Duality of Art & Self Expression

Lately I've been reflecting on the duality of the type of artwork I create. My primary interest is in drawing cute, cozy creatures and bringing joy to others. Megazumi World is centered around that idea and the virtual world that exists in my imagination (and my sketchbook).

Character design is my greatest passion. It's what got me back into art after all of these years. But as I've been stepping back into digital art I've also been drawn to other forms of self expression. Zines, for instance, don't even require any drawing! Just an idea and a bit of graphic design.

But the biggest sense of duality I experience is with my collage work. The very process of collage, for me, uses an entirely different approach. The medium, method and intent behind the work I make is completely at odds with my usual cute and cozy art.

It feels as though I have two different artists living inside of me who are completely alien to one another. As if there's no way for them to co-exist.

Yet, they do.

It's all just me.

Collage is really interesting to me, I started growing a stronger appreciation for it within the past few years. Something about the absurdity and messiness of collage appeals to me. That's a large part of why I enjoy it.

Additionally, it helps me process complex emotions in a way that drawing doesn't. Often, these emotions are much less joyful and are instead rooted in anger, anxiety and fear. Like I mentioned earlier, the method and intent is entirely different. I'm searching for meaning. I'm trying to find peace and meaning in a world where that doesn't exist.

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