The Czech Republic is a leader in the world of animation. The country adapted its long tradition of puppetry to film in the 20th century and benefited from a well-funded state-run industry. Czech animators are revered as great artists whose work can be dark and yet charming.

Luckily Scotland can now count up-and-coming animator Jana Prchalova’s as one of its own. Jana, a native of the Czech Republic, has resided in Scotland for the past seven years and recently began an association with Scottish Screen, the national agency for promoting film. The scheme allowed her to work with the digital studio Once Were Farmers, were she has expanded her highly crafted traditional style to include 3D digital images.

Trained in Prague under world-renowned animator Bretislav Pojar, Jana’s art and illustrations explore the struggle of the individual’s quest for self-expression in a sometime hostile and intimidating world. However, there is a charming and optimistic side to Jana’s illustrations and art. A world where good wins out and the dark is overcome by light.

I am charmed by Jana’s illustrations. In fact we just acquired one for our son (one of his choosing). I also adore her oil on canvass. Large, abstracts in red and blue tones, Jana’s paintings are bold with thick strokes of paint. Though the colors are dark there is always a hint of light—just like the illustrations.

What inspires your creativity?

I am inspired by almost everything. When I was little I would watch people on the street and try to imagine more about their life and I would make up stories.

I grew up in communist country and in those days there was nothing to watch on television and there were no computer games so I created my own world to live in. I read a lot of books and listened to stories on tape. I would then make up my own little illustrated books. I have always wanted to tell stories and draw, so animation was just the perfect choice.

How would you describe your artistic style?

My artistic style is strongly influenced by my Eastern European roots. My artistic upbringing was very traditional and I think that is really crucial.

I have now started using computers as well. I fought it for a long time but then I realized that if I used them wisely I could achieve great results. I was lucky to work with the studio Once Were Farmers. I have learned so much about how you can combine the world of 2D and 3D.

What books are you currently reading?

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez. . It is one of those books you can read again and again and always find something you missed before.

Who would you most like to meet?

I would love to have met my great-grandfather. He was a Capitan in the First World War and he wrote a diary. He was a very kind person and never really recovered from the experience. He knew that his enemies were also husbands, fathers and sons.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I love all aspects of my work. It is a great feeling when people enjoy looking at my work and suddenly it all makes sense to them. It is hard to be an artist, but it’s those moments that make you want to do that all over again.

ALL ART/PHOTOS ARE COPYRIGHT OF JANA PRCHALOVA