Rarely are we satisfied with the surface level stuff; we crave the secret—the way an artist’s deep, intellectual layers unfold and manifest with deliberate precision into a finished, tangible piece of artwork. Carlotta Hey, the visionary behind the provocative sketches and the celebrated ‘Humanity and Mechanism’ series, understands this hunger for the authentic truth of creation. She doesn’t just paint, she doesn’t just draw; she plans.
Today, Carlotta grants us the rare privilege of moving beyond the studio door, sharing the step-by-step process that reveals the rigorous, sophisticated method by which she transmutes a fragile concept into a commanding physical reality.
Join us as we revel in the universal curiosity about an artist’s inner breath. We wander into a space that begs the questions of inspiration—the ephemeral idea that ignites the entire endeavor. Is it the intimate atmosphere of the studio, where raw materials are transformed into profound vision? Is it an unseen journey from a concept’s quiet beginning to its definitive completion? What really happens in that studio? We want to know!
Step inside the world of Carlotta Hey to explore these very questions. Here, in her own words, she shares a brief look at her creative process.
For further insight into her inspiring work, don’t forget to read my exclusive interview with Carlotta Hey!
The Creative Process of Carlotta Hey
My pencil sketch series ‘Humanity and Mechanism’ began unexpectedly with a detailed portrayal of a robot, showcasing intricate wiring and the interplay of light and shadow. This initial piece reignited a passion for the style of drawing I cherished during my university years, where technical drawings were a significant part of my studies.
What captivated me was not only the complexity of the subject but also the underlying philosophy it represents: the intersection of technology in today’s world and our existence as humans. The series explores this fascinating relationship; witnessing advancements such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality prompted me to question how these innovations impact our humanity.
While technology can enhance communication and streamline interactions, it often creates barriers to genuine connections. With this series I seek to navigate this delicate balance, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and nurturing our emotional selves in a world that can feel increasingly disconnected. Each artwork starts with a rough pencil sketch.
From there, I think about the appropriate medium to use; pencil for intricate details and pastel or charcoal for creating depth. If I then decide to enhance the piece further, I often touch it up digitally, allowing colours and details to truly come to life.
By merging hand-drawn illustrations with digital enhancements, I aim to create a visual language that reflects the interplay between the human and the mechanical, the analogue artistry and the digital enhancement.
As the end product, I envision a harmonious dialogue where the warmth of analogue meets the crisp clarity of the digital world, as shown in previously published “Humanity + mechanism #2”.
However, there are moments when an idea just doesn’t pan out, when it feels too forced. Often, I find myself caught up in the desire to present a ‘bigger picture,’ leading me to make it ‘fuller’, including details that simply don’t resonate with my style. A stage where I question everything I do,-
Is it enough…? Is my message clear…?
These ones then get filed away as part of the development and maybe later get revisited. The work “Humanity and Mechanism #5” is such a piece.
Looking back at this artwork, it feels like I fell into the trap of including excessive details that strays from my usual minimalistic style. Nevertheless, I believe it’s crucial to showcase this process, as it is an integral part of every artistic journey. Embracing both the high points and the missteps allows me to grow, refine my approach and ultimately create artwork that is not only meaningful but also authentic to who I am.
