Abstract
“Lands of Chamtry”, a series of seven illustrations with accompanying prose introducing a fantasy world on the brink of crumbing under the rise of feudalism and industrialization. Lands of Chamtry is heavily inspired by the conflicts between the Roman Empire and Iron Age Celts in the British Isles, folklore, traditional scottish and irish folk music, doom and melodic metal. All seven of the illustrations are completed in India Ink and Charcoal watercolor. Ultimately, this project is the beginnings of a longer series of concept art and background designs, which is why all of the location illustrations are done in a 16:9 ratio, the industry standard for background concept designs. Six of the seven illustrations depict specific locations within this fantasy world that are all experiencing different levels and intensities of this rise in feudalism and industrialization, ranging from the least corrupted to the most. While the Seventh illustration is a detailed map showing the region and their relationship to one another. The prose that accompanies each piece gives background and more insight into the history of each location, and the world as a whole.
Artist Statement
Madz Thomson, who uses they/he pronouns, is an illustration based artist who was born in Southern California, raised in the South, has returned to the West Coast and currently lives in Portland, OR. Receiving their Bachelors of Fine Arts with a focus in illustration from Pacific Northwest College of Art at Willamette University, he enjoys creating work for publishing, galleries, concept and character art, as well as product design. They have done illustration work for Argyle Winery, Portland Youth Philharmonic and Willamette Week.
Flowing between digital and traditional mediums, Madz’s work often explores gothic themes of escapism, isolation, death and rebirth while taking inspirations from music, history, anthropology, revival aesthetics, folklore, and nature. With these elements as well as a lean towards narrative single images, they are able to create an experience perfect for the viewer to get lost in.