Meet Vitaliy, our featured Artist of the Month! A self-taught artist and calligrapher from Russia, that combines the beauty of calligraphy with enchanting watercolor illustrations. His amazing pieces, marked by simplicity and elegance, capture the essence of Middle Earth while evoking old illuminated manuscripts. One of my favorites, “The Road Goes Ever On,” perfectly reflects his unique style and dedication.
Today, I’m thrilled to share Vitaliy’s story and showcase his remarkable Tolkien-inspired artwork. In this interview, Vitaliy delves into his creative process, the inspirations behind his stunning pieces, and his favorite characters from Middle Earth. Join us as we explore the artistic brilliance behind these captivating creations!
Could you tell me a bit about yourself ?
Vitaliy: Im a self-taught artist and calligrapher from Russia. I've been a Tolkien fan since was a child. That's why my art is Tolkien themed mostly. I prefer traditional art, using ink and watercolor, but I practice a digital drawing too. Now it's a hobby, but I'm trying to make it my main activity.
Do you remember your first encounter with Middle Earth?
Vitaliy: My first encounter with Middle-earth happened when I was quite young, I was about 6 years old when I first read The Hobbit. Oh Eru, that was almost 30 years ago! Of course, I read The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion just after it. And I fell in love with the world of Tolkien.
How did you first get into creating Middle Earth-inspired art?
Vitaliy: In high school, I found a book with reproductions of medieval European manuscripts. I was fascinated by these patterns, the clarity of the lines and the regularity of the letters drawn by masters of calligraphy. At this moment I decided to create a Manuscript Book of Arda, designed in the style of a medieval book. I named this project Fantasy Calligraphy.
There are many poems, songs and quotes in professor's works that could fit perfectly into such a format. I allow myself to move away from the traditional canons of design; after all, I do a modern fantasy art.
What aspects of Tolkien's works inspire your creations the most?
Vitaliy: Songs and poems. Folklore integrally permeates the texts of books. Heroes compose poems in memory of battles and fallen friends and sing a walking songs or drinking songs in the tavern. These songs tell stories as Thorin told about the fate of the Dwarves of Erebor. By the way, in Russia there are at least 6 official translations of Tolkien’s books. And each version has its own shades and meanings.
Can you describe your typical creative process from ideation to completion?
Vitaliy: It's like a role-playing. Every time I feel like a chronicler. I prepare all stuff - ink, watercolor, goldleaf, then I line a paper and make it old with paint. I create a work in several stages - pencil sketch, handwritten text, ornament. Sometimes everything happens spontaneously, without any preparation.
Do you have any favorite tools, techniques, or materials you use in your creations?
Vitaliy: I prefer traditional art, using pencil and feather, ink, watercolor, goldleaf. Old paper or parchment. Calligraphy is similar to meditation and it requires patience, perseverance and concentration. Letters and lines must be even, it takes a lot of time. And sometimes I it's disappointing when you make a mistake or blot at the very end of the work (makes me angry, it's no meditation, it's a disaster).
What is the most challenging piece you've created so far?
Vitaliy: It was a handdrawn Middle earth map 150x150 cm. Big size is uncomfortable.
Are there any other artists or creators who inspire your work?
Vitaliy: I admire classical European and Russian artists and respect modern ones. The titans of art like Albrecht Dürer, Alfons Mucha, Viktor Vasnetsov. Victor Pushkarev is a modern talented calligrapher. Many of them had a great influence on me. Tolkien themed artist like Kinko_White, Kimberly80, Elena Kukanova, Denis Gordeev.
The style of the Czech artist Matěj Čadil is also close to me. I am very inspired by the work of the Fell and Fair team. Tolkienists know and support each other all over the world. It's a very friendly community. And this interview is a confirmation of it.
Any upcoming projects or collaborations related to Middle Earth?
Vitaliy: I have released a series of postcards for Portcrossing.com, for several events in Russian cities. Currently I am creating works for the design of the themed cafe “Bilbo’s”. I plan to redesign some of my works in the same style and release an art book.
Share a fun fact or something interesting about yourself that your followers might not know.
"My postcards visited a polar station in Antarctica. I have pretty large collection of Tolkien’s books at home; I have almost all editions published in the USSR and Russia. And back in 2012–2013, I spent almost my entire salary to buy all the sets of the first series of Lego The Lord of the Rings. As you guessed I love collecting."
Favorite character(s) from Tolkien's legendarium?
Vitaliy: I have always admired Sam. Frodo couldn't have done it without him. This is an example of willpower and strong friendship.
Favorite Tolkien's book and movie adaptation?
Vitaliy: In childhood it was the Hobbit, but now - the Children of Hurin.
My favorite movie is The Two Towers.
If you could visit any location in Middle Earth, where would it be and why?
Vitaliy: Can you name a few places? I love to travel and always visit historical places. In Middle-earth I would visit all castles and fortresses in their heydays.
If you were to belong to any race in Middle Earth, which one would it be and why?
Vitaliy: Rohan. Peter Jackson showed them as I imagined when reading the books. And Rohan's theme is my favorite in the soundtrack. Force Eorlingas! Goosebumps every time.
Would you be willing to take the ring to Mordor?
Vitaliy: In the company of the Brotherhood of the Ring? Definitely.
I hope you enjoyed this short interview as much as I did. If you want to see more of Vitaliy's awesome artwork, click the links below. Trust me, you won't regret it.
👉 Behance: https://www.behance.net/mechkivskiy