Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2 took place May 17-19, 2013 here in Kansas City, Missouri. For those who are unaware, the SFAL events are a celebration of the very best in fantastic art. And when I say “very best”, I do mean it. Here you will see traditional art, digital art, and sculpture that ranges from pop art to fine art. It is a show that demonstrates the incredible talent and diversity present in the world of Fantastic Art. I went into the show with sky-high expectations given how special the inaugural event was in 2012 and those expectations were shattered. It was a memorable experience and I want to share some of those memories with you.
My intention in sharing these memories is entirely selfish, though perhaps not in the way that you expect. I share these memories first of all as a way to acknowledge and thank Cathy and Arnie Fenner and their dedicated crew for the hard work that goes into pulling together a show of this quality and magnitude. I also share these memories because I think it is important for the artists to know how much it means when they make a personal connection with their fan base. The selfish reason is this: I want Spectrum Fantastic Art Live to be a fixture here in Kansas City, and in order for that to be the case, YOU need to be here. While we are anxiously awaiting word as to whether or not there will be a Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 3, it is important to me to plant these seeds in your mind right now, to show you that these are experiences you could be having for yourself. Most of what I have to share in regards to what I experienced is what every other fan who went to SFAL2 experienced. And all for $40 for the weekend. That is just crazy to think about.
So pull up a chair and listen to your science fiction and fantasy art loving blogger, me, reminisce about the wonder that was Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2, one artist at a time.
I have to start with John because Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2 really did start with John this year. Jeff Smith and I volunteered to be a part of John’s set up crew. I was on vacation right up until a day before SFAL2 started and so John shipped his at and supplies to Jeff and in the early morning hours of the first day of the show Jeff and I met John and Tara and we unloaded at the dock and helped them set up their booth before heading out for lunch. The good folks at SFAL (Arlo Burnett and Shena Wolf) had provided us with Exhibitor badges and so we were able to return from lunch and hang out in the hall for a few hours before the show started. Because of this we heard the announcement concerning the future of the Spectrum Annual as referenced in my “Thank You” post to Cathy and Arnie Fenner.
After years of online contact, meeting at SFAL last year, hanging out together at SFAL2 this year (and Conquest 44 this past weekend), I can confirm what I’ve known for a long time–John Picacio is a class act, and he is a good friend. John was gracious enough to introduce me to a number of great people, always being certain to pimp this blog in doing so. He didn’t have to do that and I certainly did not expect it, but he did it anyway and I thank him for that.
Those in attendance were able to see John’s gorgeous original pencil work for the first four cards in his current solo project (El Arpa is pictured below), a re-imagining of the Loteria card set (a Mexican version of bingo) that meant so much to him in his childhood. This is his current major solo project for his company Lone Boy. It is going to be a treat to watch this project unfold. 54 images. After seeing the first four cards, both pencil originals and their full-color finishes (which you can see in the opening image), I can’t wait to see where he goes next.
I had the pleasure of watching John’s booth on a couple of occasions so that he could get around the show floor and in doing so I met a number of really nice fans who I then connected with throughout the weekend. It was an eye-opening experience how easy it is to be bold and outgoing with complete strangers when you can do so by talking up the work of someone you admire.
This was my first time meeting Tara Smith, and consider doing so another of the weekend’s great pleasures. In her both Jeff and I found a kindred spirit, a passionate reader of SFF who can easily read us both under the table. When we weren’t talking about John, his work, and the other incredible sights of SFAL2, we were doing what all book lovers do–talking books. John and Tara returned to Kansas City a mere four days after SFAL2 in order to participate in Conquest 44, where John was the Artist Guest of Honor. Here we are pictured below.
Between the two weekends I had several wonderful meals with John and Tara, met some new-to-me friends of theirs (now friends of mine), Shay and Wade, who live on the other side of the state in St. Louis, and was able to sit in on several panels in which John discussed the impact of ebooks and self-publishing on the careers of artists looking to make their living in book cover illustration. John is very knowledgeable on the subject and had a great deal to say about artists diversifying their income streams through other projects that they are passionate about. One of the most exciting things for me in regards to art and artists is to hear about their inspirations, and in one panel John talked specifically about his art and his process and the decisions he made regarding some of his pieces. It was so interesting, particularly the story about his cover for the special edition of the book Drood.
After witnessing him in action in two Spectrum Fantastic Art Live events, and at Conquest 44, I can safely say that if you make it to ANY con in which John is a participant, in particular SFAL3 (fingers crossed), what you will get is a chance to have a genuine, interesting, focused conversation with a talented artist. Start making plans everyone, I would love to personally introduce you to both John and Tara next year!
John Picacio graciously donated a couple of sets of his first three Loteria images, La Rosa, El Pescado, and La Sirena. Each of the three pictured are separate cards and they look great framed. If you are interested in winning a set, just indicate so somewhere within your comment. I will do a drawing this weekend for two winners.
And don’t forget to go and visit John Picacio and check out more of his work here, and visit him at Lone Boy where you can learn more about Loteria and keep up to date with his projects. Keep an eye out there, and here, for upcoming Kickstarter announcements regarding his 2014 calendar.
