Pixels & Paint Pixels & Paint

I believe that art doesn’t truly exist unless someone views it. The art is completed in the space between the object and the viewer.” — Brendan Dawes

Brendan Dawes is a distinguished UK-based artist renowned for his inventive integration of generative systems, data, machine learning, and code in the realm of digital art. His artistic vision predominantly revolves around the concepts of time, space, and memory, uniquely combining these elements to produce captivating interactive installations, online experiences, and abstract environments. 
Dawes’ work is a testament to the evolving relationship between technology and art, showcasing how data can be transformed into aesthetically pleasing and thought-provoking pieces.
His notable works include Cinema Redux (2004), which became a part of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York's permanent collection in 2008, and Three Steps Forward (2022), a collaborative piece with Emmet Cohen. The latter garnered considerable attention, premiering at NFT.NYC and featured in Christie’s Cartography of the Mind charity NFT auction. 
Dawes' contributions have been recognized globally through exhibitions at prestigious venues like MoMA, ArtFutura, Big Bang Data, Brighton Digital Festival, and ZKM. He is an alumnus of the Lumen Prize and Aesthetica Art Prize, accolades that highlight his significant impact in the digital art community.
Beyond the gallery, Dawes' art has reached unique platforms, including being 3D printed on the International Space Station. His continued involvement in high-profile exhibitions and auctions, such as "NTFism: No Fear in Trying" and sales at Sotheby’s and Fauve Paris, solidifies his status as a pioneering figure in the digital art landscape.
 
Website
Twitter
Instagram

"Artists may have one of the most important jobs—connecting with people’s emotions, bringing them together, making them think, healing them." — David Ariew

 
David Ariew (ar-ee-ev) is a skilled 3D artist, animator, and educator with expertise in creating visually striking narratives. He is well-known across the 3D and NFT worlds for his mastery of 3D animation tools and his ability to craft immersive experiences that meld the boundaries between the digital and the physical world. David's portfolio boasts a wide range of work, from intricate music videos and commercials to evocative short films and groundbreaking NFTs.
With a background in neuroscience, David brings a unique perspective to his artistic endeavors, infusing his creations with a deep understanding of human perception and emotional resonance. He has honed his skills over the years, working with notable clients in the music and film industry, which has solidified his reputation as a creative force.
As an educator, David (AKA Octane Jesus [for his beard, long hair, and generosity]) is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience. He teaches the intricacies of 3D animation, rendering, and various industry-standard software, empowering a new generation of digital artists to push the limits of their creativity. 
In the rapidly evolving world of digital art, David Ariew stands out as a visionary artist and a dedicated mentor, continuously exploring the vast possibilities of 3D animation and its impact on storytelling and artistic expression.
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Please enjoy!
The transcript of this episode can be found here. 
The show notes for this episode can be found here.
 
Episode Highlights
Finding Artistic Style: The transition from being a "hired gun" to finding and developing a unique artistic style through NFTs and mirror rooms.
Artistic Evolution Through NFTs: The development of his style with NFTs, moving from concrete shapes to more abstract, meditative visuals.
Immersive Art Experiences: The impact of bringing his art into VR and creating immersive experiences that evoke powerful emotional responses.
Emotional Impact of Art in VR: DA recalls the profound emotional reactions of viewers experiencing his virtual reality art, including transformational moments and intense personal memories.
Intuition Over Technique: The importance of intuition in the creative process, with Ariew crediting a spiritual guide for helping enhance his creative intuition.
Storytelling in Abstract Art: Ariew describes his intuitive process for imbuing abstract pieces with narrative, often collaborating with a composer.

"I define success as being able to create what you want, when you want, where you want, how you want." — Marco Santini 
About Marco Santini
Marco Santini is a multifaceted artist with a background in sports, broadcasting, and branding, who has fully embraced his creative calling. His art draws from a rich tapestry of experiences and influences, combining elements of language, love, and community engagement. Marco's work is characterized by vibrant geometric designs and meaningful words that transcend language barriers and foster a sense of connection and positivity.
 
See the Show Notes here.
The transcript of this episode can be found here. 
 
Episode Highlights
Iconic Artistic Mashup - A deep dive into how Santini's Signature Series is a testament to his respect and admiration for iconic artists from history.
Journey into Muraling - Marco discusses how he explored different mediums, including street art, murals, and graphic design.
The Vision of Creating in Any Medium - Marco's desire to be versatile in his artistic expression, regardless of the medium.
Bridging Cultures through Art - Marco's work with schools and hospitals internationally to foster creativity and inclusivity.
Collaborative Nature of Creativity - Marco's collaborative approach to art, involving students and communities in the creative process.
Transition to NFTs - How Marco has adapted to the digital world with NFTs.
The Small, Beautiful World of Art - Marco's perspective on the interconnectedness of the art world.
Leading with Your Heart - The importance of valuing relationships and leading with your heart in art.
See the Show Notes here.

