Meeting in the middle

This artwork is the final submission from the artist MissMojo for the 'Humanity' event by the Faerian gallery. The artist created this piece in 3 days, inspired by a prompt that was submitted by the public. In a unique twist, instead of being interpreted by an AI, this time the prompt was brought to life by a human artist. The entire creative process was livestreamed online and at the NFC Lisboa event.

Original prompt text: -- 'The Essence of Connection

In a world driven by technology and digital interactions, the essence of connection is often overlooked or undervalued. For this art contest, I want artists to explore and depict the multifaceted nature of human connection. Whether it’s the connection between individuals, communities, cultures, or even the connection between humans and nature, I want artists to capture the depth and significance of these bonds. Artists can interpret this theme in various ways, such as exploring emotional connections, shared experiences, the power of empathy, or the beauty of human relationships. They can delve into the struggles and triumphs of forming connections, the impact of technology on human interaction, or the longing for meaningful connections in a fast-paced world. The possibilities are vast, allowing artists to express their unique perspectives and visions on the theme of connection. Participants are encouraged to experiment with different artistic styles to bring their ideas to life. The key is to convey the essence of connection through compelling visuals and thought-provoking artistic expressions. Remember, connection is a universal theme that resonates with everyone, so artists have the opportunity to create something that not only showcases their talent but also speaks to the shared human experience. Let your creativity flow and celebrate the profound and meaningful connections that make us who we are.'

Art Medium: -- Digital collage, illustration, acrylic gelli prints

Was AI used? -- Yes I used AI to generate images to use in the collage, as I would have used from a any magazine or website. Advantage is I crafted and designed them myself. I think if you look at my piece you could not tell, but what is from AI and is still visible might be 20%-25% and has been highly altered.

How is your final artwork related to the prompt? -- My artwork depicts the prompt visually by representing firstly the connection between individuals, and conveying a sense of the the exchange of energy, the effect in our human body, the chemical hormonal reactions, electrical impulses in our brains to experiencing bonding and forming meaningful connections to others. It was also important to me that my piece was inclusive, ideally not representing a specific gender or refering to romantic partnership so that more people can relate to it.

I have also chosen to illustrate two separate paths that join representing the different cultures, communities and even religions that often have the same basic philosophical principles but call them differently, that finally are often connecting at their core human values.

I have drawn mountains and hills because connecting isn't always easy and can represent a rocky road to certain individuals. Being neurodivergent bring its load of challenges when time comes to connecting with others. I even find myself in some kind of a maze when I try to connect to my Self, to my own identity when masking have been a part of my life for so long. Connection to Self, connection to your essence, is essential to grow and bloom as a happy individual. And it might be the key, the ""essence of connection"" to access true vulnerability and honesty in order to share moments of truth.

Why did you choose this prompt? -- As the prompt invites to a large interpretation, I felt it would be suited to my style as I like to work in conceptual and metaphorical illustrations. I also felt I could relate to it in many ways.

Explain more your creative process: -- I decided to build some kind of a hybrid digital collage. I started by building textures scanning some acrylic gelli prints. Some of them I had imprinted with sage leaves to create organic natural textures. As a graphic designer, art director and illustrator for 17 years, I still do sketches for exploring compositions and ideas in order to decide the concept and optimise the process.

Once I had an idea on the elements I needed for the ""collage"", I went to look for free stock images since I didn't have any photographs of that. I couldn't find the quality I was looking for so I generated them myself using Midjourney. I was able to get the groovy blooms and electrical explosions I wanted and ""infused"" some of them with my prompt interpretation like ""the meeting of two souls"", which didn't really show in the end but was a fun idea. I had to upscale the images in order to use them in the high resolution end product. I felt it made sense to bring "connection" between the traditional mixed media, the digital illustration and the new media (AI).

I illustrated in Procreate most of the rest, using line work to push the connection theme. Using Photoshop to end production, edit layers, calibration, transparencies and masks.

My vision was mostly to create this surreal metaphorical collage-y landscape. I am very inspired by psychology, philosophy and my own personal journey in life. I often need to create with my guts, and that prompt was aligning with what I am going through.

A last comment? -- Thank you so much for this cool event, congrats! and..... vote for me ;)