Art has the power to transform our deepest introspections into vibrant expressions, bridging the personal and the universal. tinyrainboot, an artist who has journeyed through the realms of writing, drawing, photography, design, and digital art, epitomizes this transformative magic. With a life-long passion for creation, she has navigated her artistic path with a profound sense of introspection, documenting her experiences and emotions through an eclectic mix of mediums.
In this exclusive interview, tinyrainboot opens up about her intrinsic connection to art, the personal reflections that serve as her primary muse, and the evolution of her creative approach. She shares the stories behind her evocative pieces, her thoughts on authenticity in art, and the importance of embracing one's unique essence. Additionally, she delves into the therapeutic nature of her work, the emotional resonance she aims to achieve, and her vision for the future.
Join us as we delve into the artistic world of tinyrainboot, exploring the rich tapestry of her creations and the introspective journey that fuels her artistry. Whether you're an art aficionado or a fellow creator, this interview promises to provide a deep well of inspiration and insight.
Eduard - Mismir ( E ): 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.
E: 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.
E: 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.
E: 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.
E: 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.
E: 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.
E: 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.
E: 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.
E: 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.
E: Could you offer us a glimpse into the narrative or concept behind the exclusive 1/1 piece that you are creating for the Mystic's Garden Genesis Drop?
T: Sure! I’m really excited to be creating a 1/1 piece for Mystic Garden. To be honest, it’s my favorite format — I like to spend a lot of time on creating a piece and then (hopefully) know who it goes home to. For Mystic Garden, I wanted to make a 3D piece. A lot of my early work on Lens was related to techno-nostalgia and questions about identity and reality in the digital age, so I’m paying homage to that theme with my piece, while also blending it with my newer and more mystical style. I wrote an accompanying poem that I hope explains it, or at least provides enough context for people to make their own meaning. I hope you’ll like it!
E: 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.
As we wrap up this enlightening interview with tinyrainboot, it's clear that her art is a heartfelt blend of introspection, emotional depth, and imaginative exploration. Her reflections offer a glimpse into the soul of an artist who bravely bares her innermost thoughts and feelings, transforming them into captivating and evocative creations.
To stay connected with tinyrainboot and follow the evolution of her artistic journey, be sure to follow her on her social media platforms ( Lens - Farcaster - Instagram - Twitter - Website ) and check out her Mystic Garden Sanctuary. Immerse yourself in her world, where every piece is a window into her soul, inviting you to explore the rich tapestry of her experiences and dreams.
The artistic exploration doesn't end here.
Season 2 of Storied Strokes, a collaboration between Mismir and Mystic Garden continues, bringing you closer to the most intriguing and inspiring artists from around the world. Stay up to date with our upcoming features, discover the next artist in the spotlight, and never miss a release by following us on social media ( Twitter - Lens - Instagram - Farcaster).
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