Thanks for so much for joining us for Season 1 of Pixels & Paint. We're planning an even better Season 2 for early 2024. In the meantime, check out any of the episodes you may have missed.
E01: Empress Trash
E02: Norcal_Guy and Signal Noise
E03: Rob Sheridan
E04: Vakseen
E05: Leo Caillard
E06: sgt_slaughtermelon
E07: noCreative
E08: Ana Maria Caballero
E09: Leo Crane
E10: Scott Sholder
E11: Originalplan
E12: Eric P. Rhodes
E13: Dawnia Darkstone
E14: AL Crego
E15: Maria Finkelmeier
E16: Marc Bamuthi Joseph and Kirsten Magwood
E17: Adamtastic
E18: Christian Burke of Refik Anadol Studios
E19: jrdsctt
E20: Vincent D'Onofrio and Laurence Fuller

"Your art has to come from you, your faults, and your greatness. That's how your work comes out. It comes out like you." - Vincent D'Onofrio
 
About Laurence Fuller
Laurence Fuller is a British-Australian actor, writer, and artist best known for his roles in films like "The Slaughter" and the HBO series where he portrayed David Hockney. He's also known for his active social media presence, particularly on Twitter, where he engages with the artistic community and shares his creative endeavors. His heritage deeply influences Fuller's artistic journey; his mother is a painter, and his father was an influential 20th-century art critic in England. His work often explores the themes of history and artistic legacy, especially the mid-20th-century London School painters.
 
About Vincent D’Onofrio
Vincent D'Onofrio is a renowned American actor, producer, and director. He gained prominence for his role as Private Leonard "Gomer Pyle" Lawrence in "Full Metal Jacket" and as Detective Robert Goren in "Law & Order: Criminal Intent". He is also well-known for his roles in "Jurassic World" and "Daredevil". Besides his acting career, D'Onofrio has an artistic side, presenting his work on social media platforms like Twitter. His approach to creativity is eclectic and inclusive, drawing on a wide range of influences, and he is a keen advocate for a balanced perspective on the artistic life that values joy and experience as much as struggle and pain.
 
Episode Highlights
Vincent D'Onofrio views his artistic approach as more like a "sponge" than a scholar, absorbing experiences and influences without getting tied down by academic constraints.
Laurence Fuller was influenced by his father, an influential 20th-century art critic in England. Fuller used his father's writings to write a screenplay about him and is particularly inspired by the mid-20th-century London School painters.
Fuller, despite being a prolific artist, manages to engage actively with the community on Twitter and often draws parallels between the emerging web three art world and the vibrant art scene of 1960s London.
D'Onofrio, on the other hand, uses Twitter as a platform to share art, appreciate friends, and occasionally engage in conversations about art and life. He believes young actors need to live life fully to portray emotions authentically.
Both D'Onofrio and Fuller believe that social media can play a significant role in building an artist's career if used creatively and healthily.
Fuller also talked about the changing dynamics of the art world with evolving technology and emphasized that with this new connectivity, anything is possible.
In terms of personal growth, D'Onofrio stressed the importance of sharing more, giving more, and accepting more, while Fuller encouraged listeners to pursue their dreams.
They both revealed their future collaborations, including a New York-themed exhibition for the Head Crash Hotel where they plan to present filmic pieces, moving portraits that tell a story.
D'Onofrio revealed their ambitious future plan to create an interactive gallery where their moving, filmic portraits could be displayed.
Despite their professional success, both artists emphasize the human aspect of their journey and inspire others to follow their artistic passions.
Read the show notes
 

"We have this urge to communicate ideas, and when words fail, we turn to other mediums." — jrdsctt
 
About jrdsctt
Minneapolis-born digital artist jrdsctt is a MakersPlace OG and a staple of the community with over 250 unique collectors on MakersPlace. With his Genesis Drop, jrdsctt invites a new element into his creative process: artificial intelligence.   
 
jrdsctt joined MakersPlace as an artist in early 2019. He later became their first official ambassador, helping run the MakersPlace Discord server alongside staff. This role eventually transitioned into an official job with the company in May of 2021.
 
He has been working there ever since, helping build the MakersPlace community during the day, and glitching dystopian worlds in the evening. The web3 space has consumed most of his waking hours (and some of his unconscious hours as well).
 
Key Takeaways
Continuous evolution and learning are essential, as seen with jrdsctt's journey from glitch art to AI-infused creations.
The use of AI can provide fresh perspectives and expedite the creative process, even for those not typically engaged with technology.
Grounding one's work in a set structure or rules can help maintain creativity and lead to unexpected innovations.
Every art form, from traditional painting to digital glitches, seeks to communicate and connect.
Art serves as a means to interpret human existence and communicate it across generations.