By Mae Chan | Dec 10, 2009
Capturing the soul of digital art
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Digital artist Joey Cason.
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If you looked at digital art for the first time, you would be drawn in by its vivid colours and details, which convey a sense of layers and textures. According to digital artist Joey Cason, this is what sets digital art apart from conventional art.
As Michelangelo once said, “A man paints with his brains, not with his hands”, digital art is “painted” on the computer using the mouse as a “brush”. It is then sent for print after it is completed.
Art for the modern lifestyle
For Cason, his artwork is a natural expression of his creativity and ideas. It is a passion that developed when he was in the advertising industry. He started off experimenting with the tools he used for his advertising work. Today, Cason creates art designs that reflect his emotions.
Collectively called Soul Art, Cason dispels the notion that digital art is impersonal as his works do not only look good, but are emotive and personal. The artist describes his art as fusion, contemporary and abstract. It is also reflective of the modern lifestyle as he draws inspiration from everyday things. However, Cason tries to take a different view of the ordinary by using his imagination to combine elements and textures for fresh designs.
In one instance, Cason was inspired while enjoying a glass of red wine. He was twirling his wine glass when the swirls that appeared caught his attention. The vivid ruby red and velvety textures inspired him to create one of his latest pieces.
This freedom in abstract interpretation is what Cason loves about Soul Art. “Instead of mimicking the object, I always try to do something that the hand cannot emulate, something truly digital and unique.”
Digital art constantly evolves since there are still many techniques and tools that have yet been explored. “It represents this computer and technological age. Therefore, its possibilities are endless,” Cason says.
Not genuine art?
Nonetheless, Cason acknowledges that many are still skeptical about digital art and do not appreciate its value. They fail to take it seriously or see the skills and techniques that go into the artwork. Also, they often assume that it is a technique everyone can learn.
Cason begs to differ. According to him, the artist must be able to envision the image that is created and make use of the tools and techniques of the programme. Apparently, those are difficult skills to master.
“Though the tools are there, the challenge lies in making it look good,” emphasises Cason, who took six months to create his first digital art piece called Leaf of Joy.
A lot of research needs to be done before the artist even begins to create – from determining the objects and elements to be used to the different textures that can be combined.
Moreover, the “drawing” process often creates surprising effects and results that the artist cannot reproduce, which Cason thinks is part of the fun.
Digital art for your home
Surprisingly, Cason believes that Soul Art may not be suited for every kind of home. It is simply because some homes might have a concept that does not go well with contemporary digital art. Thus, his art is more suited for a modern-themed home with a simplistic and spacious feel.
Interestingly enough, most of Cason’s customers are middle-aged couples and families that simply want to try something different. Furthermore, the Malaysian art industry is still very young and rather conservative. Many still prefer conventional paintings and those who opt for digital art typically stick to the usual floral designs.
To maximize the visual effect of the art, Cason recommends it should be placed against a plain background. The space around the art should also be uncluttered and minimal.
Cason hopes to give digital art more exposure in Malaysia by educating the public about its value and allowing his art to speak for itself. He has even been invited to showcase his works in Venezuela, Russia and Europe, which is an impressive achievement that gave him a strong boost of confidence.
The passionate artist will continue to experiment with new materials, tools and photography-based creations. And so, it is imperative that digital art keeps moving forward with the advancement in technology.
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From left to right: Wild Beauty of the Fatal, Tropical Life, Cloud.
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