PastElle: All Tongue, No Cheek

As we take the exciting step of launching our very first issue, we couldn't be more thrilled to showcase an intriguing piece by the artist PastElle gracing our cover. While the name PastElle might be new to you, her work serves as a powerful testament to our collective journey in the realm of art.

This artwork instantly captured our attention with its vibrant colors and evocative imagery. It's not just a visual spectacle, but also an invitation to look closer, to dive deeper, to explore the narrative intricately woven within its mesmerizing hues and compelling lines.

The elongated tongue of the figure, a distinctive feature, becomes a metaphor for our insatiable thirst for engaging and meaningful dialogue about art. As a magazine, our aspiration goes beyond simply showcasing art; we aim to create waves of conversation, to spread the word about the artists we feature, and to invite you, our esteemed readers, to actively participate in this discourse.

The figure in the artwork interestingly lacks eyes, a deliberate choice that emphasizes our belief that art is more about feeling than seeing. We interpret it as a gentle nudge, a reminder of the emotional, almost intuitive connection we aim to facilitate between our readers and the art we present. Art is more than just a visual feast; it is a deeply emotional journey, an exploration of the soul. It's about delving beneath the surface to connect with the unspoken emotions and untold stories that art can convey.

Perhaps the most striking element of the figure is the monster residing on its head. This creature, while seemingly menacing at first glance, is in fact a representation of the transformative and therapeutic power of art. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the personal battles that artists confront and navigate through their work, using their craft as a means of processing, understanding, and ultimately healing from their internal struggles.

By choosing to feature PastElle's artwork on our inaugural cover, we aim to make a bold and impactful statement. This choice underlines our commitment to spotlighting the unexplored and underrepresented corners of the art world, and our preparedness to challenge the conventional. It embodies our unwavering belief in the transformative potential of art - a power that remains potent and significant, regardless of the artist's level of fame or recognition.

So, welcome once more to MiNTED Magazine. We are profoundly thrilled to share this journey of discovery and shared passion for art with you. As we turn the pages of this issue and those that will follow, we eagerly look forward to embarking on this exciting artistic journey together, exploring and appreciating the world of art, one artwork at a time, one artist at a time.

For our first interview, we had a talk with our cover artist, PastElle... keep reading!

Good Morning Elle, it is so wonderful having the opportunity to chat with you and explore the artist that you have become!

We are so excited and just want to say thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. We're big fans of your work and believe our readers will also enjoy it. Lets jump right to the questions!

MiNTED : Can you introduce yourself and share what led you to digital art, particularly AI Art?

Elle: Hello everyone! I appreciate you taking the time to get acquainted with me. My nickname is Elle on X, but secretly, my real name is Gabrielle. Shhhhhh!

I was introduced to the world of AI art by my husband. Whilst I've mainly worked in the medical sector and real estate, painting has always been my escape. Though I have explored various forms of painting, I never felt particularly skilled. AI art has become a beautiful outlet, opening up endless possibilities for imagination. I love sharing this art on X with positive, like-minded individuals since I may not feel confident enough to share my paintings. It's a fantastic way to connect with fellow artists who appreciate the beauty of AI-generated art.

MiNTED: How has your journey as an AI Artist progressed, and what aspects of AI Art do you find most interesting or exciting?

Elle: Initially, I felt like a child in a candy store, eager to run prompts on everything. However, as I've grown more accustomed to the art of prompting, I've discovered more specific prompts  that resonate with me. Vibrant colors and peculiar hybrid creatures hold a special place in my heart. Surrealism, in particular, brings me so much joy, and I thoroughly enjoy exploring everyone’s different works on X.

For me, surrealism in AI art is what gives me the most joy. There’s limitless exciting possibilities. Also, i really enjoy the challenges that are posted on X, as they push me to delve into subjects and styles that I wouldn't typically explore which is why i always make a conscious effort to take part.

MiNTED: How would you define your artistic style or the overarching theme of your work?

Elle: Vibrant, weird, beautiful and surreal. I love creating beautiful aesthetics and using eye catching colors. Anything goes when I’m creating. I try not to commit to one style but seem to always fall in to similar patterns.

MiNTED: How do you envision AI shaping the future of art creation?

Elle: AI art is a fantastic tool for everyone. It has the capacity to challenge and redefine traditional notions of representation in art. It can amplify the voices of underrepresented communities and give a platform for marginalized perspectives, contributing to a more inclusive cultural dialogue. On a personal level, it has aided me in creating excellent marketing visuals for my businesses.

I see its role more as a tool in the artist's toolkit rather than a force shaping the future of art.

MiNTED: What challenges do you encounter as an AI artist, and how do you navigate them?

Elle: The primary challenges I face involve dealing with hate, negativity, and bullying. Social media tends to attract keyboard warriors and negativity, but I consistently strive to maintain a positive outlook. I make it a point to support the underdogs, uphold maturity, and stay true to myself. I share AI art because it brings me joy—I love witnessing others' creations and connecting with people. Some of my most valuable friendships have blossomed through this platform, so I've become adept at using the mute or block button when needed.

A guiding principle of mine is, "if nobody hates you, you're doing something wrong". I view hate or bullying as an unexpected positive, often rooted in envy. This perspective helps me navigate through challenges and reinforces my commitment to authenticity and self-expression.

MiNTED: In what ways do you believe AI art can contribute to broader societal and cultural dialogues?

Elle: I believe AI contributes in similar ways as other forms of art, but its unique quality lies in making art accessible everywhere. This accessibility, I hope, can amplify its impact on a broader scale…

MiNTED: If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

Elle: I'm open to collaborating with anyone on X, honestly! Mixing styles is incredibly enjoyable, especially when working with someone you've met online. I recently collaborated with Smooshy and Summerinthesim, and the outcomes were truly AMAZING. It's not only a fantastic way to create art but also to connect with people who share the same passion. I'm more inclined to collaborate with those I know rather than seeking partnerships with well-known professional artists.

Thank you so much for your time, contribution, and your willingness to be a part of our first issue!

Elle (X: @PastElle_XO) was so gracious with her time and art. Her work is featured on MiNTED’s first issue. Should you be interested in contacting Elle you can reach out on X where she is very active. If you are a fan of her art you can find more of her work on X or on her website: www.pastelle.com.au .