These pieces appeal to me because they are hugely expressive. The literal representation of what it is becomes secondary to the feeling they invoke. The feel of the brush strokes, the color economy, explosive swirly and dynamic compositions. All of it combined make for very compelling images and it's something I've been trying to get into my work since I've started. Unfortunately, it's not as easy as it looks. With more and more great artists streaming in it's increasingly hard to choose, though, some of the older more crazier work will always hold a special place for me. This is the point where I actively have to stop myself since I can go on and on about art forever and I didn't want this article to become only about that. At least not this time.

Even as an artist, the art of Magic isn't the most important to me. Playing is. That sense of community it creates. Of course, it's not all rainbows and unicorns, there are times when the community shows it's ugly side but you'd be hard pressed to find another hobby with a competitive edge where there isn't any drama. The important thing to remember is the micro stories it allowed for.

Community

There are two very important aspects of the community for me. One, interaction as a friendly and fun place where I can goof around, make weird decks, go competitive if I want and have people teach me how to play. Two, the pressure to do better and better work because I know what this game and in a small part the art means to so many people. Magic has exploded in popularity over the last few years. Yes, there is clever marketing. Yes the game has changed a bit but more than anything else the game has gotten more inclusive. The community and game design have come together to create a atmosphere where a lot of people feel at home. We've gone from a stigma that only smelly nerds play this game to a open LGBTQ friendly community that invites people from all ethnicities, genders, sexuality, you name it to come out and have a good time. Is there room for improvement? Of course. There always is. But the game and its community have come a long way.

The art plays a minuscule role in the big picture. It's only one of the factors that binds people. It's importance ranges from conversation starter, to unnoticed to the reason why people play and that pressure is tangible.

I feel it every time I get commissioned and paint a piece. Every time I want to do the best I can. And so do a lot of my colleagues. It's a passion project.