ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Andy Sciazko
I first became aware of artist Andy Sciazko as a result of a Christmas gift I received in 2022. The print was called “Light of Samhain” and I instantly fell in love with not only the print, but of Andy’s style as well. Thankfully the print came with information on how to see more of his art and it wasn’t long before I was online seeking him out. In fact, I was so impressed with Andy’s work that I immediately bought three more prints.
What drew me so strongly to Andy Sciazko’s art was how haunting and dream-like it is. Most of the images have a soft feel to them, regardless of what the image entails, as if you are viewing them through a haze. They are the stuff of nightmares and yet so very beautiful. The gift-giver even put the piece that she gave me in an antique-looking frame, perfect for these images. Of course, I had to get the same style frame for the other prints I ordered. I spoke to Andy, who is such a nice guy, and he agreed to do an interview with me.
David: Were you a fan of the macabre growing up? What was your childhood like?
Andy: Absolutely. As a kid, I devoured all the horror/suspense I could get my hands on. My mom took me to the Scholastic Book Fairs and bought me Goosebumps bundles, the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark trilogy, and whatever else I thought looked creepy. I also loved all the super gory video games at the time, like Mortal Kombat, Killer Instinct, Splatter House, and Primal Rage. I would have to sneak a lot of the slasher films I would rent from the video store because I wasn’t allowed to watch them, but I think my interest stemmed from that very restriction.
David: What would you say is your biggest influence on your art?
Andy: Definitely film, music, and comics. I’m always listening to music while I’m working, sometimes with movies on mute so I can have a different soundtrack along with the imagery. Comic books also fuel my creativity, some of my favorite artists being Bill Sienkiewicz, John Romita, and Ashley Wood.
David: Where do you get your ideas from?
Andy: I usually get my ideas while I’m doing something completely opposite of art. I’ll be out walking or hanging with friends and my mind will wander off onto imagery that would make a good composition or tell an interesting story. I can’t really explain it, it just happens.
David: What is your favorite medium to work in and why?
Andy: I’ll typically work with water soluble graphite, charcoal, inkwash, and watercolor on paper. I do a little bit of digital for touch ups or adding color, but I always want to have an original, tangible piece.
David: Do you ever sell your original works or just the prints?
Andy: I do sell my originals! While I do occasionally post listings of originals on my webite (andysciazkoart.com) or Etsy shop (andysciazkoart.etsy.com), a majority of them I have made available on a secret shop that was created for the release of my last book The Calibration of Old Wounds. Inside the book, the illustration for the entry “Morose Code,” when deciphered, will lead you to a website with a flashing message. That message is the password to the hidden shop. Also, if you bought a Deluxe Edition of Old Wounds, the website was printed inside the Saudade T-shirt.
David: What are some of your interests outside of your art?
Andy: Outside of my artwork, I enjoy writing short horror stories, many of which are being compiled into an anthology that will be released later this year. I also am a sucker for collecting classic video games, especially for Sega Genesis console. My office is slowly turning into a Sega arcade.
I truly want to thank Andy Sciazko not only for his amazing art, but for taking the time to answer my questions. I highly encourage everyone to check out his website and Etsy store. Not only is it a great way to support an artist, it’s also a great way to add some amazing artwork to your home.
Don’t forget to check out my other entries in the ARTIST SPOTLIGHT category.
~David Albaugh
