A creature called Zmeu. It is described by the folks as a charming humanised dragon that has bat wings and its intentions are bad, stealing people’s fortune and kidnapping women in order to make them its wives. Some stories describe the creature just as a dragon or a serpent like creature. Many writers use this creature as the evil character in the story and most of the times it symbolizes the challenge that the main character has to battle. The origin of its name comes from various Slavic influences on Romanian folklore where the word itself means ,,serpent,,. The dragon figure it has been used a lot in Romanian mythology to describe evil or the devil and this humanlike version of it comes more as a metaphor describing particular characters or behaviors among people.
I chose the Zmeu in order to blend the evil behind its origin with the bestiary esthetics and the humanlike appearance and showcase a wise, calm and powerful character that can all together depict its true meaning.
How long have you been sculpting? What is your artistic background and style?
I’ve been sculpting since 2020, on and off as a hobby, filling up some free time since my working hours were all over the place. I have my background in fine arts and I guess I was seeking a way to be more practical in what i do and try to not always depend on a workspace like a studio when for the past few years I was a lot away from home. As style I can’t put my finger on it yet, I like a lot of things, most of it are themes that I practice sculpting and rendering with.
How long did it take to create the piece? What tools / software did you use for your creation? Any insight on your process?
I think all together it took me about a week, I’ve spend mostly evenings with it. I’ve used Zbrush for sculpting and first color pass, Substance Painter for texturing and some micro details and Blender to render my shots. I can only say that with every click I learn something new and I love to see this stuff becoming alive on my screen.
Is this piece for sale? How can a fan acquire it?
I still have few more steps to go through until selling my work, but if anyone feels the urge to have my piece they can just send me a dm and follow my socials.
Are you looking for work? If so, in what role & location?
I am always up for a challenge. My dream would be concept and designing but I find myself as comfortable in the 3D field as character/creature artist, even printable collectibles or miniatures. The location isn’t much of a condition as long as it keeps me engaged.
Any additional information? ( 3d printer, resin etc etc )
I use an Anycubic Photon Mono and the Anycubic standard resin. I’m planning some prints in the upcoming future but for now I am focusing on digital work.
Your website / showreel & social media
https://www.instagram.com/horiaable
https://horiable3d.artstation.com/