My Art of Self Discovery
The art is a visual diary of my mind's journey as it travels through time.
I believe there’s nothing more satisfying than pushing boundaries and further developing my art style. And I’m not talking about commissioned pieces or creating art just because I know it has a high chance of selling.
I’m about to start a new 120 x 100 cm oil painting that will probably be the most technical and time-consuming painting to date.
This whole thing, it’s a discovery process to find what gives me satisfaction. Being an animator as well, I love to include a good narrative. I know some of you have followed my journey so you’ll understand how I get from point A to B in my work. Just to note, my current thoughts and ideas are 6 months to a year ahead of any of my now-finished work so they may not exactly reflect any new releases.
When I start with a blank canvas, the first question I ask myself is what story I want to tell.
I’ve found that I love complexity. There’s something mathematical in my decision-making when it comes to the geometrical shapes, tones and colours I choose.
I now know that I’ve reached ‘perfection’ in my artwork when I look at it and feel that despite its complexity, there is chaotic harmony. Instead of the eye feeling drawn and glued to a specific location, my eyes want to feel completely free and move around the canvas or lose focus if I keep them fixed.
Understandably, some artists prefer to direct their viewers to specific points and guide them through the painting. I no longer want that. Preferably I want the viewer to discover a narrative within my art on their terms. It’s as much of a discovery for them as the experience of making it is for me.
This is a type of satisfaction that I get often when I look at abstract expressionism. The difference with my work is that I’m not making it so abstract as to lose the narrative I intend to find.
These kinds of pieces for me go beyond any materialistic desire, whether for wealth, fame or recognition. I do it for my own deep satisfaction which maintains my sanity. If I’m unable to express myself I enter into deep depressions. My life has no purpose without creation. The money that comes from it is like a subscription model that allows me to continue.
Maybe I’m just trying to interpret the universe and man’s place within it but I don’t know for sure. I’m still exploring. Whether I venture into more realist or further abstraction is currently unknown to me. One thing I do know is that experimentation and finding a decent reflection of myself and the universe through it will guide my decision making.
I want to lose myself in the universe and allow the universe to express itself through me. Music opens my mind often times to access ideas and inspiration.
Being guided through music
I often find that there are moments when I feel inspired. Not to sound too ‘woo’ but it does feel like a kind of energy to me, much like the body’s need to work out. When I’m in one of these moments, I like to make sure I’m completely alone, usually nighttime is when I get the most creativity, and while listening to some resonating music.
A few musicians that induce this inspiration for me include Melody Sheep, Hans Zimmer, Ludvig Goransson and Peter Gundry. These are some that put me into the mood I’m after.
Peter Gundry
Great music for me to help generate narrative ideas regarding human imperfection.
Ludvig Görannson
This piece is incredibly inspiring in what feels like the sound of the universe with its mathematical use of increasing tempo and scales.
Melody Sheep
I often listen to this music late at night to bring forth some ideas that seem above me at the time.
Hans Zimmer
I went to see him perform live in Madrid. It was an incredible experience to listen to his music and the orchestra sounds live.
Discover the Artistic Blend of Physical and Digital with Phygital Oil Paintings
Introduction
Oil paintings have been a timeless form of art for centuries, and with the advancement of technology, we now have a new type of oil painting that combines both physical and digital elements – phygital oil paintings. This new form of art merges the traditional medium of oil painting with the latest digital technologies to create stunning works of art that are both beautiful and innovative. In this article, we’ll explore what phygital oil paintings are, their unique features, and why they are becoming so popular among artists and art lovers alike.
What are Phygital Oil Paintings?
Phygital oil paintings are a new form of art that combines traditional oil painting techniques with digital technology. This type of painting combines the physical elements of oil paint on canvas with digital elements such as augmented reality, 3D modeling, and animation. The result is a painting that not only looks beautiful on its own, but also comes to life through digital elements that add an extra layer of depth and interactivity.
There is also the possibility to combine the oil paintings with a digital token on the blockchain, and that digital representation could be an animated version of your physical painting, giving the piece an extra dimension.
Unique Features of Phygital Oil Paintings
Phygital oil paintings have several unique features that set them apart from traditional oil paintings. Firstly, they offer a new level of interactivity. By incorporating digital elements, these paintings can be experienced in a whole new way, making them a lot more engaging and interactive than traditional oil paintings. For example, an augmented reality element may allow the viewer to see different aspects of the painting when viewed from different angles, or to see elements of the painting move or change in response to the viewer’s movements.
Another unique feature of phygital oil paintings is their ability to create a sense of depth and dimensionality. By using 3D modeling and animation, artists can add depth and dimension to their paintings, making them feel more lifelike and realistic. This creates a new level of visual interest and impact, making these paintings truly stand out from traditional oil paintings.
