When did you begin to draw and paint and what were the motivations that pushed you to embark on this artistic career?
Hi there Jacopo and everyone else who is reading these lines! Thanks a lot for the chance to speak a bit about my artwork.
Quite honestly, I have been around doing illustrations for bands for not that long. I started last year (2016) out of a sudden. I mean, I always liked to draw since I was little but I didn?t see any future for me on this artistic field. Here in Costa Rica art in general has no real support and it is absolutely framed as a hobby and not a profession or job you know. Last year I had the chance to work a layout for my country mates MORBID FUNERAL for the re-issue of their third album on tape. They wanted me to do a collage of images from the internet but I refused that and I propose them to dram something quick instead, at least it would be all costume for them. They agreed and from that point I started drawing. The passion came in me again stronger than ever. That first illustration isn't great, it was my very first intent since the last time I pick a pen for that back in 1994. It came okay anyway.
What pushes me is the desire to become better, to see my artwork on band's releases. That was a dream I had since being a teenager. And now, with my 40 birthday at my shoulders I am accomplishing this yearning dream. I love Metal music a lot, and being involved in it since long ago doing zines, bands, and now as a freelance illustrator mean a lot to me. I just like to be part of it, not just as a fan, but as en engine more of its machinery.
Tell us more about Lingua Mortis Creation....
What was the reason for creating such an agency, and you think that in the future it may be widening to other artists or having a further evolution?
I wanted to bring my artwork with kind of a brand, expecting it to become something more in the future indeed. I took the name from FORCE OF DARKNESS (Chile) song "Lingua Mortis" which come included in their second album "Darkness Revelation". Since my artwork has a lot to do with the depiction of death and its semantic I thought the name would fit on it perfect. So that's the way Lingua Mortis came out. At the moment I only release some clothing with t-shirts besides of my artwork. But also I will start my road to tattoos sooner this year or the next. I have my mind on it and become Lingua Mortis Tattoo Studio and Artwork. If health is on my side I will accomplish this one day. I also do layout for bands and books by the way.
What do you consider to be the most important element for an illustrator to improve his style and technical skill?
I think both are important. Improving technic and style goes equally hand in hand. I think both evolve in the practice and discipline you put into both of them. Personality in illustration is something really important because it stands as your mark, your essence, but it comes naturally as the same time you improve skills and technics.
Do you share the time and effort optimally between your bands (Paganus Doctrine, and Insepulto) and work with Lingua Mortis?
Today Lingua Mortis is the one that demands much more time from me. Both Paganus Doctrina and Insepulto don't play live so far. Both bands are famed as studio projects but there is a chance for Insepulto to do some shows. So, drawing is the one that keeps me busy. I'm working in new songs for Paganus Doctrina, a possible ep coming soon next year in on the table. As about Insepulto an Ep is coming near before hitting the studio for the third album. Keep an eye on both bands!
Are there artists that you consider most in the current underground scene worthy of being mentioned and which have been a source of inspiration for your work?
Of course! I admire a lot the work of Daniel Corcuera, Alan Corpse, Paolo Girardi, Mark Riddick, Chris Moyen, Jenglot Hitam, Sang Ho Yoshihiro, and lots more. All of them with their own style and personality. You should check their galleries, are great examples of devilish deathly creations.
During the last 10 or 15 years the relationship between illustration and music has been further strengthened and enhanced, now the formats and packaging of various CD vinyl tapes etc has become very refined and elegant.
Some artists I approached to get a quote for Some possible jobs have given me really high prices.
Do you think the price they ask is always justified?
Do you also think there may be an over-valuation given to the aspect rather than the content?
I am referring to the incredible production of CDs with more and more detailed packaging both from an artistic and graphic point of view, but not always (I would say) at the same level as the true musical content.
The prices are up to the artist who valuates his/her work. Sometimes even prestige and fame are part of the price as well and I'm not the one who judge that in a bad way so to speak. Some illustration technics consume a lot more of effort and time behind thus the price should be up to the task as well. Add this to the fact the artwork will provide more profit to the label in the case they will take the more of it in t-shirts, hoodies, lp/cd/tape covers and also to mention on the fact even just one format such is the lp will be released in different presentations as deluxe, double lp, gatefold, die hard edition and stuff like that. So, at the end the price paid to the artist is just small to the big machinery behind the industry, because let's face it, this is an industry.
Finally, one should also take in account that something different is a band supported by a label that funds their work and other different situation is the hard working still emerging underground band. Sometimes just when you are in a band knows how hard is doing things alone so providing a pack of prices more up to their economy should be taken in consideration, at least I think so. But again, is up to the artist career, fame, prestige, skills, and the list goes on.
I also think there is an over-valuation on that context you depict. Many times I wonder how bands witch such terrible sounding and lack of talent/skills have such an economic support from labels with luxury editions and stuff. And yes, the visual worth more than the music itself. But at the end, who am I to judge this? People has what they demand, it's basically the same laws of economics applied to metal so, again, this is an industry, underground or mainstream, it is.
Do you have seven or occult traditions in your country? If so, what cultural traditions of South America come from and in which they have roots?
Costa Rica belongs to Central America. Unfortunately our culture is way lost in absurd conservative traditions post colonization/conquest. Our real culture, the real ancestral traditions are almost buried in time. So, up today just few existing tribes keep a bit alive that.
Spiritually there is a current to which you feel closer to belonging? If you want to talk about it
I'm a Satanist and that?s all I will add to this questions my friend. 6 years ago I opted not to discuss something which only matters to me and since I don't want to convert nobody to my path there is no need to discuss about it.
What are your favorite media? Pencil, paint brush or oil.....? Do you think to try a new media in the future ?
I like using pen, color pencils (a lot of work but the result is great at the end, believe me) and water color. I want to experiment oil too in a near future. Sometimes I would like to go with digital as well, but I?m still thinking about it.
What was the commission you received from a Band that you were most satisfied and proud of your work so far?
I love the work I did for the local band ROTTEN SOULS, the front cover still not revealed is one of my favorite works so far. Also, recently, a commission by a friend who wanted me to do something to adorn his chambers, that one is very cool too. I like everything I do somehow because each piece makes me improve more and more.
What do you think are still the most tedious and stupid cliches related to the black metal world and consequently to the artists in this field?
Goats for sure! I'm tired of it, at least the ones depicted with spikes, bullets, and stuff alike. But bands and fans love it so, what can we do? Hehehe!
What is developing for your two bands at the moment? Do you plan to play live? Record new material, or else?
Paganus Doctrina has gathered a new whole line up to record a two track 7ep this year, I hope. We work slow so it?s common for us take our time with no rush. Insepulto is about to record a single to introduce the public how will be sounding the next third record which is still in the writing table. We still need to find a label to release it.
Free words ! Tell us whatever you think :)
Jacopo, thank you so much for the space and support, it is very much appreciated.
To the guys out there, if you want to contact me for artwork related issues do it here: u.xerxes.h@gmail.com.
Check me up in instagram at lingua_mortis_artwork and facebook at www.facebook.com/linguamortiscr
For bands contact me to www.facebook.com/insepultocr and
www.facebook.com/paganusdoctrina
AmSg!
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