Artist Interview: Alfie Dwyer
Time2Go, a lo-fi fantasy CGI music video for Dwyer, my musical younger brother.
"Make art for people, not algorithms". How Animator Alfie Dwyer is making lo-fi 3D work that matters.
Alfie Dwyer is an animator, film-maker & multi-media artist whose work focuses on the human body, the digital world, and dark comedy. @zezima | www.zezima.co.uk
How do you describe what you do?
Lo-fi 3D animation is my current kick. The twomain themes that run throughout these animations are fantasy and comedy.Perhaps it comes from years of childhood obsession with video games, but also Isee merit in getting a little lost in fantasy worlds as relief. It’s SOimportant to be politically engaged, but there’s also time to have a laughabout the absurd world we live in. I get most joy out of making digital worksthat I can either lose myself in, or that can make other people laugh. Most recentlyI’ve been working on music videos, creating surreal and animated fantasyworlds. I hope to continue this professionally as I enjoy working withmusicians.
What's on your desk ATM?
Pens, paper, a 3 quid lava lamp, and tons of dodgyplants I found in the bin in the garden centre. Most of my artwork is made onthe computer which means I’m in my bedroom far too much, so these plants areprobably the only reason I can actually breathe in this room. The fart / oxygenratio is a balance everyone should consider. Also it’s nice to be surrounded byliving things when 99% of my work is digital.
Who or what has impacted your work?
For over 10 years now I’ve been really intolucid dreaming, and I’m now at the point where I have them regularly and theyinfluence my art a lot. It works as a bit of a subconscious playground to testout new ideas and find inspiration. There’s some kind of connection betweenthese alternate dream realities and the digital ‘alternate realities’ that I’mcreating, I just haven't quite worked it out yet!
What piece are you most proud of?
Recently I worked on all the animation for amusic video for indie rockstar Declan McKenna, with director Will Hooper thatI’m incredibly proud of. It’s my first ‘big’ commission and it took weeks workto get right. It’s got a great reception already and unexpectedly hilarious tosee all of Declan’s fans taking stills from my animation and turning it intotheir own memes. People are jokingly comparing my animation to SIMS 2 which Iactually take as a compliment. It was also nice working with a huge group ofpeople that all have a part to play in the finished product. I typically liketo think I can do everything myself so this was a massive lesson on theimportance of constant communication between collaborators.
How do you seek out opportunities?
I’m new to the commercial side of the arts soI don't have tons of experience here, but social media has helped me a lot. Sometimes I feel like a bit of a slime-ball posting my art on Instagram but to be honest it is a really easy place for people to discover your work. However,Instagram favours certain types of art, especially art that has immediateaesthetic value, and it can be too easy to fall into the trap of only makingart that looks sexy on insta.
Advice for others starting out?
Other than the murky social media side ofthings, just go and visit shows in your local area. Artists and creatives andpeople in general are nice and friendly. Go and make genuine friendships withother artists not expecting to get anything out of it, and creating thoseconnections will organically lead you places you didn’t expect. Don’t look atit like ‘networking’, just go and chat to people new and you’ll be surprised.
Anything else we should know?
Make art for people, not algorithms! As mentioned, somethings are going to get a lot of attention because they look juicy on Instagram, but don’t let this be the deciding factor as to what you make more of. Make what makes you feel good.