Interview
Izach Porter
Izach Porter, the visionary founder of LifestyleEdgeArt.org, hails from a family lineage rich in artistic tradition, with a heritage that spans generations. His artistic journey weaves a captivating narrative that blends the essence of his family's creative legacy with the cutting-edge world of digital art, artificial intelligence, and advanced digital editing. Izach's artistic lineage begins with his grandmother, the fascinating Margaret Enid Johnson Porter. She was not only a published writer but also a remarkable folk artist, specializing in oil-on-canvas wildlife and prairie art. Her work, characterized by its folksy midcentury American portrayal of the natural world, left an indelible imprint on young Izach's artistic soul. Izach's journey, however, initially took a different path. Armed with four undergraduate degrees and two master's degrees, including a master's concentration in quantitative analysis, he delved into the world of academia and finance. But, his artistic passion, nurtured since childhood, lay dormant, waiting for an opportunity to blossom.
That moment arrived when Izach fell in love with the fusion of technology and art. It was the perfect synthesis of his analytical mind and his desire to visually express emotions. This concepts ignited the creation of LifestyleEdgeArt.com, a platform where art and technology harmoniously converge to create breathtaking digital art pieces that stir the soul and provoke emotions.
Izach Porter's journey is a testament to the allure of creativity, the enduring legacy of family artistic tradition, and the boundless potential of the digital age. His work is an ode to his artistic forebears, a bridge between generations, and a celebration of the fusion of tradition and technology in the world of art.
What inspires you?
“It's a mix of family legacy, a fascination with technology, a deep love for nature, and a passion for poetry. Let me break it down in simple terms: I've always had this thing for cutting-edge tech. It's like a playground for my artistic soul. The fusion of technology and art just blew my mind. It's a space where I can craft visual poetry, and that's exciting. Protecting the environment, especially wildlife, has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Nature's beauty is a wellspring of inspiration for my art. Now, here's where it gets interesting. I love words, and I see poetry in everything. So, I take the written word, and I use it to craft AI prompts. These prompts are like the conductor of an orchestra, guiding the technology to paint the emotions I want to convey visually. This is where I'm at the forefront of AI artistry. It's not just about the visuals; it's about the written prompts too. I see them as part of my artistic journey, a narrative I want to share with my audience. It's a blend of creativity, technology, and a deep love for the world we live in. That's what lights my artistic fire.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“They're all about the great outdoors, wildlife, and a strong call for conservation. Let me lay it out for you: This one's close to my heart. I'm committed to making a real impact. That's why I donate at least 20% of all my profits to wildlife conservation efforts. During specific promotions, that number can go up to 50%. It's my way of putting my art to work in protecting the planet's most vulnerable creatures. I'm all about capturing the raw beauty of natural settings. The unspoiled landscapes and the incredible diversity of wildlife inspire me. Whether it's a lush forest or a vast ocean, I want to bring that essence to life in my art. I do this to artistic interpretation and using styles that provoke emotion for me, and hopefully for my audience. I'm not just talking the talk; I'm walking the walk. I often dedicate entire art series to endangered species. Take, for instance, my work on the Javan Rhino, the rarest of the rare. Right now, I'm knee-deep in a project that'll shine a spotlight on the top 25 most endangered species on the planet. It's a battle cry for their survival. Patagonia's untouched beauty is something that keeps me up at night. I'm working on a series that aims to capture and preserve its natural splendor. It's not just about art; it's about making a difference. In a nutshell, my art isn't just about pretty pictures. It's a loud and clear message for wildlife conservation and preserving the wonders of our natural world. It's my way of using art to make a positive impact.”
“In essence, my inspiration is a harmonious symphony of creativity, technology, nature, conservation, and literary finesse. My art is a testament to the interconnectedness of these passions and an invitation for my audience to embark on a multifaceted journey of art and emotion.”
How would you describe your work?
“ It's a blend of technology, art, poetry, and pure creativity. Think of it as a modern twist on the age-old artistry. You know, back when cameras first appeared, some painters were skeptical, thinking it might overshadow the handcrafted, hand-painted art. But me? I see this new era of digital art as an avenue to create awe-inspiring beauty and leverage technology to protect our planet's most vulnerable species, those hit hardest by our advances.
