Erwin Papa: The Post Apocalyptic Artist

Hey, Thomas! Thanks, I’m glad you enjoy my work. I’ve always been drawing since I was a kid in the 80s. I remember drawing my favorite comic book, cartoon, and video game characters; everything from Flintstones, He-Man, Transformers, Spider-Man, Batman, Ninja Turtles, Mario, and even Sonic the Hedgehog (even though I was a Nintendo fan).

Subconsciously, I must have recognized the process in drawing in regards to character design; rendering volumetric shapes then refining them and adding detail. This is what I found appealing and is what I continue to do this day when I create new characters.

Thanks. My style is an accumulation of everything I love in pop culture: comic books, cartoons, toys, and video games; with slight tendencies towards anime and manga. The characters range from cyberpunks, wastelanders, fantasy warriors, and monsters; be them human or robot.

The post apocalyptic theme is a strong motif in my work, along with the other aforementioned themes. In regards to the post apocalyptic theme, the future is open to endless interpretations. One idea that stuck with me is the concept of the removal of human contact with the world. Where early people ran around naked, we now wear clothes. The shoes we wear immediately remove our contact from the Earth. Obviously, what we wear provides protection (from the weather, environment, and embarrassment), but in the context of a post apocalyptic scenario, those garments  must become armor to prevent from suffering from the effects of nuclear fallout.

What’s also intriguing about playing with the post apocalyptic theme is creating new character designs. Exploring through one theme may seem limiting, take for example drawing one wasteland warrior after another; but therein lies the challenge. This challenge can be considered an exercise to investigate and utilize line, shape, form, color, light and shadow, space, and texture, to create a cohesive whole.

The resin pieces usually begin with different design sketches. Once a specific design is chosen, I’ll build a simple wire construct or use an action figure to serve as the armature. Certain areas of this armature are bulked up with foil to closer match the initial design, which also helps to conserve the sculpting material. The sculpting material primarily used is epoxy putty, a two-part compound mixture of kneaded equal amounts that has an approximate two hour working time. In its early stage, the putty is soft and pliable; this is where I’ll block out the major forms of the sculpture. Later, when the material stiffens, I’ll add the details. At the end of its cure time, the putty is in a solid hard state, where it can be sanded down, if need be.  One figure is sculpted in several sections, which can result in about 12 hours of work time. After the sculpt is complete, it is then molded in silicone and cast resin.

There’s too many good anime! I’ve recently enjoyed the new Netflix Devilman, Netflix Voltron, Gurren Lagann, Kill la Kill, Attack on Titan, and One Punch Man. Earlier anime I’m into are the Studio Ghibli films, Project A-ko, Astro Boy, Fist of the North Star, Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie, Megazone 23, and of course Ninja Scroll. Although not a series, Akira is one of my top favorite films.  The animation and design style in that movie is just too beautiful.

I confess that I was not into Dragon Ball Z or Naruto (apologies if I lose any of your readers).

As much as the Inktober drawings were fun to do, I can’t decide which one of my designs I’d get a tattoo of, let alone decide on any design to get a tattoo of. I think my skin will be bare for the rest of my life..

Although, there are two people that have my artwork on their skin. One of my old co-workers has Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Starscream on his calf and shins, and a robotic design on his right forearm. The other guy is my artist friend, Nick DiFabbio (IG: @ghostfreehood)who has a ghoul dude on his left bicep. I am both humbled  and honored that they dedicated their time and their bodies to show their appreciation; it’s all too surreal really.

 

My pieces are inspired by everything I enjoy in pop culture: comic books, cartoons, movies, anime, manga, music TV shows, convention shows, podcasts, action figures, vinyl and resin pieces, museum and gallery visits, and the endless Instagram binges. Conversations with family and friends spark inspiration to create; and when we get silly enough, we’ll come up with absurd scenarios that are too ridiculous not to draw.

A blank piece of paper is causal for inspiration, where the empty white space initiates a compelling action to fill it with lines and shapes. This is what’s known as horror vacui, which translates to “fear of empty space.” People usually experience this when they’re on a phone call and start doodling on a piece of paper.

The list of influential artists constantly grows, but the followwing artists still impact my illustrative work: Katsuya Terada, Yasushi Nirasawa, Takayuki Takeya, Jack Kirby, Simon Bisley, Paul Komoda, Moebius, and Geof Darrow.

Successful work is the result of addiction, compulsion, and obsession; driven by an obligation to express one’s ideas, opinions, emotions, and experiences.

“Compromise” is not the enemy and should not be compared to “settling for less.” There may be moments where things are not going the way it was intended, and that’s okay. Move on. Turn the page of your sketchbook and draw a new illustration. Build another armature and sculpt a new figure. Gesso another canvas and start a new painting.

Keep it up and keep going. Go for gold.

Recognize your strengths and improve on your weaknesses. Share what you’ve learned, appreciate compliments, and seek criticism.

In short, create everyday. Thank you.

Check out some of his artwork down below to get a feel of what else he has created.