In the vast realm of digital artistry, there are creators who stand out not just for their skill, but for the depth of emotion and introspection they bring to their work. Tiny is one such artist. With a heart that has always been attuned to creation, her journey has been one of self-discovery, channeled through the myriad forms of art she has embraced.
From the pages of fantasy novels and fairy tales to the very essence of her own introspective musings, Tiny's inspirations are as diverse as they are profound. Each piece she creates is not just a visual spectacle, but a fragment of a soul laid bare, a testament to her belief in art as both therapy and a mirror to the self.
As we embark on this intimate exploration of Tiny's artistic world, we uncover the influences, aspirations, and the deeply personal truths that shape her work. It's a journey through the mind of a creator who, in her own words, is still searching for that magical door to another world and, in its absence, is determined to craft one of her own.
Mismir ( M ): Artists, in my opinion, often fall into one of two categories: those whose passion for their craft has burned brightly since birth, and those for whom a specific moment ignited that flame, altering the trajectory of their life. Which category resonates with you, and when did you firmly decide that art was your destined path?
Tiny ( T ): Definitely the first one — ever since childhood, I have loved to create. From writing to drawing, to photography, to design, and other types of crafting, making things feels natural to me. I never decided it was my destined path — it’s just a part of my life that has always been there — but in the last year, I have definitely decided to honor it more and give it more weight.
M: Every piece of art is anchored in inspiration. Whether it's drawn from people, places, experiences, thoughts, or even the artists' introspection, a muse is always present, shaping the creation. Who or what stands as your most profound muse, and why?
T: Not trying to sound egotistic, but my inspiration does come from my own introspection. Sometimes I think of my life as some kind of anthropological expedition. I have felt compelled to document my life via journals since I was 13 years old. It’s a way for me to catalog and work through my emotions, struggles, and hopes. It’s interesting to look back and see what themes come up repeatedly, and also to compare myself at different points in time. Through this, it’s almost like I can try to discover who my core self really is.
M: One of my cherished traditions when speaking with artists is to embark them on a journey of self-reflection. Recalling the very first day you ventured on your creative journey and tracing it to the present, how do you perceive the evolution in your style or approach from those initial days to now?
T: For the sake of this question, I would go back to the start of my “internet diary” project, almost two years ago. I started creating visuals for my pseudo-philosophical ramblings and pieces of journal entries. After a while, I began exploring the use of AI to create these, with which I took a very laissez-faire approach and hardly post-processed. I am not a fan of that style anymore. I want to spend more time on my pieces and explore different mediums.
M: To me, art, in all its diverse forms, acts as a mirror, reflecting the depths of our souls. With this perspective in mind, how do you believe you are manifested within your artistic creations?
T: Completely agree. I think my art bares my soul quite openly. I try to be honest about my thoughts and feelings, even when I’m scared to do so. Every piece is like a fragment of myself.
M: One piece from your collection "tell me, stranger - what haunts you?" that deeply resonates with me is "hell is in your head." While I appreciate all the works in the collection, this particular piece struck a unique chord with me. Could you delve deeper into the message behind this piece? Additionally, I'd love to hear your thoughts on why we often internalize torture, creating our own personal hells, and how we might navigate away from such self-inflicted suffering.
T: Sure — I’m really glad you enjoyed that piece. I think we are all haunted by ghosts, though they certainly vary from person to person. This one is about the ghosts of regret. It’s easy to say, “I wish I had…” or “If I could go back, I would…” Yet, every decision you make in life is justified to you by the conditions you are in at that time. Regret is an unnecessary prison we place ourselves in — we can’t go back and change things. Being forgiving of yourself is important if you want to be at peace.
M: I firmly believe that people are drawn to the unconventional, where rules are defied and fresh ideas blossom. In my view, for an artist to truly break these boundaries, they must remain authentic and uphold their integrity. How crucial do you believe individuality is in an artist's journey, and what steps can artists take to more fully embrace their unique essence?
