1. What drew you to working with Classical Antiquity and what challenges did you face in selecting, representing, or adapting particular myths or stories? 

I am an illustrator of the book which presents first sentences from elementary school primers in different countries. I had to show not only the actual sentences, but also say something about the country of origin in one drawing. This was very a difficult challenge. I reached for the classical culture to illustrate the Greek sentence because this is what Greece is associated with the most. I needed to adapt the knowledge about antiquity transforming it into very simple but strong image.

2. Why do you think classical / ancient myths, history, and literature continue to resonate with young audiences?

That's how it is: fashion comes and goes but the truly interesting things remain despite the passing of time. Classical history, myths contain universal truths, an entire spectrum of human characters and exciting events that ignite the imagination of young readers, no matter in which century they live.

So many of elements - architecture, literature, fashion, philosophy are part of the ancient culture. It is a beautiful, coherent world, so distinctive that can’t be mistaken for any other.

3. Do you have a background in classical education (Latin or Greek at school or classes at the University?) What sources are you using? Scholarly work? Wikipedia? Are there any books that made an impact on you in this respect?

I studied classical culture at high school but most of my knowledge comes from history of art classes (also during the studies at the Academy of Fine Arts) and from my personal interest in art. Fact that I have been studying in Italy for a while was also helpful. Inspiration doesn’t come from nowhere so at least basic education about many various topics is very important in my profession. That is why I collect books about architecture, history, paintings, plants.... I read a lot. And almost everything around us has its roots in Classical Antiquity so I find it very important to have knowledge about this amazing culture. 

Prepared by Krzysztof Rybak, University of Warsaw, rybak.km@gmail.com