Artist in conversation: Akel K. Abiem
Akel has been sketching and drawing for as long as I can remember. Over 5 years ago, upon starting digital work on Adobe and Procreate, the goal was to expand artistic skills and push the envelope as much as possible.
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What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
The world of Western and Japanese art and animation. In recent years, I’ve grown an appreciation for surrealism, and patterns.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
I explore life and reality in some of my fictional character drawings. There’s a lot of specific themes within that bracket that I channel that I’ve experienced myself. Although some is based on my personal life, it is also based on my journey as an artist.
How do you navigate the balance between artistic expression and the demands of commercial or commissioned work, if applicable?
When I’m sketching it’s usually for myself for the most part, but there are days I use specifically on doing commissions and commercial work.
Artists often face challenges and obstacles. Can you discuss a particular challenge you've encountered in your artistic journey and how you overcame?
Within the last year or so, I wanted my art to go in a new direction. I didn’t know where to start exactly because this was around a serious art block period that I was in. I used that time period to just practice my new skillset and taking a lot of inspiration from similar artists, but also figure out what exactly I wanted out of this new direction. I’ve since established a new portfolio, and continuing on building will help me reach bigger heights.
How have you seen your style or approach change and develop over the course of your career?
Definitely.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
Art is subjective. At the end of the day, everyone is not going to like the work you put out. I believe that criticism is expected and necessary when you’re trying to reach to a certain level. For myself, regardless of the feedback, it will never get in my way of creating something exceptional, though it is something I do take into account from time, specifically from other artists in a similar field.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
It’s like an on and off switch. When the off switch is in effect, I do use that time to sidetrack... I’m usually just watching a show, reading, or listening to music for example, but they’re all good incentives for me to get back into the art game.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
Definitely honoured.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Establish myself more in the surreal art world, as well as keep building on the domain I’ve already started for myself.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your?
The subject matter I explore can come from an interesting place, depending on how you look at it too. I feel like many themes I center on highlight a lot of people’s journey, myself included, on striving for something, but also dealing with the challenges.
