Artist Statement
Inspiration for most of my digital art comes from my fascination with the mysterious world of the Geisha. I am interested in visually fabricating the emotions, mystery, beauty and tradition of Japanese Geisha, Geiko and Maiko. My creative process begins with a drawing. Sketching allows me to visualize and imagine the completed work. My creations are heavily influenced by manga and especially by some of the artists of the Superflat movement. This can be seen in some of the more surreal geisha Images.
I am also intrigued by the wood block artists of 17th Japan and pictures of the floating world (ukiyo-e ). I adore the evanescent, impermanent, fleeting beauty and simplicity of this style. I try to recreate the intensity and colours used in these pictures in my own artwork, using the medium of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop with the help of Bezier curves to create my characters.
The wonderful thing about using this method is that my artwork can be transferred to anything which has a printable surface.The conditions and methods of artistic creation have changed immensely through development of technology and continue to evolve. I feel my artistic method represents the modern day digital version of ukiyo-e without the complicated process of creating a wood block print.
My steampunk jewellery and sculptures are influenced by the sub-genre of science fiction with its prominent elements of fictional technological inventions. I particularly like the evocative design and outlook of the neo-victorian style. The look and technology of the Victorian era sitting alongside impossible machinery or fantastic creatures is inspiring. I use vintage and antique clock and watch parts, movements and cogs for my creations, along with vintaj brass and sterling silver charms, chains and findings.
I have an interest in fine art and I am primarily inspired by animals, although I do enjoy sketching human faces. I use graphite pencil and charcoal for my drawings, most of which are derived from photographs. I am self taught and strive for realism in each piece, taking great care to capture every fine detail. Portraiture has always been a rewarding challenge due to the vast features and unique personalities faces present. I am often commissioned to draw loved ones, celebrities and pets.
Shows and Exhibitions
The Peoples Theatre - 2009
DeCode Exhibition - 2009
LoveBytes - 2010
RePsyche - 2010
The Summer Shows - 2010
Ouseburn Open Studio - 2010
(article in The Journal 27/11/10)
Commissions
Vineyard - Themed stained glass window 2002
Seasons - Summer house ceiling painting 2010
Corvus - Large canvas print 2010
Published Work
The Asianic Daily (www.theasianicdaily.com) as artist of the week - July 2010
Dark Beauty Magazine (www.darkbeautymag.com) in Digital Decisiveness - September 2010
Bizarre Magazine (www.bizarremag.com) Issue 168 October 2010
Folksy Friday October 2010
Formattmag (www.formattmag.com) as featured artist October 2010
U Magazine - November 2010
W25 Magazine (http://www.w25mag.com) as featured artist - November 2010
Kikked Magazine - December 2010
Qualifications
GCSE Art and Design 1997
GCSE Design Technology 1997
BTEC ND Graphic Design and Printing 1999
BA Hons Graphic Design 2002
BTEC Computer Applications in Art 2002
Employment Record
I worked as a Graphic Designer for two years (2000 -2002), creating logos, flyers and various media elements for local companies, then moved on to freelance work, designing corporate identity, logo's etc. for clients worldwide. I am currently make and sell bespoke Steampunk jewellery and sell my digital geisha pieces as prints.
Contact Details
England
denihumphrey@gmail.comwww.spankyspanglerdesign.co.uk