FEATURED MEMBER - June/July 2011This month's featured member is ~
hewsan!
Real Name: hewsan (well... think of it as asking Batman....)
Age: I'm well into my second childhood
Location: southern USA
Story behind your DA username: initials of "real" name
Why do you create art?: started out as a cure for boredom, though has became more an obsession
What sort of things inspire you to create artistic works?: sounds cliche perhaps, but its everything - have this theory that everything we have came into contact with or have ever imagined - becomes references that if we let it - our imagination uses...
How long have you been an artist?: started playing with photoshop 3.0 about a month after it was released - so been awhile, though still not sure if I can lay claim to being an artist...
Do you do art for fun/hobby or is it something you hope to do as a career?: hobby, though on occasion have considered becoming more serious - then I look at the work of those that have made this a career - and return to considering doing this as a hobby
What are all the artistic mediums that you take part in (poetry, photography, do you play an instrument, make crafts? etc): Have had some poetry published back in the day, and even did a few readings, have worked professionally as a newspaper photographer, done some woodwork, a very bad guitar player, and thought of trying to write novels, but will wait till retire to try that, if then...
Links to 3 of your personal favorite works of art (that you've made):
Tree of Knowledge
Almost There
Wonderful DayWhy are these your favorites?: believe they are accessible to a viewer, while still open to varied interpretations
Links to 3 of your favorite works of art (Can be on DA, or elsewhere on the internet): enjoy too many - though think Frazetta was a genius
What do you use to create your art (example, what program do you use, do you use mixture of several programs, etc): Since January of this year using photoshop CS5 - though before that used photoshop 3.0, a bit of a leap there, Would like to learn to do more video editing and have Sony Vegas 8 for that, have a good understanding of Rhino3D for modeling, but been years since played with it, though recently reinstalled it and will likely start back, now that render times should be more manageable...
Music that you listen to while creating art (If you do listen to music while making art, stuff that inspires you):Prefer silence while actually working on the computer, though like most forms of music, with classic rock and new age instrumental being a bit ahead.
Link to one print you'd love to own on DA: (maybe someone will be nice and buy it for you one day!)Used to be a collector and dealer in art - primarily prints... and have a serious lack of wall space...
Anything else you'd like to say to the group:Have fun in the doing, and experiment and explore
And I appreciate this honor - thank you all
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FEATURED MEMBER - April/ May 2011This month's featured member is `
ArtByCher!
Real Name: Cher
Age: 43
Location: MA, USA
Story behind your DA username: A family nickname my grandfather gave to me as a small child.
Why do you create art?: I'm inspired by past and present events within my life. My goals are simple. To connect some sort of emotion with the viewer. The emotions can be vast yet there is some type of connection. And if even a single person can be inspired or find 'hope' within my work then I have achieved my goal.
What sort of things inspire you to create artistic works?: I allow inspiration to come to me in it's simplest forms. Conversations, experiences, music and even a nice walk, open my mind to what I want to put on canvas. I'm a believer of finding inspiration within our own being but we should also remember it surrounds us daily if we look closely.
How long have you been an artist?: When I was many years younger, I did work with pencil and charcoal. It was not till a couple years ago I became serious about painting.
Do you do art for fun/hobby or is it something you hope to do as a career?: Both, I enjoy creating yet at the same time it is a source of income for me.
What are all the artistic mediums that you take part in (poetry, photography, do you play an instrument, make crafts? etc): I have taken classes in photography, pottery and figure studies. I also spent a couple of years writing poetry. At one point I played the violin for a stint. Growing up I spent time with family members who worked with textiles. I learned crocheting from my grandmother. I made a few blankets in my day. But it is traditional painting that I feel a real connection with.
Links to 3 of your personal favorite works of art (that you've made):
The Art Of Dying 
Electronica 
Intrinsic Delusion Why are these your favorites?: I chose these three simply because I tried some new techniques when creating them.
Links to 3 of your favorite works of art (Can be on DA, or elsewhere on the internet): It is almost impossible for me to pick just three. The best thing to do is go to my 'fave' gallery.
What do you use to create your art (example, what program do you use, do you use mixture of several programs, etc): I work mostly with acrylic. I enjoy incorporating other elements into my paintings. Molding paste, rice paper, sand are just a few things I like to add into my work.
