Details, Repetition and Deadmau5

Do you ever look at something and think, "Wow, that's really detailed. I wouldn't try to repeat that." Or maybe the opposite, "That looks so simple. Why would someone pay so much for that?" Sometimes the ideas behind the piece are what make the art, more than what is seen to the naked eye. Other times, art is made to be visually appealing, regardless of what inspiration is behind it.

When I come up with an idea, I try to make is as visually appealing as I can. I don't want someone to have to think too much about the idea behind it. Most of the time, there isn't any idea or inspiration behind what I come up with. I do it because I enjoy it. Many of my paintings have a re-occuring theme of trees and night skies. Many of my drawings have a "tribal" theme filled in with miscellaneous shapes and figures. When I look at something, I want to be able to look at it again and again without becoming bored of it. You pay good money for art, you don't want to be sick of looking at it in a few months, do you?

Often times when I create something, I do it because I like the subject. For example, on two separate occasions, I was listening to a lot of Deadmau5 (pronounced 'dead mouse'), an electronic artist from Toronto, Ontario, and decided to paint a portrait of him wearing his Mau5 (pronounced 'mouse') stage costume. Another time I drew a picture of various Mau5 heads floating around. I couldn't find any Deadmau5 posters in my area, so I hung up these two pieces instead.

Deadmau5 Everywhere
(early 2011)

Deadmau5 Nightlife
(mid 2010)

I'm not saying anything is wrong with simplicity. Stories and ideas behind art are part of what makes it so interesting. In times like today where patience is rare and people are just too busy with their lives, I want to create something that will make them stop what they're doing and say, "That's really nice." 

Take a break from life, and start enjoying it a little bit more.