Cartoons, Mirrors, and Melodies: The Eclectic World of Daniel Craft
Multimedia Artist in Knoxville
My early influences are deeply rooted in the works of Osamu Tezuka and the classic vibes of old-timey cartoons. Like many of my generation, "The Simpsons" played a significant role in shaping my artistic vision. My eyes were always glued to the television, absorbing every detail of these animated worlds.
One aspect that particularly struck a chord with me was the dynamic and dramatic effects of actions in old Looney Tunes cartoons. The art approach in these series — from the intricate backgrounds to the expressive characters and compelling themes — had a profound impact on my artistic sensibilities.
It often starts with a casual joke among friends about an image, either from my imagination or theirs. This image then gets stuck in my head, replaying and reshaping itself like a sculpture in my brain, until finally, it sparks a "ha ha-I wanna create that now" moment where I'm eventually compelled to bring it to life.
Music plays a pivotal role in my art-making process. It's the element that keeps me focused, a crucial factor given my tendency to get easily distracted. I often find myself immersed in the haunting tunes of The Caretaker while creating, a choice that admittedly scares me at times! My favorite album from 2023 has got to be Mid Air by Paris, Texas.
A recent project of mine involves a mirror we were about to discard at work. I've been painting on this mirror, aiming to encapsulate how I perceive reflections and images within mirrors. This piece is still a work in progress, but it's shaping up to be a unique reflection of my vision.
As for the future, I prefer to live in the moment. I don't have a meticulously laid-out plan, but I'm optimistic about the prospects ahead. My goal is to continue creating 'bootleg' images that bring joy and laughter, not just to me but to others as well, and to meet new friends along this artistic journey.
It's an ever-evolving journey, one that I'm thrilled to be on. As I continue to explore and express myself through various mediums, I invite you to join me on this artistic adventure. You can follow Daniel Craft on Instagram.
Listen to this week’s playlist.
& Until further notice, CELEBRATE EVERYTHING xoxo