Over the last two decades Andy Thomas has developed an iconic visual language that is uniquely his own. Using a combination of digital technology and water colours, Thomas’ work is a symbolic representation of nature’s collision with technology. Inspired by the beauty of nature and extensive travel to some of the world’s most ancient rainforests, Thomas fuses together images of flora and fauna into evolved abstract forms. Intricately layered compositions of plants and animals make a strong statement of technology’s impact on planet earth and how advancements in society are affecting the natural systems of life. In recent years Thomas has begun to experiment with digital audio software, initiating a new branch of his practice. This new series of animated video installations visually represent the voices of nature and create an eerie environment of sound and light. Through this new path of artistic investigation Thomas once again finds a way to create works in which nature and technology combine. We spoke to him about the relationship between nature, technology and art.
1. How would you describe your artistic practice?
I'm not good at labels.This is my working process:
1: Field trip into nature, sampling recording sounds and taking photos
2: Watch nature documentaries
3: Drawings and paintings
4: Testing of particle fluid simulations in Houdini (3D Software)
5: Pipe sounds into Houdini and setup sound reactive systems in Houdini
6: Add extra effects by keyframe animation in Houdini
7: Post production in After Effects.
I do not use AI.
2. What interests you about exploring the natural world?
Nature is such a beautiful and powerful force filled with repeating patterns of self similarity. As we see hurricanes that look like galaxies and broccoli that looks like trees. Even the human brain that looks like the entire tangled filaments of the universe.The force of evolution itself I find fascinating. That a bird in Papua New Guinea under pressures of sexual selection over thousands of years can end up looking so incredibly bright and colourful, creating elaborate displays of dancing and nest building.And then there is us, the human race, the most bizarre evolutionary outcome of them all.
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3. What makes technology a powerful medium for this exploration?
I think technology can delve into areas that traditional artistic practices can not.I like using technology to reflect evolution back on itself. To celebrate the beauty of nature filtered through the lens of technology which itself is a product of evolution.That being said, I would suggest that it would be advisable to contemplate the dangers of outsourcing our talents and creativity completely to AI. Giant mega tech corporations have clearly shown their malevolent nature over the past few decades. I think it would help to at least be conscious of this even though it is an inevitable path towards the future.AI can, help our beautiful creative minds that have evolved over thousands of years, but it also has the potential to replace and homogenise our creativity in just a few short generations.
4. How would you describe the relationship between art and innovation?
Art is very different to science but one example of a cross over would be the practise of targeted experimentation. Often innovation comes from unexpected places. I have spent countless hours on experimenting with technical concepts with my 3D software that has led to producing nothing. But it is sometimes the process itself that leads to new ways of seeing things and thus new innovative artistic results.I try to make sure I get off the computer as often as I can to draw and paint and go on field trips into nature to not only sample the environment but to exist in its tranquillity, its beauty and its power. Then I can return to the studio with inspiration and insight.
5. What do you want the viewer to take away from your work?
The viewer can take what they want from my work. Some people it resonates with more than others. I hope my work inspires people about the beauty of nature and how fascinating it is to combine human creativity with technology to produce a hybrid reflection of nature thus emphasising the concept of the power and weirdness of evolution.
Instagram: andythomasartist
Vimeo: Vimeo.com/andythomasartist
