Could you tell us a little about yourself and how did you get into digital art?

I have been exposed to art since a very young age, so it was only natural to go and study something in the arts sector. I was introduced to the technical side of theatre, and it blew my mind. Due to the magic of theatre, I decided to specialize in props and décor for my studies. After my studies I started working on festivals and events.

I have been involved in the theatre and event technology industry for just over 10 years. Due to Covid-19 the entertainment industry closed down overnight, and we lost our jobs. However, our clients still needed to communicate with their stakeholders. I was fortunate enough to have some experience in content creation and I started creating assets for all these clients that moved into the virtual space.

I wanted more than just doing corporate work, so I started creating art under the name Dan Dan & Shnitty. I realized very quickly that I love creating my own works and started creating my own digital artworks daily.

Being somebody who has been in the creative industry for some time, what difference do you see in today’s digital art space?

It’s quite a disappointing environment. With the explosion of NFT’s it created an opportunity for digital artists to make money and for their works to be protected. But like all things in life, where the money flows the trash goes. Everyone started creating NFT’s to make money, and it created this bubble where “crap” had a lot of value, and then the bubble burst. Now the market is saturated with a lot of works that don’t have value, and in between all the trash there are great pieces that aren’t valuable due to supply and demand. I am excited to see the industry stabilize and for value to return in a balanced way. There are some great digital artists that do deserve to be on the main stage.

What is the inspiration behind your work? And the essence of your work?

I create works that everyone can enjoy. It does have deeper meaning, but its purpose is not the create discussions. I hate the pretentiousness of the arts industry, and how artworks are dissected. I approach my works with “ My dad should like this” mindset. It needs to be seen, enjoyed, hopefully create a smile and that’s it.

This however doesn’t mean that I’m not influenced by serious topics. Some of the works have a dark and socially unacceptable origins. But I don’t use these topics to shock people into change. Think of my art as a song, with a happy tone and happy chords with depressing lyrics.

Main challenges for digital creators nowadays?

Value. Personally, it’s a lot easier to create digital art than to paint and sculpt. And it’s so easy to get your work onto social media or websites. But this doesn’t mean the works are any less valuable. People need to realize that creating an artwork takes your entire life. Not just the time it takes to make it. My thoughts and ideas have been cultivating for over 30 years. I hope that people will realize this, for all artists, styles, and mediums. My artworks are little plants that I have been watering for years. I just have a medium that re-pots quicker than others.

To what extent does the pandemic influence your depiction of art? Does it generate new inspiration?  

 

It influences my thinking but not the concepts. The pandemic has had some serious mental impact on me, and the viewer might be able to sense it. Anxiety and depression have its influences without you realizing it. I have committed to focus more on the pandemic with the residency, and hopefully to make peace with the trauma that we have been ignoring.

 

How do you feel about being involved in an online residency program? How important is it to stay connected with the international art community?

I love it. I try to make notes on how people see and perceive things. Culturally, we think different about things and being able to see my work from someone else’s perspective is so valuable. Technology has allowed us to stop thinking “international” and realize we are all connected and playing in the same team. A unique perspective is only a text away.

What are your thoughts about the theme ‘artist on standby’? Tell us a bit more about your project…

It’s great. Due to my background, I have decided to focus on how people, who work in entertainment sector, have suffered because of Covid-19. In shows the term “stand by” is filled with anxiety and fear, the show is about to begin. And that phrase was killed by the various lockdowns. People had to find new jobs and leave a sector they loved. Some never had the opportunity to have a “last show” to say goodbye, the shows just didn’t happen anymore. I want to acknowledge that and remind people of the little bubble we lived in before it was destroyed.

What do you want to achieve before things return to normal if it is to happen? Any future plans/projects?

I just want to create more. As I am lucky enough to monetize my skills, I am not pushed to create art to sell. Every day I wake up and I create something because I can do it, not because I must. However, this doesn’t mean I’m not dreaming and motivated to do bigger things. I really look forward to moving into a 3D space, animations, and printing. I hope to bring my theatre background and art together and to create an experience that hits all the senses. And to stick to my approach of creating art for everyone. Have fun and be carefree. The universe tends to bless those who have more fun.