With the release of exhibition 13, we took a moment to talk to Anton Semenov.

Saad Moosajee:
Anton, congratulations on being chosen as the featured artist for this exhibition! Please start by telling us a little about yourself, and your experiences as a member of the collective.

Anton Semenov:
Hi! Thank you for the honor - it was quite a surprise for me! I was surprised because there were so many other great artists this exhibition who could've easily taken this spot. Anyway, about me: I’m 27 years old, living in Siberia, Russia. I started drawing a very long time ago, but unfortunately I cannot recall the moment the magic began. I went to art school but failed to finish it and after that I did 4 years of illustration/design education. Now I’m working in advertising. I have never been part of any art group like slashthree before, this is my first experience of that kind. Yes, my works were published before, but mostly on CG forums, but to be part of group of professional illustrators – this is something new! I can say that being here is really mobilizing. Seeing other people’s works you’re trying to keep your own level as high. Sometimes it’s really hard to be objective judging your own work, in that cases other artists opinions are very helpful. The only major problem I’m experiencing here is that I don’t know English. I do understand most part of what people are saying, but I cannot reply properly.

Saad Moosajee:
How very modest of you Anton! On this topic I have to ask; in general, our exhibitions are filled with bright and lively works but it seems your works are very much against the norm, filled with dark concepts and environments, what drove you towards this style?

Anton Semenov:
I’m not trying to stand out of the crowd, but if a niche is free, why not occupy it? It might sound a bit strange, but I don’t feel all that my work is all that dark. My works, like many other works in this exhibition, are very life-asserting and even a bit positive in some way, but reality is displayed from a different point of view. There are characters, and those characters are living their own lives in their own worlds. Sometimes, even I do not fully understand those worlds. About my style… to tell the truth, I don’t know what kind of influence could possibly come from it. As far as I remember, I was drawing in this style from the moment I started. A very long time ago I tried imitating other people’s works, just for fun, and I guess that left somewhat of an imprint on my style too.

Saad Moosajee:
An interesting take on things indeed. How long does it take to complete one of these mind blowing paintings?

Anton Semenov:
Thanks for calling them “mind blowing”! The time I take to create a piece varies, from 2 days to a month, depending on the level of detail in them. For example, I spent a lot more time on “Black dream” than I first planned. I made a big mistake by starting to fine tune details at the beginning of work, and not in the end like I always do. I hope that not all of the work was in vain.

Saad Moosajee:
Certainly not! Black Dream is one of the most astounding pieces in this exhibition. What sort of hardware did you use when creating Black Dream, and in general, what sorts of tools and tricks are you using to create your work?

Anton Semenov:
There are no tricks; I use Photoshop, a Wacom Tablet and a few textures, and that's all I need. To tell the truth I’m a very lazy person, so my only trick is to force myself to work, which is not that simple sometimes.

Saad Moosajee:
Still a good strategy! Now, there is a well-known saying that "a picture speaks a thousand words". In regards to this, what sort of stories are you attempting to tell with your work?

Anton Semenov:
I knew you were going to ask this one! Well, in that case, I'm not trying to “tell”, but rather “remind” people with my artwork that all emotions caused by art are already there, already inside us. You can interpret the meaning of a piece in many different ways, and each person will have his own interpretation. I’m afraid I'm not telling you anything new here, you know all this better than me.

Saad Moosajee:
Another interesting stance, but now I'm wondering how you feel about the modern day art scene and the many people who are saying originality is "dead" and that all ideas and visuals are "copied".

Anton Semenov:
I think this is a normal situation. If this is happening, this only means that copied visuals and ideas are more successful and more demanded by people or commercial clients. This is, in turn, natural. I think that it's a really interesting idea, a style, project, anything – simply will not die unnoticed, and I think that in time what people demand will sift from trends to real art.

Saad Moosajee:
That is a very down to earth approach Anton. If it's not to much trouble, could you briefly walk us through the creation from idea to finished product of your piece "Black dream"?

Anton Semenov:
I was listening to one pretty heavy song, and at some point imagined galloping power, sweeping away everything on its way. Next, this image transformed into a junkyard dog, I made a quick sketch and here we go. It is very important not to loose an atmosphere/idea while making a piece. I accomplished 70% of what I was originally planning for this piece, the rest was unfortunately abandoned due to lack of time and, I guess, I just cooled down to it.

Saad Moosajee:
Nonetheless it turned out stunning. Forgive the clicheness of this question but I must know; were is your inspiration coming from? Is it other artists work, or do you have influences outside of art such as nature etc?

Anton Semenov:
Anything can become a source of inspiration, from a shapeless pile of clothes to a television ad. However in most cases for me it is music! Sometimes, other people’s work can be inspiring too. I can name some artists, whose art gives me good food for thought, but I won’t, because this list is gonna be pretty long.

Saad Moosajee:
Outside of painting, do you feel that art plays a big part of your life?

Anton Semenov:
I guess you can say that. Aside from drawing, I have interest in music, especially guitar. I’m not really a good guitar player, but creative variety is always a good thing!

Saad Moosajee:
Haha, well how and where do you see yourself in ten years? still playing guitar and painting or..?

Anton Semenov:
A slightly plump 37 year old designer, who barely survived a midlife crisis. Seriously, I never look that far, I live for the moment.

Saad Moosajee:
Heh, I guess you'll have to hit the gym then! To wrap this interivew up, what is your number one recommendation for any artist hoping to improve their artistic ability and creativity?

Anton Semenov:
I think that the most important advice that I, or anyone, can give those who are aspiring to a high level is to be patient, and learn from your every mistake.

Saad Moosajee:
Anton, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview, it has been a pleasure. We're already in suspense, waiting to see what amazing piece of art you'll come up with for the next pack!

Anton Semenov:
Thank you too! I will try not to let anyone down with my next piece!