Interview with a Digital Art Maestro: A Journey Through Creativity and Innovation
We had the pleasure of chatting with a dynamic and innovative digital artist whose work has been making waves in the art world. Known for his distinctive style and unique creative process, he has captivated audiences with his striking pieces and thought-provoking themes. From starting his artistic journey at a young age to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of digital art, he has continuously pushed the boundaries of creativity. Join us as we delve into the mind of this talented artist, exploring his inspirations, challenges, and the fascinating stories behind his masterpieces. Welcome to an intimate look into the world of Anthony Azekwoh.
NTS: Can you walk us through the creative process of one of your art pieces, from the initial idea to the finished piece?
Anthony: My creative process often starts mentally and evolves over time. For instance, with my piece Yasuke, I stumbled upon the idea of an African samurai months before starting. It can take minutes, hours, days, or even months from concept to completion.
NTS: How long does it take you to create an art piece?
Anthony: Typically, it takes between six to twenty hours, depending on the complexity. For example, the Ayra Starr painting took me approximately five to six hours.
NTS: Is there something in the works with Ghetts?
Anthony: Unfortunately, not all projects come to fruition, and this one didn’t pull through.
NTS: How do you stay motivated and keep your creativity flowing, especially during creative blocks?
Anthony: I stay motivated by reading more and always finding something to do. I see it as a militant discipline to ensure I never get bored and to keep my audience engaged.
NTS: Your art has a distinctive style, one of my favorites is the Kinfxlk piece. How did you develop this unique aesthetic?
Anthony: My style is inspired by what moves me and how I choose to express my work. I love oil painting and traditional works, always wondering how to incorporate these into my digital pieces.
NTS: What tools and software do you primarily use for your work, and why did you choose them?
Anthony: I primarily use Photoshop for painting and Z brush for sculpting.
NTS: You started digital art at sixteen. What led you to this journey, and what challenges did you face?
Anthony: Expressing myself was a big part of it. I started with pen on paper because my handwriting was terrible. I showed my mom my work, and she supported me. Whenever I got commissions, I’d reinvest the money into my art.
NTS: Have you seen any recent trends in digital art that you find particularly exciting or influential?
Anthony: I find AI trends fascinating, especially Spectra’s work. There’s no single trend, but many artists are doing impressive things.
NTS: Are you a big fan of AI?
Anthony: Not really, but I find it interesting.
NTS: Do you see AI as a threat to the originality and growth of digital artists?
Anthony: No, not at all. If you’re creating unprecedented and unique work, AI can’t replicate that. AI aggregates existing work, so true originality remains safe. Some of my favorite works are the Three Goddess’ series.
NTS: Can you recall a time when feedback significantly impacted your work, either positively or negatively?
Anthony: I’m very focused on my work, so I don’t let negative feedback affect me much.
NTS: What inspired the color choices for The River Goddess?
Anthony: I wanted to capture the essence of river goddesses, so I used different shades of blue to showcase their aquatic nature.
NTS: What is your biggest goal or an award you’re aiming to achieve?
Anthony: I don’t seek validation through awards. Being nominated is nice, but it’s not something I focus on.
NTS: Should we expect a collaboration with Slawn?
Anthony: We’re both really busy with our schedules. We went to White Sands together and met in Lagos, but finding time to collaborate is challenging.
NTS: Can you give us a sneak peek of your upcoming art piece?
Anthony: I’m working on a new piece about Nigeria and have already figured out the title.
NTS: What prompted you to start sculpting?
Anthony: It was all about experimenting. It took me around two years to develop my skills, and it’s an ongoing process.
NTS: You recently had a solo exhibition. Were your expectations met?
Anthony: It was fun and great to meet everyone. My expectations were met, so it was a cool experience.
NTS: As a digital artist who has gained attention, does it affect your day-to-day activities?
Anthony: Not really. People do chat with me, but it’s not overwhelming. It’s pretty calm.
NTS: How do you see the future of digital art, especially with emerging technologies like AI and virtual reality?
Anthony: The future looks promising. Many skilled artists will become known faster, and a lot of great things are happening now. There’s definitely a lot to look forward to.
NTS: What’s something unique about your process or style that most people don’t know?
Anthony: A huge part of my process involves thinking. Most of my time is spent contemplating ideas.
NTS: Which song or artist inspires you the most?
Anthony: It changes depending on what’s happening in my life. For example, the Ayra Starr piece was inspired by her music. Many of my works reflect my feelings about the situation in Nigeria, often addressing the country’s decline and the impact of the new government.
This engaging interview gives us a fascinating insight into the mind and process of Anthony Azekwoh, highlighting his journey, inspirations, and thoughts on the evolving landscape of digital art.
