Interview – FB “Sages of Dragonlance”

In 2020, Margaret Weis shared my “Dalamar – Branded” painting, the Dragonlance Fandom discovered my art. After a few weeks, the admin of the Facebook Group “Sages of Dragonlance” asked for a small interview with me.

This article was published on the Facebook group “Sages of Dragonlance“, on August 26, 2020. Click here for the original post.

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M O N T H L Y M E M B E R S P O T L I G H T
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Every month, the DragonLance Book Reading Club wants to focus on one of our members who is creative in the arts, such as an author, artist or musician, and let you all know about the great people we have here. If you want to be featured here, PM me and tell me about your creativity. This month we are aiming the spotlight on member and group moderator Elena Zambelli who is an artist and musician. And here is our interview:

What, about DragonLance, separates it from other fantasy fiction?

“In my opinion, the fact that DL was a game made it possible for many people to “live” the setting and the adventures in a more personal way. The world is incredibly vast and detailed, giving people many reading materials endless possibilities to roleplay. For me, however, it was just all about one character. Raistlin. I was 14 when I met him, and he was just what I needed to face the world.“

I know you like the mages in the black robes, so excluding them, who in the world of Krynn would you like to have lunch with?

“Tasslehoff. We could snatch something around the market and have a picnic before the guards find us.“

Why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?

“I live in Italy, and I have three cats. I work as a graphic designer, I graduated in natural sciences, and I play some instruments (I studied clarinet many years, while I’m self-taught in piano, flute, Celtic harp) and love to paint: watercolor, pencil, acrylics and digital. I play videogames like TES; I read tons of fantasy books, I ride a motorcycle.“

On your DeviantArt account, you mentioned ‘Something Clicked.’ It’s undeniable. Margaret Weis noticed your art. What was that like?

“It was a surprise, and when it happened, it was like a dream come true. I respect Margaret Weis and… to be able to “connect” with her after 20 years of admiring her through her books was genuinely fantastic. And, of course, I’m happy she liked my paintings. She is very kind.“

In the DragonLance fandom, your recent pieces starting with “Tasslehoff pickpockets Lord Soth” have been on our radar. What I love about your art is that it tells a story and is more than just a picture of a mage or dragon or whatever. How much does that influence what you do?

“Art is an essential way of expression for me. There is something behind every drawing: a story in my mind, a request of a friend, a cryptic representation of my emotions, a dream, an inspiration born in a precise moment of my life. I like paintings to tell stories.“

Who is your favorite big-name artist, and what is it about their work that works that appeals to you?

“In my artistic pantheon, there are many gods. Larry Elmore and Keith Parkinson’s work introduced me to fantasy art; Michael Whelan opened my mind; Todd Lockwood and Matt Stawicki are incredibly good and epic. Stephanie Pui Mun Law influenced my watercolors, and her books were useful to understand how to ‘listen’ to creativity. Above all, the ultimate god, the multitasking genius, Leonardo Da Vinci. His book ‘De pictura’ helped me analyze reality to draw it.“

Besides DragonLance, what fantasy titles/authors inspire you?

“I’m utterly in love with Brandon Sanderson since I discovered his work. He’s THE epic author. Even if, sadly, there is no Raistlin in his books. Then Robin Hobb and Marion Zimmer Bradley. All these authors have in common a thing: they go inside the head of the characters: the story isn’t just about the events, but about the internal struggle of the people, too.“

Is there a question I should have asked but didn’t? Please tell me what the question should have been and answer it here.

“I don’t know. I’ll add something random.

Dalamar

Other than Raistlin and Tasslehoff, I love Dalamar. There are so many “What ifs” in my head about the events of Legends of the Lances.

Fanart

I love and encourage fan artworks about Dragonlance because they are the means with which this fandom continues to live and evolve: fanart, fan music, and fanfiction add material often so excellent that sometimes I must stop and remember it’s not “Canon.”

“The” Musical

I’m a big (BIG) fan of “The last trial,” the “DragonLance” Russian musical. I’m part of the “Krynnsub” group working at its “singable” translation in English and made with others the Italian subtitles for the official YouTube video. I went all the way to Moscow to watch it live, and it was a dream come true.“

What masterpieces do you have on the horizon? Besides my latest commission, which I am very excited about!

“No masterpieces, just fanart at my best. I’m currently working on (the secret project/commission, a portrait of multiple characters). Then I’m working on: a Raistlin + Bupu scene; a Raistlin scene from “Spring Dawning;” some illustrations about fanfictions; and a short “comic/meme” featuring Takhisis. After that, I have other old sketches (and new ideas, probably) waiting for me. A Fizban, a Laurana, a Raistlin+Caramon scene, other Raistlin and/or Dalamar artworks. We’ll see.

Thank you for the interview and for reading it.“

Interviewer notes. One thing I should have asked and completely forgot was to touch base on Ms. Zambelli’s bilingualism. Italian is her native language. She self taught herself English (armed with and English-Italian dictionary) because she couldn’t wait for an Italian translation of Dragons of a Fallen Sun. To me that is just mind blowing.

Thank you for taking the time to participate in the interview.

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Article published on the Facebook group “Sages of Dragonlance”, on August 26, 2020.