Mara, also known as @fanthasia.ai on IG, is a highly skilled artist from Romania. With a background in photography and a passion for illustration, she creates captivating artworks that transport viewers to a realm of ethereal beauty.
Her work focuses on otherworldly female characters, portraying them in a futuristic and diverse manner. Through her masterful use of color, ranging from vibrant neons to delicate pastels and striking monochromes, Mara brings her subjects to life in a mesmerizing way.
Mara's compositions feature enchanting characters adorned with unique wearable tools, evoking a sense of eccentricity and a journey from distant planets. With meticulous attention to detail, she creates visually striking pieces that captivate the imagination.
Her art tells compelling visual stories, where beauty, diversity, and imagination intertwine seamlessly. Mara's distinct style and impeccable craftsmanship leave a lasting impression on art enthusiasts and admirers of the fantastical.
Meet Mara!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got interested in AI art?
My background is in Photography, but I also loved painting. After my son was born and I homeschooled him, I turned to illustration. I have always been fascinated by ethereal and fantasy themes. I discovered AI art last winter in December when I came across captivating images of organic architecture and magical fairies created with Midjourney on Instagram. I was immediately drawn to it and knew I had to give it a try. However, it took me about a month to gather the courage to dive in and figure out how to work with it. Eventually, my photography background influenced my AI vision and approach.
Can you walk us through your creative process when working with AI?
Yes, I find inspiration in various sources such as song lyrics, movie scenes, theater pieces, art references, concerts, moods, feelings, daydreams, contemporary dance, artsy images, and art in general. I also draw inspiration from other AI artists in the AI community on Instagram and even from captivating moments I capture on the street. Inspiration truly can be found everywhere, even though it may sound like a cliché. As for my process, sometimes I start with a prompt 'skeleton' that I expand upon, while other times I build the artwork entirely from scratch. It all depends on the ideas I have in my mind, and I strive to bring them to life through the prompt.
How do you balance your work in AI art with our professional or personal pursuits?
That’s a constant struggle. I used to dabble in AI whenever I had a little free time, but now I’m trying to approach it with a more disciplined mindset and set clear boundaries with my time. It's easy to get hooked because it offers instant gratification for bringing ideas to fruition. And once you start, one idea fuels another, and you can easily get carried away.
I draw significant inspiration from the impressionist Painters, who have greatly influenced my artistic style. Their bold and vibrant paintings, as well as their freedom to express themselves through their chosen colors, resonate with me deeply. In addition to the impressionists, I find inspiration in various illustrators and painters who fearlessly embrace the use of vivid colors, including Maxfield Parrish, Lorenzo Mattotti, Kirsten Sims, and Charlotte Ager. When it comes to photography, I am particularly captivated by artists such as Tim Walker, Eugenio Recuenco, and Annie Leibovitz, who create captivating images from scratch, incorporating props and scenography.
Who/what are your biggest artistic inspirations, and how have they influenced your work?
What kind of message do you hope your art conveys to viewers?
I must confess that I am constantly in search of that "wow" factor, as the AI community consistently pushes the boundaries and produces increasingly impressive and creatively captivating images. My intention is to transport the viewer to a parallel universe, where they can momentarily escape and be captivated by the beauty and mood of the artwork. I strive to create a seed that sparks a sense of daydreaming and invites the viewer to explore their imagination.
Undoubtedly, AI will reshape the industry and revolutionize the creative process. It has already begun to simplify the brainstorming process for those who have embraced its implementation. AI is a powerful new tool for creatives, and I am definitely eager to work with it both now and in the future.
How do you see AI impacting the future of art, and where do you see yourself in that future?
This community is really amazing. Everybody is very supportive and kind. It's like a gathering place where we all come together, sharing our shared passion and regularly posting new images on IG. Through this, we inspire one another and push the boundaries of what we can create. Collaboration is also a big part of this community, and it's so enjoyable because each collaboration brings something new to learn from one another.
How do you engage with the Ai art community, and what benefits have you gained from being a part of a large artistic community?
What advice would you give to other women who are interested in AI art?
If you have images in your mind that you've always wanted to bring to life but never had the means or knew how to do it, then AI is your answer. It's a thrilling journey that allows you to unleash your creativity. And even if you're just curious and want to explore new possibilities, joining the ride with AI is definitely worth it.
For more of Mara’s incredible work, make sure to visit her Instagram account: @fanthasia.ai