“The digital possibilities offer completely new and unprecedented visuals and objects which would never work in the real world. Surreal, extreme, hyper-futuristic shapes, architectures, and materials characterize digital artists of this time. Physical forces no longer play a role, floating objects, metallic liquids, and dissolving bodies - Reality and the digital world merge, and our perception of reality is put to the test.”

Hannelore Braisch

Hany what do you think is the need for digital craftsmanship in a world where people are locking their screen time on desktops and phones? Do you have such self-imposed disciplines as well?

For me as a digital artist, there is a fluid transition between work and private life, so it's not so easy to separate the two. I work almost exclusively with digital programs and tools and also use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and so on. In my free time, I also use Apps and digital tools for drawing, sculpting, watching videos, listening to music, or reading. I don't set myself limits in the sense that I only allow myself to be on the screen for a certain amount of time. However, there are certain activities during the day where it is clear to me that I will not use my computer, iPad, or mobile phone. In the morning, for example, I consciously take time to start the day in peace: meditate for ten minutes, walk with my dog in nature, read a book or do yoga. I also leave my mobile phone off when I'm eating or meeting friends. These digital time-outs are very important for me to be able to really come down, to gain distance from work, and to be consciously in the moment. Often the best ideas come during these breaks and afterward, I am much more inspired. I also find it difficult when people talk about digital detox. It implies that the digital is toxic. I think it's up to us how we use technology; how we use our apps; how we use our screens and reflect on it all.

I wonder what would be the style of your eyeglasses in case you got weak eyesight.

I have low vision and wear prescription glasses. They are rather minimalist and simple. I have to say that I'm more the type who likes casual and comfortable in everyday life. So if I were to design prescription glasses for myself, they would also be very minimalist in design. I see the glasses as a kind of extension of my eyes that belong to me. So I would choose ergonomic shapes and comfortable, soft materials so that you hardly notice them when you wear them. They would have organic shaped elements because I'm a big fan of bionics and like to be inspired by the design languages of nature.

Please tell us what you think of the digital space as a world of infinite mutations.

I am ambivalent about the subject. On the one hand, I create digital art myself and love the ever-evolving possibilities that come with it. I'm also a big fan of the fact that you can now easily connect with people all over the world and work flexibly from anywhere. On the other hand, I think we are not yet aware of many of the consequences of ever-advancing technology. Topics like data protection, technical security, and cybercrime are only a small part of it.

Would you agree that life on earth is an ever-ending loop of dreams? Tell us about your imaginations or dreams that help you to create what you create.

Definitely! I've always had a lot of imagination and a great curiosity about my environment, and I still get inspired by many things. Nature, people, books, films, art, music, animals. As a child, I used to go hiking every summer with my family in the Carpathian Mountains in Romania, where there is a lot of untouched nature and ancient forests. I was annoyed by the long distances we covered, but at the same time fascinated by the diversity of species, the shapes, and colors, the sounds and smells there. I think that had a great impact on me. Nature has the ability to create the most intricate and beautiful designs there are. A lot of my design inspiration comes from being out in nature. There I always try to look at my environment from different angles, consciously and attentively. Other artists also inspire me and I like to go to all kinds of exhibitions. As soon as I have an idea, it burns in my fingers to realize it. That's why I always draw everywhere, because I want to record my thoughts directly, like a kind of notebook. I also like to start work without an exact picture in mind and intuitively begin to develop a form, using different parameters that I then set myself. My creative process is natural and organic, a constant state of mind that magically connects the lines. I love futuristic scenes full of unusual and surreal shapes, materials, and structures where neither the laws of nature nor the rules of logic apply. In fantasy, everything is possible and allowed. There are no limits and I try to incorporate this into my work.

My Instagram account was hacked earlier this summer. I got it back after a month with no major damage. What do you think of the vulnerable or rather the dark side of the internet?

On the one hand, it is scary that more and more areas of life are being shifted to the digital level and that it is so fragile and vulnerable. Of course, I feel dependent on technology and the internet. Just not having Wifi feels like being cut off from the outside world. For me, it would definitely be a loss if my accounts were suddenly blocked and I no longer had access to them. I have invested a lot of time and work in them, and it is a kind of digital identity that I have built up. Of course, digitalization brings this risk and we accept it because it also offers us many new opportunities. For me, it is important that more happens in the area of privacy, copyright, and protection of accounts and data. The internet is a new world we have entered and I think it will take a long time before people are aware of all the possibilities and risks.

What do you have to say about IPR (Intellectual property rights) in the context of the digital landscape for artists when we find similar works every now and then?

I think intellectual property is something we delude ourselves about. Ideas are nothing more than the output of things we have seen somewhere and which have inspired us, whether consciously or unconsciously. Our brain soaks up everything like a sponge and actually, nothing we create is really new. So I don't find it surprising that similar-looking artwork can be seen again and again. Artists inspire each other. Ideas, movements, and styles are created that way. If you travel back through the history of art and architecture, you notice that every era was characterized by certain styles and ideals. They reflect society and its needs and dreams and anxieties. I think there is a latent nervousness and uncertainty at the moment. Since the pandemic broke out and disasters and wars are on the increase, you feel a latent sense of threat. It feels surreal and apocalyptic. The digital possibilities offer completely new and unprecedented visuals and objects which would never work in the real world. Surreal, extreme, hyper-futuristic shapes, architectures, and materials characterize digital artists of this time. Physical forces no longer play a role, floating objects, metallic liquids, and dissolving bodies - Reality and the digital world merge, and our perception of reality is put to the test.

How do you find your authenticity amidst the constant bombardment of content and digital art?

I stick to the things that interest me and where I feel the most joy and just do them; of course, I also get inspired by other artists and designers and wonder how their work was technically realized or where the idea came from. That doesn't change what I want to do. You should keep your own visions and preferences in focus and always work towards them without looking left and right every time. When I'm really creative and in a flow state, I just let my hands do it and leave a lot to my intuition and chance. That's the best part of it all because sometimes you're surprised by the things that come out. It feels like you've put your innermost self out there and I think that's what makes you authentic.

Last but not least where do you see yourself growing from here?

I enjoy exploring the digital world and finding new shapes, materials, and movements, and putting them into different contexts. I definitely want to expand my technical skills to express myself freely and try to use my aesthetic sense to create completely new things. I also find it exciting to explore new possibilities for future fashion design and to break boundaries between art, graphics, and fashion.