You can now gain an unprecedented level of authenticity by using blockchain technology and smart contracts to own digital versions of artworks, such as with an NFT. Not only will this help to prevent fakes from circulating, but it also allows you to view the complete history of the painting.
Why are Phygital Oil Paintings Becoming Popular?
Phygital oil paintings are becoming increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. Firstly, they offer a new and unique form of artistic expression. By combining traditional oil painting techniques with digital technology, artists are able to create works of art that are truly one-of-a-kind and that cannot be replicated. This is making phygital oil paintings a popular choice among artists who are looking for new and innovative ways to express themselves.
Another reason why phygital oil paintings are becoming popular is that they are accessible to a wider audience. By incorporating digital elements, these paintings can be viewed and appreciated by a larger audience, even those who may not have a deep appreciation for traditional oil paintings. This is making phygital oil paintings an attractive option for artists who want to reach a wider audience with their work.
The Process of Creating a Phygital Oil Painting
The process of creating a phygital oil painting involves several steps. Firstly, the artist must create the traditional oil painting, which can be done in a variety of styles and techniques. Once the traditional oil painting is complete, the artist will then add digital elements to the painting, such as augmented reality, 3D modeling, and animation.
This is where the artist’s creativity and technical skills come into play. They must carefully select the digital elements that will best enhance the traditional oil painting, and then carefully incorporate these elements into the painting. This process requires a high level of skill and attention to detail, as the digital elements must be integrated seamlessly into the painting in order to create a truly stunning work of art.
The Future of Phygital Art
As we progress further into the digital age, it is becoming increasingly likely that artwork with digital components will become the norm. With the emergence of NFTs as a way to represent physical art, it is entirely possible for people to possess artwork in their homes that can be viewed by anyone in the world, whether it be on the blockchain or in the metaverse.
It may only be a matter of time before you wake up one morning to find that someone has made an offer on the artwork you have proudly displayed in your living room.
My First Youtube Video in Years
Returning to Youtube
Hello everyone!
It’s been a long time since I first uploaded with the intention of being active and submitting content that is not made for somebody. Maybe some of you remember my Maker vs. Marker animation, but that was the last personal project that I uploaded to Youtube, all other animations were subsequent freelance work.
I’m so excited to announce that I’m finally launching my first video series of me recording my art creation process. I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with all of you and giving you a glimpse into my creative process inviting you all to a ‘fly on the wall’ experience.
The videos will be slow-paced, as I’m aiming to create an ASMR-style video series on Youtube. In addition to the sound of my tools and materials, I’ll also be sharing my thoughts at the moment and allowing my viewers to enter into my creative process with non-interruptive onscreen text in both English and Spanish. It will be a visual journal that documents my evolution as an artist, and I’m excited to share my journey with all of you.
I’m also happy to announce that, along with the art creation process, viewers can also expect to see plenty of coffee and a few furry friends. I’ve also got two dogs who I like to check on while I’m working, so you can look forward to seeing a few doggy cameos during the videos!
I’m looking forward to your feedback and the conversations we can have together as I continue to create and share my artwork. Thanks for joining me on this journey and I’m excited to get started!
– JL
Volviendo a Youtube
Hola a todos!
Ha pasado mucho tiempo desde que subí por primera vez con la intención de estar activo y enviar contenido que no está hecho para alguien. Tal vez algunos de ustedes recuerden mi animación Maker vs Marker, pero ese fue el último proyecto personal que subí a Youtube, todas las demás animaciones fueron trabajos independientes posteriores.
Estoy muy emocionada de anunciar que finalmente lanzaré mi primera serie de videos sobre mí grabando mi proceso de creación artística. Tengo muchas ganas de compartir este viaje con vosotros y darles un vistazo a mi proceso creativo invitándolos a todos a una experiencia como una mosca en la pared!
Los videos serán de ritmo lento, ya que mi objetivo es crear una serie de videos de estilo ASMR en Youtube. Además del sonido de mis herramientas y materiales, también compartiré mis pensamientos en este momento y permitiré que mis espectadores entren en mi proceso creativo con texto en pantalla sin interrupciones tanto en inglés como en español. Será un diario visual que documente mi evolución como artista y estoy emocionado de compartir mi viaje con todos ustedes.
También me complace anunciar que, junto con el proceso de creación de arte, los espectadores también pueden esperar ver mucho café y algunos amigos peludos. También tengo dos perros a los que me gusta vigilar mientras trabajo, así que puedes esperar ver algunos cameos de perros durante los videos!
Espero sus comentarios y las conversaciones que podamos tener juntos mientras continúo creando y compartiendo mi obra de arte. Gracias por acompañarme en este viaje y estoy ilusionado de comenzar!
-JL
GM - The Overused Social Media Engagement Abbreviation For Artists
GM! GM! GM!
