Bruised Illusions

Our latest Volt-art feature is the hugely talented digital artwork and photography of Bruised Illusions.

Plus, as they work closely with our Voltgirl for the month Lalo, it ties everything together quite nicely for us as well. Read the interview and then, for more, check out the official site here!

VOLTCASE BRUISED ILLUSIONS INTERVIEW:

Hello there! Welcome to the almighty Voltcase, how are things?

Thanks so much for the opportunity to be interviewed by you. Things are going well, I just took a short break for awhile. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by how rapidly things were moving, but things are fine now, thanks for asking.

How would you describe your work to a stranger in just three words:
Imaginative, Alternative, Visionary - three words is so difficult!

So, you focus on the very Voltcase friendly topics of "glamour, punk, goth, and dark imagery" - do you have a personal interest in the alternative scene, or did you stumble into it by accident?
I would say that I've always had an interest in the alternative scene, but that as far as my artwork goes, I stumbled into this genre by accident. I didn't set out to focus on the alternative, but I think my work reflects the world as I see it.

You seem to use a lot of computer aided effects in your work, do you have any particular software packages that you use a lot? Any tips?
I switch mainly between two programs: Corel Paint Shop Pro and Photoshop. However, I don't limit myself just to these. I am constantly stumbling across other programs, small or large, that can enhance my work to accomplish the vision I set out to create. The best tip I can give is to never limit the flow of creativity and keep in open mind. Whether it be the subject or the programs you use to create art as you see it. Art is in the eye of the beholder.

I'm assuming you must have some favourite people to work with, are there any in particular that you would like to name drop for us? And any models that you haven't worked with that you would like to work with?
Well, let's start with my faves to work with, I'll try to keep it short! Of course the fabulous girls from Candy Scandals. Jenn Lalo who is one of the most talented people I know on so many levels, Jenn Martin who is always up for a glass of wine and a great shoot, Candy Girl Halo who I can't wait to shoot with again, and Candy Girl Candy Ripper who did an awesome job on my Crow Series. I'd also like to work with Darla Darkling again, who is so upbeat and makes you feel like her best friend within minutes of meeting her. There are two models who I am anxiously awaiting the chance to work with. The first would be Candy Girl Soma Snakeoil. Whenever she visits her East Coast Candy Girls, I'd love to have a chance to shoot her. The other is Natalie Addams, who I think has a great look for my visions.

A lot of people would give their left arm to spend their time taking pictures of scantily clad ladies. Is it always as much fun as it might seem to others, or does it just become hard work?
I've been asked this question numerous times by friends. Everyone seems to think that looking at "scantily clad" girls couldn't possibly feel like work. When I am at a shoot, I am there for the art first and foremost. I do like to have fun while I'm shooting, it always makes both the models and myself more comfortable, but I am always a professional. When I'm looking through the lens, I'm not seeing just a half dressed model, I'm seeing the finished product in my head. For me, this is work, it just happens to be my dream job.

I've noticed you've done a lot of work with the Voltcase featured Candy Scandals, what are they like to work with?
Jenn Lalo and I got to know each other before Candy Scandals was created. We formed a friendship based on our mutual love of art. When her and the other girls formed Candy Scandals, I was asked to take part in the creation, and it's been a blast the whole time. Every shoot with any of the Candy Scandals girls is like a party. Everyone gets along fabulously and we always have a good time. These girls are open to my creative ideas as well as giving me the feedback necessary to make my work something that we are all proud of.

Loud rock n roll plays a big part in our lives here at Voltcase towers, does music influence you at all, and do you use it while photographing?
Music has always played a big part in my life. My first real artistic endeavor was being a musician. There is rarely a time in my life when there is not music playing in the background. I use music during a lot of shoots as I have found that it gets me in a creative frame of mind as well as putting the models at ease. When I am digitally enhancing the pictures, music is on that fits the theme of the piece I am working on.

Why should the the lazy general public make the effort to check you out, and what are your plans for the future?
The public can check me out at www.bruisedillusions.com. I would like to think that I have work that would "speak" to just about anyone out there. The pieces I create are not just pictures, they represent a story that I am trying to have heard. It's always nice to step out of reality and into fantasy for a break from everyday life, and I like to think that my art gives people that avenue to explore. Looking into the future, I'd like to see my work more publicly known, but not just as another artist but as a true visionary. I want people to see more into the pictures than just the face value. I'd like to publish a book of artwork someday that puts the whole story together. Of course, any project that comes along that I think fits my work will definitely be considered.

And finally..... what does the word 'Voltcase' mean to you?
Most definitely cutting edge. Voltcase is always on top of the new and oftentimes offbeat reflections of the world we live in today. It's great that there is a forum for those in the underground to promote their work.