AlfieAlpha’s Instagram feels like stepping into a bohemian grotto. If that statement wrecks confusion in your mind, allow me to explain further. The artist’s style is a mix of figurative art and surrealism which he describes as “a balance and marriage of fine art with a graphical edge.” And judging by the amount of fans his works have gathered, we think he's really mastered his craft!
Not only is his artwork impressive but his videos showing his process highlight a technical and creative knowledge that goes beyond a paintbrush. “The main idea behind video recording my painting process is to see my progress and development,” he explains. He adds that the videos act “like a personal journal” and public feedback helps him push himself to higher standards.
Alfie Gatt
AlfieAlpha, whose real name is Alfie Gatt, has always been inclined towards the arts, admitting that “art was the only thing that made me feel good and confident.” The artist goes on to reveal that, as a youngster, he was bullied by his peers because of his uncommon name. In hindsight, the artist takes it all in good stride, revealing that their playground taunts have now turned into his working title.
“One of the names they used to call me was Alfalfa which eventually changed into Alfiealpha”, he explains. He took up this nickname when he first started a Youtube account and it moved unto other social media platforms where it has remained ever since. “Never would I have thought that a nickname I hated back then would turn into this,” he laughs.
Currently in full-time employment as a 2D animator, Alfie reveals it is during weekends and evenings that he is able to dedicate himself to his craft. “As they say, I keep the best for last!” Once at the studio, he lets himself run free through either painting, planning, video editing or marketing, but he reveals that he tries to dedicate a minimum of two to four hours of painting at a stretch when his work involves putting brush to canvas.
Followers of his page have been constantly updated with experiments that have yielded stunning results. Despite having goals in mind, Alfie hopes not to reach them for a while. “If I get too comfortable, I will keep repeating the same stuff over and over and the worst thing that I could do to myself as an artist is to create repetitive art too.” Curiosity and freedom are his driving forces and hard-learned lessons his fuel. “Failing is part of the process to obtain a successful result.”
Isn't his work just beautiful?