Interview
Mário Domingos
Mário Domingos, born in Lisbon and currently residing in Dublin, is a visionary digital artist renowned for his groundbreaking work in the realm of 3D design. With a career spanning over twenty years, Mário has transcended the conventional limits of digital art, creating a unique fusion of abstract experimentation and immersive digital exploration. Mário’s artistic endeavors are encapsulated in his body of work, titled "Pixel Pigment on Digital Canvas." This innovative approach showcases his vision, where each creation merges digital artistry with the nuances of traditional art forms. Pushing the digital medium's boundaries, his work is characterized by experimentalism, free from the confines of specific styles or movements. Mário revels in the liberty of creating impossible worlds, exploring the untapped potential of digital art. His artistic journey is deeply rooted in a blend of art and technology. Starting with traditional art forms, Mário’s discovery of digital tools unveiled new realms of creative possibilities. This amalgamation of interests led him to a unique style, where traditional sensibilities intersect with advanced digital techniques. Tools like Cinema 4D, Houdini, and Redshift have been instrumental in bringing his innovative ideas to fruition, often leading to serendipitous artistic revelations.
Mário's inspiration is drawn from a diverse range of artists and mediums. His influences extend from digital art landscapes to traditional sculptors like Marvin Lipofsky and contemporary artists such as Joana Vasconcelos. His respect for traditional artistry, merged with a passion for digital mediums, allows him to create works that blur the physical and digital realms' boundaries. Although based in Dublin, Mário's artistic vision is profoundly influenced by the rich artistic heritage of Portugal and Spain. The vibrant cultural scenes in these regions continue to inspire his work, encouraging him to integrate diverse artistic styles and techniques into his digital creations. As an artist, Mário is committed to continual exploration and development. His work challenges viewers to envision the impossible and appreciate digital art's unique qualities. Striving to create immersive, otherworldly experiences, his art pushes viewers towards creative and unconventional thinking. Looking forward, Mário is excited to explore new artistic avenues. He aims to integrate traditional painting and photography with digital art and venture into immersive installations. His ambition to exhibit globally and collaborate with other artists underscores his passion and commitment to the digital art world. More than just a 3D designer, Mário Domingos is an artist who continually pushes the boundaries of imagination, inspiring others to discover the endless possibilities of the digital canvas. His journey is a dynamic mix of exploration, creativity, and innovation, symbolizing digital art's limitless potential.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My venture into art began with traditional art forms, in secondary school, but it was the discovery of digital tools 25 years ago that truly captivated my interest. I was fascinated by the endless possibilities that tools like Maya and Softimage offered, opening up new horizons for creativity and experimentation that were previously unimaginable. Throughout my career, I've worn many hats, from 3D animator to VFX artist, and now a 3D motion designer. Each role has significantly contributed to my expertise and understanding of the digital art world. Working in various areas of 3D animation and VFX, I developed a robust skill set and a unique approach to digital art. The shift from simpler graphic design software like Corel Draw to more complex tools was a gradual but steady progression. With each new tool I mastered, from Photoshop to Maya and Softimage, my passion and proficiency in digital art continued to grow. A pivotal aspect of my journey was the opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in the industry and talented teams at studios like BUCK. These experiences were not only educational but also provided a platform to push the boundaries of my creativity. What inspired me most about digital art was its ability to create things that were impossible in the physical world. The ability to realize the most imaginative ideas without the constraints of traditional mediums was exhilarating. The process of creating, for me, became a journey of discovery and innovation. Thus, my background is a fusion of an enduring love for traditional art forms and a passionate embrace of digital technology, shaping me into the artist I am today. My journey has been marked by constant learning, adapting, and evolving, driven by a fascination with the limitless possibilities of digital art.”
What inspires you?
“As a digital artist, my inspiration is deeply rooted in exploration and experimentation. The journey into the unknown, where the traditional intersects with the avant-garde, is where I find my greatest creative sparks. The process of delving into new techniques, tools, and concepts in the digital realm continually fuels my artistic drive. I am especially inspired by the seamless blend of art and technology. This synergy allows me to push the boundaries of what's possible, creating art that transcends conventional mediums. Traditional art forms and sculptures, with their intricate details and challenging forms, provide a rich source of inspiration. They encourage me to think beyond the digital canvas, exploring how these traditional elements can be reimagined in a contemporary digital context. The cultural heritage of places like Portugal and Spain, with their vibrant art scenes, also plays a significant role in my creative process. These regions offer a fusion of historical richness and modern artistic movements, providing a broad spectrum of inspiration that influences my work. Interaction with the global community of designers and 3D artists is another vital source of inspiration. Engaging with diverse artistic styles and ideas from around the world keeps my approach fresh and dynamic. It's in these interactions that I find new perspectives and concepts that challenge and enrich my artistic expression. Moreover, the very act of exploration on the digital canvas is itself a source of inspiration. The limitless possibilities of creating tangible experiences in a virtual world drive me to explore the unknown and experiment with new forms of expression. This ongoing journey of discovery, where each step into the unknown reveals new artistic horizons, is what truly inspires and propels my work in the ever-evolving world of digital art.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I actively pursue themes centered around the discovery of serendipity and the exploration of beauty in unexpected places. My process is guided by experimentation, leading me to those serendipitous moments where creativity unexpectedly converges with chance, opening new possibilities and perspectives in the digital art space. These moments of serendipity are pivotal in my work. They often emerge spontaneously as I explore and experiment, working without a structured preconception. This approach allows for a free flow of creativity, leading to innovative and unforeseen artistic outcomes. It's during this exploratory process that the themes and messages of my work naturally arise, showcasing the dynamic and unpredictable essence of digital art.”
