Interview with Digital Artist Billy Bogiatzoglou

Recently, I had the opportunity to interveiw /billelis and,
not knowing much about him, I spent some time perusing his work. I was quite interested to find his artwork capturing sound, motion and intense expression. Currently in his last year of study as a digital art major, he's an up and coming player we should all keep our eye on.

Why did you initially decide that art was what you wanted to do with your life, rather than say, business or sports or something else?

I started doing art in a rather illegal way. (laughs.) I used to be part of a graffiti crew when I was younger and we painted countless walls and trains. After quitting graffiti, I still kept elements and influences from that form of art, but tried to introduce my love for technology in some way.
I decided that art was what I wanted to do in my life when I came to an open day at my university and they were showcasing my course, Digital Art and Technology.

Who have been your greatest inspirations as teachers, mentors and artists?

I can clearly say that 3 people have greatly influenced my work. UK digital artist Pete Harrison, (Aeiko) all the artists from http://www.seventhstreetstudio.com/ and Peter Jaworowski. Haven't got any teachers to mention since I learned everything I know through a personal commitment to further my art.

What have you learned from your art education and would you recommend it to others?

I have learned that there is only a certain amount that you can be taught when you are a digital artist. You have to learn on your own and engage in various styles and basically just get out there and do it. One thing that I have been taught, though, is the concept of working through abstraction. This way of working has produced some great ideas from simple, basic inspirations. The process of abstraction will reveal new possible elements to implement in an art piece that the artist hasn't thought of.

Do you have a ‘dream job’ or prime location in the industry where you’d like to eventually end up?

Well I would love to work with a studio much like this: http://www.seventhstreetstudio.com/index.php I would love to work for a design studio that engages in 3D projects , intense graphics , motion graphics and one that pushes the graphics and motion design to become more dynamic and diverse. However, I would love to have freelance projects on the go at the same time.

What role has Shadowness played in your artistic life and career? How did you find the site?

I got an invite from a member on another site. Shadowness has played a great role in showcasing my work and receiving constructive feedback while meeting other amazing artists. The reason why I would like to thank Shadowness the most is because 3D artist magazine saw my work on this website and they are featuring me in next month’s issue.
I love the site and I love the leveling up system. (Love my RPG's) The only thing I would critique is that it would be a good idea if Shadowness had an inbox system where users could talk more privately with each other.

What do you enjoy about creating abstract art? Has it always been a part of your art-life or is it a recent development?

I have always been an abstract artist with a sense of realism. I love to create abstract objects that can be integrated with more concrete concepts. I love the fact that with abstract you get some guidelines but the final outcome is influenced by technology is some way.

In your opinion, how does society influence art?

Where do I begin? (laughs.) Everything in our day influences art in one way or another. What I would like to say, though, is that it’s always a good idea to follow the trends but without being constrained too much and losing your originality.

When you create artwork, are you trying to communicate something to your viewer?

With my work I try to create feelings of dynamic motion without the subject actually being animated. Through the way the elements interact in my work I try to create explosive bright dynamic pieces in which you can imagine the interactions occurring.

Do you have any words you’d like to leave the Shadowness community with?

I would like to say hello to all the Shadowness members, keep up the amazing work showcased on this website and embrace the Shadow!

The only thing I’d like to add is that users can see my projects in full, along with works in progress and wallpaper links here:

http://www.shadowness.com/billelis
http://www.behance.net/billelis/frame
Thanks again for everything you’ve done!

May 4th, 2011