Music that you listen to while creating art (If you do listen to music while making art, stuff that inspires you): It depends on my mood. My iPod is pretty eclectic. At the moment I am listening to Dirge and The Beatles
Link to one print you'd love to own on DA: (maybe someone will be nice and buy it for you one day!): Once again I could not just pick one.
Anything else you'd like to say to the group: I just want to thank everyone who participates in the group. I have seen some amazing work come through here. And thank you to everyone who keeps this group running smoothly.
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FEATURED MEMBER - February/March 2011This month's featured member is ~
bonbonka!
Real Name: Yoana Kyurkchieva
Age: almost 18
Location: Bulgaria
Story behind your DA username: I'm not sure if there is a story behind it. It means "candy" and it rhymes with my name
Why do you create art?: Because I like playing around with colors, shapes and it also helps me to express my feelings
What sort of things inspire you to create artistic works?: Well most of the time music is what gives me inspiration. There is thousands of fantastic rock songs that inspire me to create. Also my personal life reflects the emotion in my art
How long have you been an artist?: Traditional artist - since I was 6 years old. Digital from 4 years
Do you do art for fun/hobby or is it something you hope to do as a career?: I do art just for fun but I'm seriously thinking to turn it into a job
What are all the artistic mediums that you take part in (poetry, photography, do you play an instrument, make crafts? etc): I used to sing in a school group when I was younger. I like taking photos and dancing but not professional
Links to 3 of your personal favorite works of art (that you've made): 
- Vengeance - 
- Demonic Seduction - 
- His Sacred Dream - Why are these your favorites?: The first one represents me and I love it because these are my emotions and my thoughts. The second one - because they are just so cute and seductive the same time. I love the last one because it's colorful, fantasy and it was actually the idea that made me create it - not the fact that I've found some great stocks
Links to 3 of your favorite works of art (Can be on DA, or elsewhere on the internet): I love all of Luis Royo's artworks.
Moon AfterThe Enchantment
Never Too Late by `
anaRashaWhy are these your favorites: `
anaRasha is the artist that made me start with digital art. Her works are so inspiring and make me relaxed just by looking at them. And Royo's works are classic - that's all I can say
What do you use to create your art (example, what program do you use, do you use mixture of several programs, etc): I use only Adobe Photoshop
Music that you listen to while creating art (If you do listen to music while making art, stuff that inspires you): I listen to rock, pop and house music while creating art
Link to one print you'd love to own on DA: (maybe someone will be nice and buy it for you one day!)
Leanan Sidhe by *
liigaAnything else you'd like to say to the group: Live life with no regret. Create art that is unique, completely reflecting yourself and let no one bring you to your knees
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FEATURED MEMBER - December 2010/January 2011This month's featured member is *
reeh0!
Real Name: Rehnuma Hassan
Age:19 years old
Location: Bangladesh
Story behind your DA username: The first name that popped out of my baby nephew's mouth when he first spoke, as my real name is so long and complicated.
Why do you create art?: Art Is my way of saying what is in my mind, I draw to express myself and how i think and how i feel. I am not good with words and creating art seems to solve that problem.
What sort of things inspire you to create artistic works?:I use my experiences in life as inspirations. Mostly painful ones, where my heart has been battered the most. Music also plays an important part in inspiring my work.
How long have you been an artist?: I first started drawing when i was 2 years old, all over the walls of my house.
Do you do art for fun/hobby or is it something you hope to do as a career?: Art has been therapeutic for me, during my harshest of times. I havent taken it as a career yet but i plan to in the future.
What are all the artistic mediums that you take part in (poetry, photography, do you play an instrument, make crafts? etc): Besides traditional art, i do sing. I can also pull off mediocre poetry. I plan to take on photography soon.
Links to 3 of your personal favorite works of art (that you've made):
Oh my twisted heart I like this piece because it shows how crazy and obsessed my heart is, it describes my inner self perfectly.
You're In My Veins I like this piece because it also came straight from my head and my heart. I drew and dedicated this to the guy i loved so much.
Sing Me a Love Song I like this piece because i drew it thinking of someone special.