“I actively pursue themes centered around the discovery of serendipity and the exploration of beauty in unexpected places.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work as a 3D Motion Designer and Artist is characterized by a distinctive blend of abstract experimentation and digital exploration. I am driven by a constant quest for innovation and creativity, often pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms and digital capabilities. My style is not confined to a single movement or approach; rather, it is defined by a spirit of experimentalism, where the focus is on creating impossible worlds and exploring the limitless potential of the digital medium. In my creations, I aim to challenge conventional perceptions and invite viewers to question what is possible. The essence of my work lies in its ability to create tangible experiences in a virtual world, showcasing the boundless potential of digital art as a fine art medium. My artistic expression is fueled by spontaneous moods and colors, and I take pride in not restricting myself to any particular style or movement. This approach allows my art to be a dynamic reflection of my exploratory and innovative spirit, constantly evolving and adapting to new ideas and techniques. Overall, my work is a testament to the fusion of artistic creativity with technological innovation, where each piece is a journey into the unknown, revealing new artistic horizons and challenging the viewers to think creatively and unconventionally.”
Which artists influence you most?
“The artists that have had a significant influence on me include traditional sculptors like Marvin Lipofsky and contemporary artists such as Joana Vasconcelos. Their work deeply resonates with me and inspires my digital art. Lipofsky's innovative use of shape, color, and texture in glass sculpture and Vasconcelos' large, intricately detailed textile installations profoundly impact my approach to digital art. Their ability to transform ordinary materials into extraordinary artistic expressions encourages me to explore beyond the digital canvas and integrate elements of traditional artistry into my digital creations. Additionally, while I appreciate various artists and styles, my admiration leans more towards traditional artists and those who step outside conventional digital art boundaries, especially in sculpture and other physical mediums.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is characterized by a deep-rooted emphasis on experimentation and discovery. Unlike traditional approaches, I don't typically start with sketches or preconceived ideas. Instead, I dive directly into using tools like Cinema 4D and SideFX Houdini, engaging in a hands-on exploration of ideas as they come. This method allows me to venture into uncharted territories of creativity, often leading to unique and unexpected results. When working on personal projects, I tend to avoid looking at references. This helps maintain the originality of my work, ensuring that it is a product of pure imagination and experimentation. However, when working on commercial projects with specific client guidelines, I adapt my approach while still infusing the projects with my distinctive style. Throughout the creation process, especially in Cinema 4D, there's a continual refinement and development of ideas. This involves experimenting with various elements like lighting, textures, and composition until the piece feels complete. The beauty of this approach lies in its fluidity, allowing the work to evolve organically without rigid boundaries.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“The role of an artist in society is multifaceted and has been evolving significantly, especially with the advent of digital technology. Traditionally, artists have been regarded as creators of beauty, challengers of social norms, and commentators on societal issues. They have the unique ability to communicate complex ideas and emotions through their art, often in ways that transcend verbal language. In the context of digital art, which is my area of expertise, the role of artists extends even further. As digital artists, we play a crucial role in marrying technology with artistic expression. This not only contributes to the aesthetic and cultural landscape but also influences how technology is used creatively. As a digital artist, my view is that this evolution is continuous. Artists adapt and respond to changes in technology, society, and culture, making the role of the artist dynamic and ever-changing. We're not just creators of visual experiences but also innovators, educators, and visionaries, contributing to the dialogue and development of the society we live in.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I've had the privilege of having my work featured in various magazines, like Nueva Carne, which has been a gratifying experience. Additionally, my art has been showcased at several NFT events and galleries, like Nematic Gallery at Carmel, California. While I view these accomplishments with a sense of pride, I consider them steps in my ongoing artistic journey rather than definitive high points. My aspiration is to expand the reach of my work to a broader audience within the art world. This includes not just digital art circles but also more traditional art spaces. By doing so, I aim to gain more exposure and engage with a wider range of art enthusiasts and critics. The goal is not just to showcase my work but also to spark conversations and connections that transcend the traditional boundaries of art exhibitions. I believe that by reaching a more diverse audience, my work can contribute to the evolving dialogue between traditional and digital art forms, offering new perspectives and experiences to those who encounter it.”