T: I hope you’re right, because I want to make art that is even weirder, and hopefully not scare people away! I’m still on this journey myself, but I think authenticity is what makes great art. Embracing your unique essence means trying a lot of different things to find out what does and what doesn’t work. I think you have to make a lot of bad art before you can figure out what really reflects what you want to put out into the world.
M: Your artistic style deeply resonates with me, placing you among a select few artists I feel such a connection with. Each time I encounter one of your pieces, it ignites something profound within me. I sense that my emotional response is tied not just to the narratives you weave but also to the dreamlike, vivid, and ethereal aesthetics that characterize much of your work. These combined elements profoundly stir my soul. Can you share the origins of your distinctive style? Was it a natural inclination or a passion that grew over time?
T: That makes me so happy to hear! I think my style originates from the types of literary escapism I love — fantasy novels, fairy tales, dystopias, and science fiction. I was a huge bookworm as a child, spending most of my time in a dream world. I’m still searching for that door to a magical world, and since I haven’t found it yet, I have to make my own somehow.
M: One phrase from your creations that deeply resonated with me is, "When I went to sleep, I saw a world where I could finally breathe." This struck a chord, as I too feel that our current society, with its relentless pressures and influences, often suffocates our true selves, sometimes without us even being aware. Personally, I've been striving to reject these external pressures, to silence the cacophony of voices that try to confine me and to embrace my authentic self. I believe that the more we align with our true selves, the freer we breathe. However, this transformation can be a slow process for many, and sometimes, they need a guiding hand. To me, that guiding force is artists like you. Historically, artists have been at the vanguard of societal change and cultural revolutions. Given this, how do you envision artists, including yourself, shaping a world where we can breathe more freely? Do you believe artists have the power to effect such change, and if so, why?
T: Oh, I like that you picked up on that one, and you have a beautiful take on it! I believe that art should make you feel something. For me, emotions are central to the art that I create and the art that I like. By being confronted with our emotions through art, we can begin to understand ourselves better. By understanding ourselves better, we can begin to be more compassionate to ourselves and others. That is how art can effect change.
M: Every piece of art carries a purpose and points towards a destination. In your perspective, what purpose does your art serve, and what is a dream or goal you aspire to achieve in this creative journey you're on?
T: My art is my therapy. With it, I aim to face my demons head-on, to meet them, to shake their hands, and then to someday let them go. I hope that along the way, my work will also resonate with others, and I hope they can derive their own personal meaning from it.
M: If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would you say they are?
T: It would have to be an artist’s dinner party. I’d invite Harold Cohen, who was one of the artists at the forefront of the computer art scene starting in the 1960’s. He created a “drawing machine” and spent decades developing his drawing program, AARON. The second artist at the table would be Hilma af Klint, a very interesting and mysterious figure in the abstract art world. She was part of a mystical collective of women artists who delved deep into the esoteric. The final artist would be Georgia O’Keeffe. Her work is very nostalgic to me; I grew up with it. I would love to ask her for advice about my own artistic practices.
In the digital realm where artistry meets introspection, Tiny stands as a beacon of authenticity. Her work, a harmonious blend of past influences and present introspections, offers a unique perspective into the world of digital art. Each piece, a testament to her journey, beckons viewers to not just observe, but to feel, to introspect, and to connect.
For those eager to delve deeper into Tiny's universe, a trove of creations awaits on her social media platforms ( Twitter - Lens - Farcaster ) and website. It's a space where the magic of fantasy novels, the allure of abstract thoughts, and the rawness of emotions come alive, offering a glimpse into the mind of an artist who continues to redefine boundaries.
As we conclude our narrative with Tiny, remember that our tapestry of stories, The Loom of Voices, is ever-expanding. Next week, our Storied Strokes series promises to introduce another mesmerizing tale. Stay tuned to our social channels ( Twitter - Lens - Instagram ) for hints and teasers about what's to come.
Each voice, each story, like Tiny's, adds depth and color to our collective narrative. These are the visionaries, the storytellers of our age, and their tales are the threads that bind us all. Our journey is far from over; it's a continuous exploration of creativity and inspiration.
Join us as we celebrate and traverse these captivating narratives, one story at a time.
The journey continues…
