Interview

Feb 8

Roya Hamburger

Roya Hamburger, an artist with a heritage combining Dutch-Jewish and Iranian-Baháʼí immigrant roots, spent her childhood in a small village in the South of the Netherlands. Growing up surrounded by TV-characters, comic books, and toys, she developed a vivid imagination, envisioning a dreamworld filled with perfectly crafted creatures and landscapes. rom a young age, Roya aspired to be a creator always drawing, crating and building. At 17, she left high school education and work as an intern in a design agency, driven by the determination to become graphic designer and illustrator. She later applied for admission to the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam, to study Communication Advertising and Illustration. At age 18, she started a flourishing freelance career in illustration prompted her to leave art school once more. Her career gained momentum. She secured an agent and was nominated for 'Talent of the Year '93.'

From that point on, she embarked on a journey of creating illustrations for renowned brands such as Albert Hein, WNF, FNV Bondgenoten, IKON Broadcasting, Cosmopolitan magazine, Elle magazine, Avant Garde magazine, ABN-AMRO Bank, Bruna, British Airways, Man Power, NS Dutch Railways, Postbank, Deloitte and Touche, Peter Stuyvesant, and Martini.

Her career has been marked by translating and creating concepts and visuals in a characteristic style, giving brands a unique look. Working for start-ups as well as well-established agencies in the marketing and publishing industry worldwide, Roya has delivered quality designs in various formats, from websites and apps to logos, brochures, and character design. Educationally, Roya is mainly self-taught, with additional training at the Willem de Kooning Academy of Arts in 1989, studying Advertising and Design. Her inspiration draws from artists like M.C. Escher, Ernst Haeckel, Alex Steinweiss, Andy Warhol, OHGUSHI, and others, along with influences from Japanese, Indian, and Persian art, as well as Native art from around the world. In recent years, Roya's work has transitioned back to traditional methods, by hand on paper with a pencil and brush, leaving digital created art behind. The sketch phase takes precedence and is a time-consuming process. Summarily, Roya Hamburger's artistic journey is marked by a childhood passion for drawing, early success as an visual artist and a career characterized by continuous self-development and an international clientele. Her recent focus on traditional art methods reflects a dedication to the craft, and her art celebrates creativity, imagination, and a distinctive blend of paradoxical elements. The essence of character design in her work invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world where possibilities are limitless As Roya continues her artistic journey, and the joy of being a full-time autonomous artist.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“My background is a blend of Dutch-Jewish and Irian immigrant heritage, with my childhood spent in a quaint village in the South of the Netherlands. Growing up surrounded by the characters from TV, comic books, and toys, my vivid imagination conjured a dreamworld filled with perfectly crafted creatures and landscapes. Even as a child, I took pride in envisioning myself as a creator. From a young age, I was determined to become an illustrator or the director of an advertising agency. At 17, I forwent formal education, opting to work as an intern. As a child, I always knew I wanted to be an artist, spending hours translating mental images onto paper. Skipping high school, I landed a job at a design studio and later gained acceptance into the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam. However, my burgeoning freelance career in illustration led me to leave school once more. By the age of 20, my career gained momentum. I secured an agent and earned a nomination for 'Talent of the Year 93.' Subsequently, I delved into creating illustrations for prominent clients like Albert Hein, WNF, FNV bondgenoten, and various magazines and corporations. While the financial success was rewarding, I started feeling constrained by telling someone else's story. This prompted a shift, and I began catering to my artistic needs, becoming my own client. Over the years, I discovered that the best way to approach my drawings is to start without a preconceived idea and let inspiration take the lead. It's a liberating feeling when creativity unfolds organically. Today, I find joy in being the master of my own artistic journey.”

What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?

“My artistic work seeks to transport my audience into a realm of boundless fantasy, where the extraordinary becomes conceivable. It is not a commentary on social or political issues, but rather an exhibition of characters and emotions set against uniquely designed backdrops. My work is a celebration of creativity and imagination, showcasing distinctive character designs, captivating illustrations, and enchanting fantasy pieces.I have a passion for what I call 'paradox-art.' It involves blending contrasting elements, like playing with light and shadow effects, combining nature with man-made products, and melting human and animal creatures! I fuse graphic shapes with detailed fine art, finely tuning these opposing elements into a carefully organized whole, a surprising result even for me as the designer. The resulting artwork acts like a captivating puzzle, inviting viewers to reflect on the intriguing mix of elements and how they come together in a harmonious yet paradoxical way. Making a first impression wondering of 'what am I looking at?’ The essence of the character design element in my art is to breathe life into creations, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a world where the boundaries of possibility are limitless. As an artist, creating inspiring art to others is what gives fulfilment makes it worth this sometimes lonely path of being an solo artist.”

Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?

“I prefer starting with a blank slate, allowing inspiration to guide me. There's a sense of wonder when an idea takes shape organically.”

Are there any art world trends you are following?

“NFT crypto art. It opens amazing new possibilities.”

What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?

“I like to work on paper, using pencils and paint.”

“My artistic work seeks to transport my audience into a realm of boundless fantasy, where the extraordinary becomes conceivable.”

What does your art mean to you?

“Creating art is where I truly come alive. The exhilarating process of shaping my fantasies into tangible forms and characters fills me with a profound sense of excitement. Through years of continuous practice, I've honed my skills to perfection, culminating in the development of my own distinctive style born out of the sheer act of doing. Art, to me, is not just a personal passion; it stands as one of the fundamental pillars of the human experience alongside science and wisdom. It provides creators with a profound sense of self-worth, marking an indispensable aspect of what it means to work from inspiration.”

What’s your favorite artwork and why?

“Of every collection or period I have my favourites. On the homepage of my website there are two artworks featured from my 'Farfetched' collection, 'Gemini' and 'The Noice'.”