Links to 3 of your favorite works of art (Can be on DA, or elsewhere on the internet):
m a r i o n by ~
imsoqueerThis piece is the first ever realism artwork that inspired me to start drawing human figures and portraits in a more realistic manner.
Forgotten Fairytales by `
zemotionThis was such a powerful piece, i saw it when i first joined deviantart and it totally inspired me to dig deeper inside me to create art and think differently about everything.
Hold Yourself Together by ~
genniI saw her work and it was the first time i realized one can combine artistic skills and ideas in one;s head to create something awesome. Her work inspired me to think outside the box.
What do you use to create your art (example, what program do you use, do you use mixture of several programs, etc): I dont use any programs for my art, as they are all traditional.
Music that you listen to while creating art (If you do listen to music while making art, stuff that inspires you): Music inspires me to draw and create works. I mostly listen to rock and alternative rock while im drawing.
Link to one print you'd love to own on DA(maybe someone will be nice and buy it for you one day!): What i wouldve loved is a premium membership or of someone donated points to me for a premium membership. but i love this print too
Silent relic by ~
phoenix-fengTHANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS. I FEEL SO HAPPY AND EXCITED!!
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FEATURED MEMBER - October/November 2010This month's featured member is ~
FRE513!
Real Name: MY NAME IS FREQUENCE
Age: (666-28)/22
Location: ATHENS,GREECE
Story behind your DA username: FRE ARE THE FIRST THREE LETTERS FROM FREQUENCE AND 513 IS A NUMBER THAT HAS A PERSONAL MEANING TO ME
Why do you create art?: I'M NOT AN ARTIST. THE ONLY TRUE ARTIST IS NATURE
How long have you been an artist?: I'M NOT AN ARTIST.
Do you do art for fun/hobby or is it something you hope to do as a career?: I DO WHAT I DO JUST TO EXPRESS MY INSIDE WORLD AND FEELINGS AWAY FROM ME.
What are all the artistic mediums that you take part in (poetry, photography, do you play an instrument, make crafts? etc): JUST POETRY.
Links to 3 of your personal favorite works of art (that you've made):
Why are these your favorites?: BECAUSE THEY REPRESENT SOME FEELINGS THAT I WILL ALWAYS HAVE INSIDE ME.
Links to 3 of your favorite works of art (Can be on DA, or elsewhere on the internet):
Why are these your favorites: BECAUSE THEY ARE MASTERPIECES.
What do you use to create your art (example, what program do you use, do you use mixture of several programs, etc): PS CS2 , AI CS2 AND MY CAMERA.
Music that you listen to while creating art (If you do listen to music while making art, stuff that inspires you): ALL KINDS OF MUSIC. THE IMPORTANT THING TO SUIT WITH MY FEELINGS AT THAT MOMENT.
Link to one print you'd love to own on DA: (maybe someone will be nice and buy it for you one day!):
Anything else you'd like to say to the group: STAY (SIC) AND FREE.
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FEATURED MEMBER - August/September 2010This month's featured member is *
MBKKR!
Real Name: Marcel Bakker
Age: 38
Location: The Netherlands
Story behind your DA username: Well it's my name without the vowels. This because my name is very common in the Netherlands.
Why do you create art?: First of all i discoverd my talent for drawing at a young age and i drew on a daily basis. So in the beginning only for fun.
As i am getting older my thoughts have become more and more about what life is about, what is a humanbeing, do we have a soul, what are we in this whole universe and so on. The more spiritual side of life. To try and figure these things out, as far as this is possible, i use my art to find and think about these questions and turn my awnsers or thoughts into drawings.
What sort of things inspire you to create artistic works?: Mostly the search for the innerself and to find the awnsers from the above question. Talking about the more visual content it would be nature and the search for composition. I think mother nature is the greatest artist of all time.
How long have you been an artist?: Feeling that i am an 'artist' would be 5 to 6 years. But as i said earlier i have been drawing my whole life.
Do you do art for fun/hobby or is it something you hope to do as a career?: For now its a serious hobby but i do hope that it can become a career but it's not necessary need.
What are all the artistic mediums that you take part in (poetry, photography, do you play an instrument, make crafts? etc): My main interest is drawing. Once in a while i like to paint as well (see my gallery 
) but have a different approach when it comes to painting. I have some photographs in my gallery not because i think i'm a photographer but they are more inspirational images.