I'm all about using technology to be a guardian of endangered animals and nature. It's about more than just art; it's a mission to make a difference. Whether it's through visual storytelling, intricate details, or vivid emotions, my work is a testament to the potential of art and technology coming together for a greater cause. It's a harmonious blend of creativity, innovation, and a deep love for our planet.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Oh, they're as diverse as my work itself. I'm a bit of a melting pot when it comes to styles and inspirations. During my college days, I delved deep into Spanish and French art, soaking up the richness of their traditions. My time in Madrid was a game-changer, providing me with a direct connection to the vibrant Spanish art scene.
And it doesn't stop there. I've been fortunate enough to wander through some of the most iconic art museums and galleries in Europe and South America. Places like the Louvre, the Prado, and the Tate Modern, to name a few. The depth and diversity of these experiences have left a lasting impression on my artistic journey.
But when it comes to creating, it's all about emotion. I think about what stirs me up inside and use an artistic style that can capture that feeling. I'm not just replicating; I'm channeling my own experiences, and I hope that sincerity shines through in my work. So, you could say my influences are as varied as the colors on my palette.”
What is your creative process like?
“Well, it's a bit like chasing a feeling, painting a mental picture, and then bringing it to life. But let me give you the full picture.
You see, art started as a form of therapy for me, a way to battle the relentless grip of depression. When I first dove into this medium, it was like my creative floodgates were flung wide open. I'd often find myself immersed for 14 hours straight or more on a single project. It all begins with an emotion, a gut feeling that sparks the creative fire. I've got a particular emotion, an image idea, and a unique perspective in mind, almost like a movie playing out in my head. Technology is the key. It's the magic wand that helps unlock that idea in my mind's eye. I take that initial vision and use digital tools to shape and mold it. It's a bit like sculpting, but instead of clay, it's pixels, and it's also a form of visual poetry. The journey doesn't end there. I use traditional graphic design tools to refine and perfect the image. It's like giving it the finishing touches, making sure it resonates with the emotion I want to convey.
Now, here's the cool part—I'm a bit of an experimental artist. I'm always trying out new techniques. One of my recent experiments involves using actual photos that I've taken. I blend these photos into my prompts, along with style and emotional outcomes. Sometimes, it's a bit of a marathon with hundreds of revisions and iterations. It's time-consuming, sure, but when I finally hit that sweet spot, it's all worth it.
So, you could say my creative process is a bit like a symphony of emotions, technology, and endless iterations. It's a journey, and the destination is a work of art that speaks to the heart.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist's role in society is multi-faceted, and it continually evolves to reflect the shifting dynamics of our world. Historically and in the present, artists have played several vital roles: Artists act as mirrors, reflecting the values, aspirations, and challenges of their time. They capture the essence of society, preserving its stories and emotions for future generations to study and understand. Art often serves as a catalyst for conversation and critical examination. Artists have the power to challenge norms, provoke thought, and question the status quo, bringing about societal change through their creations. Art has the unique ability to convey emotions and sentiments that may be difficult to articulate otherwise. Artists express the full spectrum of human experiences, fostering empathy and connection among people. Throughout history, artists have preserved cultural heritage through their work. They create visual records of traditions, beliefs, and practices that might otherwise be lost to time. Artists inspire innovation and imagination. Their creations can lead to breakthroughs in various fields, from technology to science, by expanding the boundaries of what is possible.
As society evolves, so too does the artist's role. In the digital age, artists have leveraged technology to reach wider audiences and explore new mediums. Moreover, artists increasingly engage with social and environmental issues, using their platforms to advocate for change and raise awareness about pressing global concerns, such as climate change and social justice.
The future promises an even more dynamic role for artists. With advances in artificial intelligence and virtual reality, artists have new tools to push creative boundaries and immerse audiences in immersive experiences. They are likely to continue playing a pivotal role in driving conversations about the human condition, our relationship with technology, and our responsibility toward the planet.
In essence, an artist's role is not static; it adapts to the times, challenges, and opportunities that define their era. Artists will always be the creative visionaries who shape and reshape the cultural and societal landscape, offering fresh perspectives and pushing the boundaries of what it means to be human.”
