ROOMS 15 present: ARI WEINKLE
After featuring his work in our latest issue, ROOMS caught up with artist Ari Weinkle for an exclusive insight into his working methodology.
With fractured natural forms and dreamlike imagery, Ari Weinkle presents the viewer with a beautifully stylised art that seeks to express the unseen through the disintegration of fragility. Swirling colours twist their way around a distorted central image that is both arresting and dizzying, but remains fragile and delicate. Make sure you check out his work and have a look for yourself!
Hi Ari, thanks for chatting with us. Can you start by telling us what you do?
I’m an artist and designer. I work full time as a graphic designer, but my passion is digital art. I try to balance the two as best as possible.
How did you get to where you are today? Would you consider yourself to have always been an artist in some way?
Yes, certainly! I’ve been creating artwork my whole life starting in elementary school where I’d always try and make class projects as crazy and artistic as possible. In high school, I started taking a lot more studio art classes that led to art school and then a job in design.
Your work often exposes the beauty of simple natural forms. Does this relate to a desire to slow down and appreciate those things around us?
Definitely. Meditation is a key part of my creative process. I think it’s very important think and consider what you are doing before creating anything.
Let’s talk about the contrast between the fragile and the chaotic in your work. I notice that there is a synergy between delicate, soft forms and harsh geometric statements. Where do you think the balance comes from here? Would it be accurate to say that this reflects us as human beings in some way?
This contrast is key to my work. Often we see artwork that is one way or the other. For me, the challenge is to balance the two. It’s really about moving things around until it “feels” right and looks good. I’ve never thought of the human comparison, but can definitely see that parallel now that you’ve pointed it out.
The centrality of objects seems to be quite important in your work. What are your thoughts on this?
Nowadays there is so much too see across all types of media. I began using singular objects because it’s easier for people to understand and respond to. Afterwards, they might be interested in the details and spend more time looking at the work.
I really love that there is a kaleidoscopic effect created in some pieces. Do these pieces represent a sort of symbolic mandala?
Yes, in some way. I often rely on symbols and motifs to express my ideas.
Fragmentation often plays a large part in crafting the feel of your images. How important do you feel that this is, not only to the work itself, but to you as an artist?
Fragmentation allows me to play around with established forms and create something new. Through breaking things apart, I’m attempting to reveal the unseen.
Would you agree that your work is sometimes reflective of the viewer’s experience of it?
Indeed. I think it’s impossible to look at something without bringing your own perspective to it.
Time and nature seem to be recurring motifs in your work. How important do you think these themes are in what you do?
Out of the two, nature is paramount. Being in nature has a soothing effect on my consciousness. I try to bring some of that feeling into my artwork.
Sound also appears to play an important role in your work. Can you tell us a bit about what you think the relationship is between sound and art?
I think sound provides inspiration for visual art and vice versa. Music opens the mind up to unexpected pathways and ideas.
You often use metaphorical imagery about the mind and human memory in your work. Can you tell us a bit more about this?
I tend to overthink everything… I guess it’s natural that these themes continue to appear in my work!
Thanks for chatting with us Ari. Your work looks incredible and we wish you all the best!
