WDW Hints: How long have you been working as a professional artist?
Kevin-John: 27 years. I started my company at 17 years old, I was a senior in High School. That is when I sold my first original and printed art in galleries as well as taking on commissioned art.
WDW Hints: I know that you have been working as a celebrity sports artist. What made you decide to also become a Disney artist?
Kevin-John: Disney really made that decision for me.
Over the last quarter century, I have always looked for new and different directions to take my company. I have created art for several different genre. I’ve created historical landmark art, sports and pop culture art, just to name a few. My brand was built nationally because of the sports art that I created by commission for pro athletes, their teams and other sports related entities. I have also been contracted by many national companies to create original art for their sports and non-sports related products. All great partnerships.
Disney is just one more of those partnerships that I am so very pleased to be a part of. Unofficially, I am a huge Disney fan. Walt has been a tremendous influence on my life and career, so it was just an incredible day when his company showed an interest in me creating art exclusively for the Art of Disney Galleries. Officially, this is one of many contracts that I am very proud of, and I plan on creating fine art for Disney for many years to come.
 |
| Picture posted with permission from Kevin-John Jobczynski . |
WDW Hints: Can you tell us about the premiere of Flowers and Figment at EPCOT?
Kevin-John: Absolutely. There is so much great anticipation around this premiere as it is my first piece of Disney art to go to reproduction. Many more will follow immediately, but for my brand and my fans, the first is always very significant.
The large, very limited edition lithographs as well as the small open edition prints of “Flowers and Figment” will go on sale on Saturday, June 28 at the Art of Disney Gallery in EPCOT. I will be there from 1-3 pm for a special signing. I will be adding a special hand remarque to every piece sold that day ONLY. I expect this edition to sell out almost immediately.
I cannot wait to meet all the new Kevin-John Disney Art fans!
For those who cannot attend, they can phone Disney Customer Service 877.560.6477 on Monday, June 30 and order via phone from any pieces that remain.
WDW Hints: What made you choose Figment for this piece?
Kevin-John: For me it was a no-brainer. I wanted to create a piece that would reflect a few of the major things that we all love about EPCOT since it’s opening in 1982. Spaceship Earth and the Monorail are prominently featured, but I could not complete this without that lovable fellow, Figment. With all of my Disney art, I pay homage to Disney Legends that have had an impact on my career. With “Flowers and Figment,” I am able to pay that homage to Imagineer extraordinaire, Tony Baxter.
I also wanted this piece to be evergreen. When I think of EPCOT I often think of The Flower & Garden Festival and the Food & Wine Festival. I think that this piece can sell at those two events for years to come. I particularly love the Flower & Garden Fest, which is why I painted the Plumeria in the foreground.
WDW Hints: Tell us about your Disney favorites.
Kevin-John: Favorite ride: My all time favorite is the Haunted Mansion. Which is why so much of my art has a Mansion or spooky theme.
Favorite character: I really like Gaston. I think that he and I could hang out, drink some LeFou’s Brew, go lift weights at the gym and then talk to pretty girls at the parks.
Favorite park: Tough choice, but I have to say Hollywood Studios. I find myself there, strolling, relaxing, taking in the details and the old Hollywood vibe more than in any other park. I ride the Great Movie Ride over and over and of course, The Tower of Terror is my second favorite ride ever.
WDW Hints: What other artwork (or projects) can we expect to see from you in the future?
Kevin-John: In celebration of the Haunted Mansion’s 45th Anniversary, Disney will be releasing two Mansion themed pieces that I have created. The first is a portrait titled “The Infamous Hatbox Ghost,” the original has been on display at Downtown Disney’s gallery since December.
The second is a really fun depiction of the Grave Digger from the Mansion’s graveyard scene, titled “…And the Tombstones Quake.” I am very proud of both pieces, two completely different styles. Mansion fans are going to absolutely love these!
Further down the road, this autumn, look for a very special anniversary piece, that I cannot talk about yet, but will be a big hit for any Halloween fan.
I will then shift focus and work on more park related and Disney Cruise Line art. It’s going to be a very exciting 2015 for Kevin-John fans.
I invite everyone to “friend” me on facebook to see regular updates of the art as I create it! Here’s the link – https://www.facebook.com/kevinjohn.jobczynski.
Thanks so much to Kevin-John for taking the time out of his busy schedule to chat with us. We are looking forward to the premiere of “Flowers and Figment” this weekend at EPCOT and can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented artist.
Recent Comments