NEXT UP IN SPECTRUM MEMORIES: Artist Charles Vess
I will echo Carl’s words. John Picacio is a class act. No other words will do. If you get a chance to meet him at an event don’t pass it up. He loves connecting with his fans and talking about art. John’s free flowing panel discussions these past two weeks were amazing as well. I will add that what John has done so far on his Loteria project so far is amazing. Make sure to check it all out at Lone-boy.com . You will want to book mark that page so you don’t miss out on his 2014 calendar either.
I will add that if your a Michael Moorcock fan make sure to mention it to Tara if you meet her as he’s one of her favorite authors. As a big reader Tara is just like the rest of of us readers always ready to talk about books. 🙂
Here’s me keeping my fingers crossed for a SFAL 3 next year as well. It would be great to organize a big Stainlesssteeldroppings readers meet up there. There is no better place to meet with Carl than when he’s talking about one of his passions and Art is one of his big passions.
Nice thoughts, Jeff. It would be fun to have a Stainless Steel Droppings meet up! Or just a blogger meet up, I guess. We need to get the SF Signal guys there and all the rest of you who follow me and who I interact with on your sites. It would be three exciting days and Jeff and I both would be sure to do all we could to make the experience memorable for you. Which really is just point you to the main hall because you will be overwhelmed with how much art there is to peruse here.
I like that idea even better. A blogger meet up. We’d totally love to host such an event in our hometown.
It sounds like you had a fantastic time! I was amazed how many friendly people I met last year at Book Expo even just waiting in lines who were willing to gush about some of their favorite books/authors. It sounds like this was the artistic equivalent. 🙂
I love seeing such original SF/F artwork. I’d be interested in winning a set–they are absolutely gorgeous!
It was a wonderful time, especially meeting and connecting with other fans, both local and regional.
I’ll put you in the drawing.
Gosh, it’s starting to sound like you’re a real “insider” of this event. Though Picacio’s art – most of it anyway – isn’t to my taste, it is very creative and beautifully executed. It’s good to hear that he is a really nice man in addition to being a talented artist. I’ve been waiting for a wrap-up post on SFAL, now it seems I’ll get it in bits but that just makes more to enjoy. If I weren’t so darn far away or if I flew you know I’d have come to the event this year.
Thanks to John I got to at least pretend to be an insider. 🙂
He is a very kind man, attentive to not only his friends but his fans as well.
Yes, way too much to share for just one post so I’ll be breaking it up with more posts like this and a few interviews too.
OMG! (and you knew I’d say that!).. DROOD!! One of my favorite books! I had to go and search his sight to see the painting!! It’s fabulous! I wonder why that cover never showed up ?? Was it special for one area or something?? Anyway.. I love the book cover and wish I had it on my copy of Drood!! ..
btw did you figure out how to ship the white dragon print??
I think it was a special edition for Subterranean Press. Yep, here it is..sold out:
http://subterraneanpress.com/store/product_detail/drood
I wish now that I had this copy too. And I did think of you right away when he started talking about it as I know how much you love this book. My second thought was my own shame at not having read it yet.
Anyway, John talked about his inspiration for using the trestle bridge and train as part of the hat and it was really fascinating…especially because I had never really paid close enough attention to catch on to that part of the image.
White Dragon print is coming via Pern Delivery Services. Please don’t feed the dragon, it makes their rider’s unhappy.
I could never afford a subterranean book! lol.. but I do love that cover! and having read it twice I know of the train and bridge! That’s where Dickens meets Drood for the first time… :o) It’s to bad he couldn’t sell copies of just the cover.
I will mail out a check as soon as I know postage! (where have you heard “the check is in the mail” before? hmmm lol)
Actually he does sell really nice high quality prints of this. I will have to keep that in mind if I go to Worldcon over Labor Day weekend.
yeah but the book cover would be so much nicer on a book!! lol… mybad! lol
Wow what a fun time and awesome experience for you. fingers crossed that there will be one next year. Not sure I can make it, but I do love to travel. How’s the bbq there? I miss good ol’ fashion American bbq.
You come visit the next SFAL and Jeff and I will take you, John, and Tara out to the famous Oklahoma Joe’s. It is very good!
I’ll keep that in mind! How easy is it to get baseball tickets there?
Quite easy!
I’m already making a notation to attempt to remember SFAL3? hopefully (please) next year! I WILL attempt to score the 3 day package and attend. Kansas City isn’t that awfully far by car, (& hopefully mine is fully functional again by then!)…
I’m always ready to add new art to my walls so count me in on the giveaway please! 😀
Charles Vess! one of my heroes! I’ve got a couple of his B&W prints that I could never hang while living at home because the dryads were topless and I didn’t want to offend my parents sensibilities. (but then they hang a piece I did for a figural drawing class of a naked lady and a cheetah in their bedroom… huh?) 😀
Awesome! So glad to hear it. As soon as there are details…IF there are details…believe me, I will be sharing them with the world, shouting them from the rooftops.
Would love to meet you and to see you bask in the glory that is SFAL.
Isn’t Vess great?!?! I am excited to share about him. That post will probably go up on Friday night or Saturday, we’ll see. Funny story about your prints and your art. Is the lesson that something our kids make passes muster irregardless of the rules?
that or that parents are ‘never’ as uptight as we think they are! 😀
(tho to be honest I never thought my parents were uptight, although they weren’t like a friend of mines who got him a subscription to Playboy for his birthday when he turned 14…
I think that was their way of getting around the birds & the bees speech…abject failure there by the way.)