Artist Close Up Magazine
I’m thrilled to announce that I was recently featured in Artist Close Up Magazine, where I had the opportunity to reflect on my creative journey and share insights into my work as both a traditional and digital artist. The interview touches on everything from my early beginnings in the art world to my evolving artistic practice, blending hand-painted works with cutting-edge digital techniques.
From Los Angeles to New York City: My Artistic Journey
The interview gave me the chance to reflect on my roots. My journey began in Los Angeles in the 1980s at Installations One art gallery, where my "Freedom" series, which explored the fall of the Berlin Wall, garnered early acclaim and even landed me a feature in the LA Times. Since then, my career has been one of constant evolution, and in 2000, I moved to New York City, a city that has profoundly shaped my work and artistic perspective.
Over the past three decades, I’ve been fortunate enough to exhibit my work all over the world, with shows in countries such as Brazil, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy. From my early exhibitions in Chelsea, NYC, where I connected with fellow artists like Robert Goodnough, to my recent collections, every step has been a learning process that has pushed me to think more critically about the intersection of art, culture, and technology.
Inspiration Behind My Work
One of the most profound questions asked in the interview was, “What inspires you?” My response was simple: inspiration comes from everywhere. Whether it’s the beauty of the natural world, the diversity of cultures I’ve experienced throughout my life, or the personal emotions and struggles that shape us all, my artwork is a reflection of life’s complexities and wonders.
My recent collection, "Cityscapes," is a perfect example of this. It merges traditional painting techniques with digital elements to create vivid, layered pieces that bring life to the bustling environments I’ve always found so inspiring. My new work is just as much about the present as it is about the future, particularly with my exploration of digital portraiture and how we represent ourselves in an increasingly virtual world.
The Intersection of Traditional and Digital Art
One of the recurring themes in my interview is my fascination with blending traditional and digital mediums. Like many artists, I didn’t always embrace digital art. Early in my career, I was focused on mastering traditional painting techniques, seeking to emulate the tactile, immediate nature of physical canvas and paint. But with the advancement of digital tools and immersive technologies, I’ve found new ways to innovate.
Today, my process is all about merging the two worlds. I start with a traditional painting, scan it at high resolution, and then use it as a foundation for adding layers of digital fractals, motion animation, and more. The final piece often includes hundreds of layers, both digital and traditional, resulting in a unique, multi-dimensional artwork. This process has allowed me to push the boundaries of what’s possible, creating art that feels both familiar and futuristic.
Art as Social Commentary
During the interview, I also touched on some of the thematic elements that drive my work, particularly my focus on social commentary. Art, in my view, is a mirror of the times. My series "Manifest No War," which dealt with the war in Ukraine, is a deeply personal project that addresses the ongoing struggle for freedom and resilience in the face of adversity. Using mixed media collages, cast sculptures, and traditional Ukrainian fabrics, I sought to honor the strength of the Ukrainian people while raising awareness of their fight.
Similarly, my "Hues of Freedom" series delves into the complex history of freedom in America. By exploring the sacrifices made by generations past and present, I aimed to capture the essence of what freedom means in a world that continues to grapple with issues of justice, equality, and human rights.
The Artist’s Role in Society
One of the final topics covered in the interview was the evolving role of artists in today’s society. As an artist, I believe we are both storytellers and cultural archivists. Whether we’re commenting on social issues, reflecting on our collective identity, or simply creating beauty, we contribute to the cultural fabric of our world. As technology continues to evolve, I see artists playing an increasingly critical role in bridging the gap between traditional forms of expression and the new digital landscapes.
What’s Next?
Looking forward, I’m excited to continue pushing my creative boundaries. My focus on digital portraiture is a new beginning for me, an exploration of how our identities will evolve in virtual spaces. I’m also passionate about new materials, animation, AI, and the expanding world of NFTs, all of which are shaping the next chapter of my work.
It’s been a privilege to share these thoughts in Artist Close Up Magazine, and I’m excited to see where this creative journey will take me next. If you’d like to dive deeper into the full interview, you can read it here.
Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for more updates on my latest projects!
