Creating art has always been a journey for me, a journey that constantly seeks balance—much like the delicate work-life balance I struggle to maintain. My latest piece, “Hypno Bat,” is a testament to this balance, utilising AI-generated elements combined with my own hands-on efforts to bring the artwork to life. This project involved integrating all three of my dodo wallpapers, which were also created with the help of AI, into a cohesive new piece.
“Hypno Bat” is a collage that embodies the harmony between technology and personal touch. I used AI to generate the initial dodo wallpapers, each with its unique aesthetic and intricacies. But the real magic happened when I took these digital pieces and started manipulating them, blending them into a new creation. The challenge was not just in the technical aspects, but in finding the right balance—using AI as a tool without letting it overshadow my own artistic input. It’s a tricky balance, akin to achieving a stable work-life balance, which has been a continuous challenge for me.
How do you balance work and home life?
My wife and I own Evergreen, a cafe art gallery that’s open six days a week. Running this business is a full-time commitment, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. We also have a piece of land nearby that we’re slowly converting to regenerative farming practices. It’s a labor of love, just like our project of converting an old bus into a tiny home on the farm. Add to this our two young daughters who have just started school, and you can imagine how chaotic life can get. Yet, amidst all this, my passion for art never wanes.
Finding time for my art amidst these responsibilities has been a journey in itself. Surprisingly, it seems I’ve found a semblance of balance. I attribute this to setting specific times for different activities. Mornings might be dedicated to the cafe, afternoons to the farm, and evenings to family. Whenever there’s a spare moment, even just five minutes, I seize it to sketch or draw on my tablet. It’s about being organised with my art, knowing exactly what I want to create, and always having the tools at hand to do so.
Creating “Hypno Bat” has been a surprising success in this balancing act. I found that having a clear vision and being prepared to create at any moment allowed me to integrate the AI-generated wallpapers with my personal touch seamlessly. There were times when it didn’t work as planned, but those moments were learning experiences. Each misstep brought me closer to the balance I sought, both in my art and in my life.
In the end, “Hypno Bat” is more than just a piece of art; it’s a symbol of finding harmony in chaos, a blend of technology and tradition, and a reflection of my journey towards achieving balance. It’s a reminder that while the equilibrium is tricky to maintain, it’s not impossible. With dedication, organisation, and a little bit of creativity, both in art and life, we can find that sweet spot where everything just kind of works… most of the time.
Kids Book Illustrator Andy C Marshall 