Join Hands, Start a Lovechain (Issue #9)

An interview with artist Roccano

(“Lovechain, Mirror Love”) (Roccano image)

DD: Please introduce yourself.

Roccano: Greetings! I'm Rocco Gallo, also known as Roccano, a digital artist. You can find my work on my website. I am passionate about exploring different forms of artistic expression through digital technology.

DD: What art have you been working on lately?

Roccano: I've been working lately on a series of works that explore the concept of connection between humans and technology. I try to convey a sense of duality and reflection on our relationship with machines and technological evolution.

DD: Can you describe your workspace and how it influences your art?

Roccano: My workspace is a place where the digital and the physical converge. I have a creative environment organized in such a way that I have space for my digital tools, such as the computer and graphics tablet but also space to paint and create traditional works. The combination of these two worlds influences my works, as it allows me to experiment and integrate digital and traditional elements in a harmonious way.

(“Ω𝔦𝓃𝔻𝐨𝐰ˢ, Reflections”) (Roccano image)

DD: What tools do you use? Do you work with any special devices or tools unique to your creative process?

Roccano: As for the tools I use, my main creative tool is my computer with digital graphics software like Photoshop, After Effects, and Cinema 4D for 3D modeling. I also use a graphics tablet to create more detailed digital drawings and illustrations. My equipment is designed to allow me to explore a wide range of artistic styles and techniques.

DD: How do you approach developing an idea into a finished piece? Can you walk us through your workflow?

Roccano: When I develop an idea for a finished work, I usually start with a brainstorming and research phase. I gather inspiration from various sources, such as nature, historical art, or even contemporary architecture. Next, I move on to the actual creation phase, experimenting with shapes, colors, and compositions until I reach the desired result. During this process, I often use sketches to explore different possibilities.

DD: Can you describe a typical day in your artistic practice, including any rituals or habits?

Roccano: A typical day in my art practice begins with a session of brainstorming and planning the works I intend to create. I like to have a routine that includes a research and inspiration phase, followed by the creation phase. I often find myself working on several pieces at the same time, switching from one to another based on the inspiration of the moment. I also like to take breaks during the day to relax and recharge my creative energies.

(“Digital Delusion”) (Roccano image)

DD: Your portfolio showcases a diverse range of artistic styles, from minimalist GIFs and nostalgic MS Paint creations to intricate 3D-rendered still lifes and beyond. Has this multifaceted approach to art always been a part of your creative journey, or is it a more recent exploration? Could you delve into how this diversity influences your creative process?

Roccano: My multifaceted artistic approach has been a process of exploration over the years. I like to experiment and range between different artistic styles and techniques, as it allows me to express different emotions and concepts. This diversity influences my creative process, as it allows me to see things from different perspectives and to approach each work as an opportunity to explore something new.

DD: How do you feel about the impact of generative AI on the creative process? 

Roccano: The impact of generative AI on the creative process fascinates me. I think generative AI can be a powerful tool to inspire and expand artistic possibilities. At the same time, I believe it is important to find a balance between the use of AI and human creativity, so as to preserve the uniqueness and originality of the art.

DD: Do you have a favorite AI tool? A favorite digital art tool/program?

Roccano: Among the AI tools, one of my favorites is Google's Deep Dream. I like how it transforms images into dreamlike and surreal works. As for digital tools, I mainly use Photoshop, After Effects, Figma, and Cinema 4D for the creation of my works.

(“Ω𝔦𝓃𝔻𝐨𝐰ˢ, Harmonies”) (Roccano image)

DD: Are there any specific works of art (music, literature, film, etc.) that inspire or have significant meaning to you in your artistic practice?

Roccano: There are many works of art, music, books, and films that inspire me and have significance in my artistic practice. I love Salvador Dalí's work for his ability to create dreamlike and surreal worlds. Bosch, Escher, De Chirico and many more…

DD: How do you come up with titles for your work?

Roccano: The choice of titles for my works often depends on the theme or concept I want to express. Sometimes I try to capture the essence of the work itself through the title, while other times I opt for more evocative or mysterious titles to leave room for the viewer's personal interpretation.

DD: What draws you to NFTs and how do you see them as different from traditional art markets?

Roccano: I am drawn to NFTs because they offer a new way of distributing and owning artwork. Blockchain technology and smart contracts allow artists to have greater control over their works, guaranteeing their provenance and ownership. NFTs also open up new monetization opportunities for artists, allowing them to sell their work directly to the public without intermediaries. I believe that NFTs are a significant innovation in the art world and can help redefine the very concept of artistic value.

(“web sea”) (Rocanno image) (Note: Check out the link for the interactive animation.)

DD: For someone just getting into NFTs, what advice would you offer?

Roccano: For those new to NFTs, I would recommend doing good research on blockchain technology and the NFT marketplaces available. It is important to understand how smart contracts work and how to manage the security of your work. Additionally, I recommend building a community and collaborating with other NFT artists and collectors to learn and share experiences.

DD: Who are some of your favorite artists in the NFT space?

Roccano: Nuv, Wox, Ranxdeer, Kota Nakazomo…

DD: What are you working on next?

Roccano: I'm currently working on a new series of works that explore the relationship between the virtual and real worlds. I'm exploring the idea of creating hybrid works that combine digital and physical elements to convey a sense of duality and connectedness.

DD: Could you show us some of your favorite work and tell us what it means to you?

Roccano: Lovechain is the new way to interpret the reality around us and to get in touch with it. SimpleΩshapes, solid and tactile materials, objects made to last over time. Lovechain is a harmony of situations, an individual ecosystem balanced between colors and shapes. In Lovechain the beauty of the object causes a feeling that becomes part of our life.

(“Lovechain, Parade d'amour”) (Rocanno image)

DD: Finally, could you talk to us about the Windows series and specifically the triptych (Harmonies, Reflections, and Dimensions) that we commissioned?

Roccano: As for the Windows series, it has been a very inspiring collaboration. The idea was to explore the concepts of harmony, reflection, and dimension through a series of digital works. I tried to represent the duality between the real and the virtual world, using architectural and abstract elements. I hope this triptych will evoke a feeling of exploration and contemplation in its viewers. I am grateful for the opportunity to make these works and to share them with you.

(“Ω𝔦𝓃𝔻𝐨𝐰ˢ, Dimensions”) (Roccano image)