WETHERSFIELD, Conn. — Wethersfield artist Josh Vieira has been named a winner of the L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of the Future Contest, earning a trip to Hollywood for a weeklong workshop and awards ceremony.
Vieira's artwork will also be published in "L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 43," an anthology featuring work by emerging science fiction and fantasy writers and illustrators, according to the contest organizers.
A native of central Connecticut, Vieira graduated from the University of Hartford in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in fine arts, concentrating in illustration.
He has worked primarily in oil painting for more than a decade, having developed an interest in the medium during his junior year of college.
Vieira's artwork draws on darker elements of science fiction and fantasy, using symbolism, allegory and metaphor to explore aspects of human nature.
His paintings combine realistic, recognizable subjects with symbolic imagery to evoke emotional responses. The resulting works frequently feature disturbing or nightmarish themes, according to the release.
The Illustrators of the Future Contest, now in its 39th year, recognizes emerging artists working in science fiction and fantasy illustration.
Its judges include Bob Eggleton, recipient of 11 Chesley Awards and nine Hugo Awards; Larry Elmore, known for his "Dungeons & Dragons" book covers; Echo Chernik, whose commercial work includes packaging designs for Celestial Seasonings; Rob Prior, whose credits include "Spawn," "Heavy Metal" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"; and fantasy illustrator Ciruelo.
The competition is associated with the Writers of the Future Contest, established by author L. Ron Hubbard in 1983 following the publication of his science fiction novel "Battlefield Earth" in 1982.
The companion illustration contest began five years later.
According to the organizers, the Illustrators of the Future Contest has recognized 430 winners over 37 years. Previous winners have collectively produced more than 6,800 illustrations and 390 comic books, contributed artwork to 700 books and albums, and worked on 68 television shows and 40 major films.
The related Writers of the Future Contest has recognized 580 winners and published finalists over 42 years. Organizers said those writers have published approximately 2,000 novels and 6,300 short stories.
The contests have produced 42 anthology volumes and awarded more than $1 million in cash prizes and royalties.
As a contest winner, Vieira will participate in a weeklong illustration workshop in Hollywood and attend an awards event. His work will appear in the 43rd volume of the anthology.
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