Evolve: Reflections of transcendence

Title: Evolve

My latest digital artwork, titled “Evolve,” not only represents my personal evolution as an artist but also symbolizes the collective evolution of humanity. My artistic journey has been a vast and incredible one, starting with traditional mediums such as graphite pencils and gradually exploring various techniques, including gouache, acrylic, watercolor, inks, pastels, printmaking, textiles, mixed media, clay, and oil paint.

Oil paint and acrylic were my primary mediums for many years, but as I progressed, I began incorporating Photoshop in my late twenties to aid in conceptualizing and designing my artworks. As I evolved through the years, my concepts became more intricate, and I started using photoshop more and more. At some point, a friend commented that my designs on photoshop were an art within themselves. I had so much fun creating these concepts and loved working with the software as a tool. The more intricate my photoshop designs became, the more frustrated I felt having to recreate the whole concept again in oil paint. At this stage my photoshop skills were still very basic, so I couldn’t sell the work as digital pieces. I also questioned the medium coming from a traditional background. However, my friend’s comment struck me, and deep down I realized that I was being guided into a new direction. It was then no coincidence that on a physical level I was also becoming ‘allergic’ to oil paint and solvent based products.

Despite the resistance and negative reactions from those around me, I felt a deep inner knowing that I needed to transition into working mainly in the digital medium. This transition took years to embrace and is still an ongoing process of evolution. Laresa, my partner, played a significant role in me accepting my transition into the digital media. She is a skilled photographer who knows all about editing in photoshop and printing high-quality images. She also encouraged me to explore the potential of Ai in my creative process.

Initially, like many artists, I harbored fears and doubts about AI, wondering if something created through interaction with a bot could truly be considered art. However, after encountering a series by Jonas Peterson that captivated me, I became increasingly curious about AI’s potential in my own creative journey. Despite my initial resistance, the desire to explore this new medium grew overwhelming, leading me to take a leap of faith and venture into the world of Midjourney AI.

Collaborating with AI proved to be a unique art form in itself. It taught me a valuable lesson about not rushing to judgment without understanding. Although I am still a novice in the realm of Mid journey AI, I have dedicated  months and countless hours to explore its possibilities. I now utilize AI as a tool, using it in the same way I would use reference photographs and stock imagery in the past, expanding my creative horizons and aligning my work with my artistic vision.

In the past, my creative process involved dissecting and reconstructing hundreds of photographs to achieve the desired form, perspective, lighting, and more. It was akin to having various car parts before assembling the final product. A single artwork could take me several months to complete. Now, I combine photography, props, and Mid journey prompts to create the different elements of my compositions.

Using my imagination and a collection of stock photography, I quickly create a basic concept in Photoshop for a specific component. I then import it back into Mid journey to refine the image and bring it closer to my original vision, by using this image as well as specific prompts (this is a complex language in itself, that I am learning as I go along). All the different parts are digitally modified and assembled using Photoshop. The final stages involve applying various filters and using brushes for fine-tuning. I have created thousands of images in Mid journey, sometimes with communication failing miserably and images turning out completely distorted, but progress is being made.

In conclusion, my artistic journey has been a remarkable and diverse one, encompassing both traditional and digital mediums. Through the use of tools like Photoshop and AI, I have been able to create art that is personal, thought-provoking, and meaningful. The process of embracing digital media and AI has been both challenging and rewarding, propelling my evolution as an artist. I eagerly anticipate where this journey will lead me next and the artistic discoveries that lie ahead.

“Evolve” invites viewers to enter a metaphysical realm where transformative symbolism intertwines with the subconscious. The central figure, a hybrid of a human and a sheep, represents the merging of different beings to create something new and unique. Dressed in a vibrant red swimming costume, this hybrid embodies the courage to embrace change and explore uncharted territories.  This captivating figure also evokes paradoxical symbolism, merging innocence with wisdom, conformity with individuality, and unity with fragmentation. It represents the delicate balance between childlike wonder and profound knowledge, challenging societal expectations and urging viewers to trust their intuition.

The interior of the artwork creates an eerie ambiance reminiscent of the 1950s but infused with futuristic undertones.  The round cream-colored doorway becomes a focal point, symbolizing potential transformation and hints at an alternative future.  As the hybrid opens the door, it signifies the unlocking of potential and the initiation of a transformative journey.

To the right of the doorway, a wall-mounted cream lamp illuminates the space, casting contrasting shadows yet serving as a guiding light. Moths flutter against the lamplit wall, symbolizing spiritual enlightenment and the pursuit of higher truths. Their delicate presence signifies the transformative journey towards self-discovery, guided by the light of wisdom.

Cream and teal-colored industrial piping throughout the artwork symbolize the underlying energy and interconnectedness of all things, alluding to the unseen forces that shape our reality. On the left side of the round doorway, the presence of red power boxes and pressure gauges symbolizes the transformative power of energy. They represent the necessity of understanding and harnessing the primal forces that drive our existence, emphasizing the importance of balance and harmony in our evolutionary journey.

A reflective floor acts as a mirror, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and introspection. It prompts viewers to confront their own identities and delve into their inner selves. The mirrored imagery also signifies the interconnectedness of all things within the greater tapestry of existence.

A pod-like space with a glass window reveals a scene where water and air converge. This liminal space represents the delicate balance between the conscious and subconscious mind. Within this scene, a futuristic AI bot floats, symbolizing the integration of technology and the natural world. Robotic fish swimming beneath the bot signifies the harmonious coexistence of the artificial and organic, suggesting that technological advancements can enhance our existence as it leads to spiritual growth. The cloudy sky serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of existence, encouraging viewers to embrace uncertainty and flow with the currents of transformation.

“Evolve” empowers personal autonomy and challenges conformity. It beckons viewers to delve into the depths of their being, embracing their inherent potential for growth and transformation. The artwork promotes self-reflection, the harmonious integration of diverse elements, and the pursuit of enlightenment along the profound path of evolution. Moreover, it serves as a reminder to approach this emerging technology with balance and an enlightened perspective, harnessing its potential as a tool that benefits all life within our realm. The responsibility rests in our hands, akin to that of nurturing parents, guiding its development with care and wisdom.