Links to 3 of your personal favorite works of art (that you've made):
Why are these your favorites?: Mother nature is having a headache...: This is my last finished drawing and is a good presentation of wich i spoke of in the beginning of this interview.
Bird of prey: Because it was my first attempt to mix some different mediums wich worked well from my opinion.
Angel Oak: This drawing is only pen and ink and is quite big. A2 at the moment but i think i have to go bigger. It will take me years to finish this but i like the fact that every point i set on the paper is fixed. You can't go back. It's almost meditative working on it and the outcome looks great. Time is not an issue in my art.
Links to 3 of your favorite works of art (Can be on DA, or elsewhere on the internet): These are three from my fav list here on DA but there are much were that came from. There is so much good work here on DA.
Why are these your favorites: Combination of imagination, surrealism and technical skills.
What do you use to create your art (example, what program do you use, do you use mixture of several programs, etc): Pencil, inkpen, acrylic paint and some times photoshop
Music that you listen to while creating art (If you do listen to music while making art, stuff that inspires you): Ambient, drone (Steve Roach)
Link to one print you'd love to own on DA: (maybe someone will be nice and buy it for you one day!) I never looked for prints here on DA so i wouldnt know.
Anything else you'd like to say to the group: Make your art for personal growth first there will always be people who will like your art. If you keep it personal it will be as pure as it can be.
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FEATURED MEMBER - June/July 2010This month's featured member is *
Ranarh!
Real Name: Jennifer S. Lange
Age: 26
Location: Northern Germany
Story behind your DA username: Ranarh Eadha is a roleplaying character from a sci-fi campaign, she carries a vibro-saber and fancies flashy long coats.
Why do you create art?: Basicallly, to share. All the exciting ideas I have should get out to the world so that others can be as happy about them as I am.
What sort of things inspire you to create artistic works?: Anything. From action movies to nature documentaries to the shapes of cappucchino leftovers in a cup. The mystical mood of legends, too.
How long have you been an artist?: I like to think I always thought artistically, but my hard training started about eight years ago.
Do you do art for fun/hobby or is it something you hope to do as a career?: Both.
What are all the artistic mediums that you take part in (poetry, photography, do you play an instrument, make crafts? etc): I'm planning on sculpting. I used to sew, but was bad at it. My musical skills, sadly, are pitiful.
Links to 3 of your personal favorite works of art (that you've made):
Why are these your favorites?: They are somewhat milestones of my artistic development, both technically and subject-wise.
Links to 3 of your favorite works of art (Can be on DA, or elsewhere on the internet):
Why are these your favorites: The Prophet Hanna is a great example of Rembrandt's skill with light, and an adorable character. Van Gogh's Starry Night to me represents the astonishment you feel when gazing upon creation. Wrath of the dragon: the scale of this magnificent dragon is simply awe-inspiring.
What do you use to create your art (example, what program do you use, do you use mixture of several programs, etc): I'm using Painter. Sometimes I also use ArtRage, but only for sketches, and several little softwares for things like wood boarding or underwater light. Many of my sketches still take place in my sketchbook, and occasionally I do studies in ink, charcoal, or other media.
Music that you listen to while creating art (If you do listen to music while making art, stuff that inspires you): I hardly do. When, it's either classic (Dvorak, Tzaikowsky) or old pop songs I know by heart so they don't distract me too much. Inspiring is film music, those great orchestras with huge choirs and such.
Link to one print you'd love to own on DA: (maybe someone will be nice and buy it for you one day!):
Anything else you'd like to say to the group: Today's online art community is a market of chances. However, do not make the mistake to fall into stereotypes and mainstream. For example, don't abandon your unique art style because someone says that all your hands are too small; if that's your style (and you like it), stick to it. Plenty of artists, who are regarded as great masters today, had such knacks. Photorealism is not the answer to everything - there are so many more ways to express your ideas.
Art is utterly subjective. You as the creator are the one who says when it is "right".
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FEATURED MEMBER - November 2009This month's featured member is ~
NenoMistique!
Real Name: Nenad Mihajlov
Age: 25
Location: Skopje R. Macedonia
Story behind your DA username: It's my nickname and also my alias under which I play chill out music as a label Dj for two labels (its Mistique actually)
Why do you create art?: It's kinda way to express what I feel inside of me, it's my hobby (I used to do manual drawings but two years ago I started with programs such as Photoshop and LOVE IT!!!