It’s 6 am. You wake up and go onto your Twitter. You scroll down your notifications to see how people have responded to your artwork on Twitter and you are met with endless GMs almost as repetitive as the alarm that woke you up. In an act of fed-up rage, you smash your phone into pieces on the bedside table.
Of course, I am over-exaggerating to convey a point. But, when I enter the platform in the morning and browse the art while sipping my coffee, I can’t help but feel like I am living a Groundhog Day where everyone has taken the overly enthusiastic role of Truman Burbank – the protagonist in The Truman Show with his phrase:
“Good Morning! In case I don’t see you. Good Afternoon, Good Evening and Good Night!”.
Go onto Twitter now and search for the phrase ‘GM’. What you will find is a phrase that has proliferated its way into the minds of many artists that use the platform. It’s comes mostly from artists that are involved in the Crypto & NFTs.
Social Engagement Rules the Roost
In the modern world, many artists use social media such as Twitter to market themselves and stay relevant. Unfortunately, this often leads to a lazy one-dimensional way of engagement, as demonstrated by the common phrase “GM” (short for “Good Morning”) being used as a post from one artist to another. This kind of interaction does little to create a meaningful connection between artists and does nothing to encourage the appreciation of the art itself. You might as well get create a Bot and get it to send out GM replies – or perhaps people are already doing that, who knows?!
It is understandable that artists may start to feel the social pressure to use these kinds of phrases to fit in and to maintain a social presence, however, this is a short-term solution that does not foster an environment of creative collaboration. Furthermore, this kind of engagement does not benefit either artist, as it fails to show appreciation for the art of the other, or initiate meaningful conversation.
Imagine this – you spend days, possibly weeks creating a new art piece. It’s full of meaning, you think it’s your best work yet. You’re proud of it and want to share it with the world. You upload on Twitter, and all you receive for your efforts is an abbreviated ‘Good Morning’. As artists we want people to interpret, discuss and interact with our work. In order for us to truly have a Good Morning we need a little bit more than a ‘GM’.
As a test, a while ago I went to Discord Server that is built for artists. Me and a friend decided to encourage thoughtful discussion on art related topics such as Ai so we wrote a couple paragraphs each. Not one artist joined in. The chat that followed was more GM’s. It felt quite surreal, you almost feel like a ghost. It’s something I imagine some artists feel when they put their soul into their work with no real acknowledgement of it – but hey! Have a good morning!
Opt for More Than Two Letters
Our bar for patience is evidently lowered the moment ‘GM’ is used as it becomes increasingly clear that we’re in a world where things are getting faster and more convenient to us. Advertisements went from minutes to mere seconds with the introduction of platforms such as Tik Tok. We no longer have time for one another, and us as artists have lost the ability to care for another artists work. So, how can we change this?
Whenever you see a piece that looks special, make an effort to leave a meaningful comment on the work and what you really enjoy about it. This could be a compliment, a comment on the meaning of the art, or a question about the artist’s creative process. These kinds of comments show genuine interest and appreciation for the art, and can lead to deeper discussions about the meaning of the art. Sure, it’s not as quick as a GM, but you took the time to look at the art. Saying GM is a dismissal to the artists work in what is essentially an act of blatant engagement farming.
Stop scrolling your feed looking for tweets with GM, only to respond with GM. It’s the same as Instagram likes. Eventually Instagram allowed users to hide the like count to reduce social media pressure. It’s clear that the same thing has passed onto Twitter, hunting for the most GMs to reply to it with the same two letters for higher social engagement.
The funny thing is, if it’s engagement figures you’re after – it technically works! But that is because everyone else is only going on to your tweets to say GM in response as an act of their own self interest, not yours. So what does engagement mean or what is it worth if its foundation is hollow? It’s much better and rewarding for both parties to build a solid foundation with other artists and that’s not done by saying GM.
Add Some Spice to Your Morning
If you really can’t get away from using GM that’s OK! I understand if you’re an artist that you need to play the marketing game in order to survive. It does serve as a great icebreaker to get another user familiar with your presence, but that is all it should be used for if used as a stand alone comment. My suggestion is to use it but follow up with feedback to the work you are commenting on. Forget the words great, cool and awesome. Look at the work and explain to the artist what it did for you. Ask what methods they went through, or what tools they used to make it – ask what inspired them. Just showing interest will go a long way. If you’re in it for the art, and not for the money then this should come naturally to you – you’ll build better quality connections this way.
Connect to Collaborate and Become a Better Artist
By creating a more meaningful connection between another artist you open yourself up to new possibilities. Two artists can benefit from each other’s knowledge and experience, it’s not wasted time to ask questions. This kind of engagement can also lead to collaborations between artists, creating opportunities for both to create something even more amazing and possibly even more reach, which is what these artists seem to be after most.
Instead of just saying “GM”, artists should take the time to truly engage with each other’s art. This could be the start of an amazing creative journey that can benefit artists through real friendships, and that could lead to new and innovative art.
