What if... : JanCykCyk

It is JanCykCyk's turn to answer 2DG's  "What if...?"!

 

1. If you could tell us what triggered that passion about comic art and how you acquired your first original piece of art ?

 

I was given my first comic book when I was eight years old (Kajko and Kokosz on Vacation by Janusz Christa), and I immediately fell in love with the medium.

 

Around the time of the late People’s Republic of Poland, I probably owned every comic book published in the country, including, of course, Thorgal.

 

In 1999, Grzegorz Rosiński came to Gdańsk for a book signing event. I waited in line for a long time and managed to get a sketch and a drawing of a sword in The Guardian of the Keys album. It was the very first original comic artwork I owned. Many years later, the first galleries dedicated to original comic art emerged in Poland, and I became deeply involved in this world.

 

 

2. If i could add to my collection any artwork currently displayed in 2DG galleries?

 

 

 

Black Widow by Milo Manara in BillBaroud's collection

 

 

 

3. If i could keep only one piece of art from my collection?

 

 

 

 

Double strip from The Kingdom beneath the Sand (Thorgal) by Grzegorz Rosinski

 

 

 

4. If i could get another chance to purchase an artwork that i missed in the past?

 

I missed the auction for the cover of Thorgal: Between Earth and Sun. I also considered acquiring a page from The Archers that had been sold at Christie’s :

 

 

 

 

 

However, it was sold at a very high price… but as with any auction, emotions can take over.

 

 

 

5. If i could buy any of the artworks listed for sale on 2DG at the moment?

 

 

 

This stip from Spiderman by Mooney and Giacoia is currently offered for sale by Nostalgic Investments

 

 

 

6. If you were a comic book character?

Guess :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.  If you could get the chance to spend a day with a comic book artist?

 

I have already had the pleasure of spending a few hours (including two dinners) with Grzegorz Rosiński.

 

 

 

Grzegorz Rosinski at work

 

 

 

8. And if you could ask him only one question ? 

 

I asked him many questions, and we had long discussions.

 

He is an incredible person, with a very cool approach to his work, himself, and the world (in my opinion). He has fascinating stories to share, but he’s also an excellent mentor for young illustrators.

 

It’s a unique experience to hear Grzegorz analyze a drawing, explain what works, what doesn’t, and how he would have done things differently. He can argue, for instance, that some background details are unnecessary, and more often than not, the other illustrator ends up agreeing that the suggested changes would make for a better composition.

 

 

9. If you had the opportunity to read the sequel of a comic book?

 

Most of the series I read are still being published, with spin-offs, sequels, and prequels… I have a one-meter-high stack of comics waiting for me next to my bed.

 

I used to keep books there as well, but I eventually switched to audiobooks, which I listen to while driving or working out. That’s not an option with comics. I first need to catch up on my backlog before even thinking about new releases.

 

 

Finally, this is JanCykCyk's answer to a question provided by JeanLuc from the previous What If ...? :

 

 

Has your passion for original artworks and drawing led you beyond the strict realm of comic books (and into collecting illustrations/paintings in other fields), or have you ever been tempted to do so?

 

Yes—after covering the walls with strips and illustrations from the comic book world, I somehow became more open to art in a broader sense. I also developed an interest in movie memorabilia. (I have the headgear and outfit of a geisha android from Ghost in the Shell), along with a few other gadgets and posters. I even managed to acquire a few paintings by Polish artists—I believe they are comic book cover paintings—which helped open me up to other forms of painting. :)

 

Unfortunately (or fortunately :)), I have almost no space left to hang more artwork, and buying paintings just to store them in a drawer isn’t the best idea. I also try to avoid getting into figurines and other collectibles—the main issue is space and keeping things organized. Maybe if I ever have a gallery…

 

 

We thank JanCykCyk for his participation.

 

See you next month!