What sort of things inspire you to create artistic works?: hehe many things such as: music, life in general, wonderful stock images, photography, but seeing other people here on DA creating that kind of art makes wanna contribute even more
How long have you been an artist?: As a music artist Djing several years 5-6 i think and as a graphic artist more then 2 years (I used to do drawings since I can remember but those are more psychedelic and mandalas stuff and I haven't put them over here
Do you do art for fun/hobby or is it something you hope to do as a career?: Well basically its my hobby but sometimes i catch some projects here and there such as CD works, Flyers etc. and sometimes i make a living out of it. I hope i can do more but my real job as a social worker doesn't let me do more.
What are all the artistic mediums that you take part in (poetry, photography, do you play an instrument, make crafts? etc): Mostly photomanipulations conceptual, emotional, dark etc., psychedelic digital works, Fractals and sometimes i do photography im a freak when it comes to macro photos
Links to 3 of your personal favorite works of art (that you've made):
Why are these your favorites?: I can't tell the first two is actually because there are more textures on them (I like to play with textures A LOT) and the last one I don't know I cant say I like it the most
Links to 3 of your favorite works of art (Can be on DA, or elsewhere on the internet): Do i have to????
Why are these your favorites: Many reasons
What do you use to create your art (example, what program do you use, do you use mixture of several programs, etc): Traditional drawings, Photoshop, Gimp, Ultra Fractal, Mandala Painter, Corel Draw etc.
Music that you listen to while creating art (If you do listen to music while making art, stuff that inspires you): I listen to all types of music but I can say chill out music, new age progressive metal music, Industrial music. I dont know it depends on my mood, Ethno Music etc.
Link to one print you'd love to own on DA: (maybe someone will be nice and buy it for you one day!) There are so many I can't be sure which one to pick go and check my favorites maybe you pick one for me
Anything else you'd like to say to the group: Keep the spirit alive!!!!
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FEATURED MEMBER - October 2009This month's featured member is !
cristianbassa!
Real Name: Cristian Bassa
Age: 29 and getting older!
Location: Bucharest, Romania
Story behind your DA username: I'm not telling!
Why do you create art?: I started with drawings, comics, photomanips and then i turned to photography. For me it's just another way to express my feelings.
What sort of things inspire you to create artistic works?: I cannot name on thing, but I can say "everything".
How long have you been an artist?: I wouldn't call myself an artist. It seems too pretentious. But I have been "expressing" myself for more than 15years.
Do you do art for fun/hobby or is it something you hope to do as a career?: I found out that if you do something creative and you put your whole heart in it the results are incredible. So you may never know how things turn out in the end, because one might be so lucky in mixing a hobby with a career.
What are all the artistic mediums that you take part in (poetry, photography, do you play an instrument, make crafts? etc): Lately, I stuck to photography. In the past I had many attempts at other artistic means. But not very fortunate ones. For example: according to my neighbors, my baritone career was not a bright idea
Links to 2 of your favorite works of art (Can be on DA, or elsewhere on the internet): I am very fortunate of watching some amazing photographers here, so I will name them and post a thumb. You should really pay them a visit, you'll be amazed.
Why are these your favorites: Because those photos make me feel alive.
What do you use to create your art (example, what program do you use, do you use mixture of several programs, etc): I use my camera and... that's about it. I do not edit my photos beyond analog photography effects. I have nothing against it, but this is my way of taking pictures.
Music that you listen to while creating art (If you do listen to music while making art, stuff that inspires you): As far as music goes... anything goes, depending on the mood: from classic to rock, from ambient to opera, from metal to instrumental, from dark to pop.
Link to one print you'd love to own on DA: (maybe someone will be nice and buy it for you one day!): Sorry. As long as at least 80% from the sales money don't go to the artist, i will not support buying prints from DA.
Anything else you'd like to say to the group: Would like to thank you for being one of the coolest club regarding quality, response, dedication to the community and would like to give each club member a big 
! Thank you again, friends.
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Abstract Silence - November 2011
Existing only in the mind; separated from embodiment
Deviants
