passion, i decided to create my own niche in the Tolkien universe. I created a Czech Tolkien website, angrenost.cz, which became my digital haven for all things Tolkien and a labour of love. And to capture the vivid imagery in my mind, i picked up my pencils and began creating illustrations to accompany the articles on that website. Tolkien's work is not just a literary escape for me : it's a source of endless inspiration that has woven its way into my creative endeavours.

5 : The professor's work is so vast... Do you collect things about the professor ? And above all why ?

I wouldn't call myself a collector, but I do have a special place in my heart for all things Tolkien. I like the new editions of Tolkien's books illustrated by the author, as well as books that primarily showcase Tolkien's art, such as "J. R. R. Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator" and others. I appreciate these because I love working with Tolkien's own illustrations, using them as a springboard to create my own artistic homages.

I also enjoy delving into books about Tolkien that shed new light on the text, offering fresh perspectives and deeper understanding.
And let's not forget the fellowship of Tolkien-inspired artists. I enjoy exploring the work of fellow Tolkien artists, whose unique perspectives add new layers to the tapestry of Middle-earth. It's not just about collecting; it's about surrounding myself with the essence of Tolkien's world, whether through his words, his art, or the creative expressions of like-minded souls.

6 : Your work is magnificent, but like everywhere there is competition in the field... How do you adapt to this ? Are you looking for new ideas ? Are you testing ? Tell me about your work process…

I've always believed that in the realm of Tolkien-inspired art there is more camaraderie than competition. I am honoured to call some of them my friends, such as Emily Austin, Miriam Ellis, Peter Xavier Price or Lída Holubová. Artists like Jenny Dolfen, Donato Giancola, Elena Kukanova, Jay Johnstone and others (not to mention the big three, Lee, Howe and Nasmith) are maestros in their own right, and their work is a testament to their extraordinary talents. But rather than feeling pressured to compete, i find that their art fuels my own creativity.

Each artist brings a unique perspective to Middle-earth, and it's this diversity that makes our collective contribution to the Tolkien universe so rich. While i may not emulate their styles, i'm confident that my own approach is original and offers something distinctive that resonates with people. And indeed, many people have commented that they find my work closest to the spirit of Tolkien, which delights me deeply.
My creative process is often sparked by a particular quote from the books, a poignant poem or a vivid description of a landscape. The beauty of Tolkien's writing is that it provides a wellspring of such moments, each ripe for interpretation and expression. In fact, i have more ideas than i can possibly execute, which is a wonderfully exciting "problem" to have. It ensures that my artistic journey is one of constant exploration, and there's always a fresh idea waiting to be transformed into a work of art.

7 : Here we are at the end of this interview. I will first thank you for the time you gave me and i will leave you with THE FINAL WORDS... The floor is yours my hobbit friend !

Thank you for this wonderful conversation, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share a bit of my artistic journey. I'd like to express my deep appreciation for the profound wisdom embedded in Tolkien's works. Through my art, i hope to share the magic of Middle-earth and the richness of Tolkien's vision with as many people as possible. There's a unique enchantment in his words, and if my creations can serve as a bridge to that world for others, then I consider my artistic journey to be truly fulfilling. Here's to the power of art, storytelling and the enduring spirit of Tolkien's Legendarium. Until we meet again on the journey to Middle-earth, my hobbit friend !

Matej Cadil Art INSTAGRAM