1) How do you personally define Dark Art?
First of all, 'dark' would be according to the beholder, but if regarded as a particular 'class':
A}. In its most visceral, or typical sense, that which deals with morbid types of subject matter, such as death, blasphemy, and gore, used to shock and outrage, which may or may not be a reflection of the artist. It could be used as a means to an end, to establish notoriety.
It also displays sublimated primal inclinations suppressed by any given society. It is interesting to note that most western 'dark art' exhibits some of the most vile and blood-laden spectacles possible, in a society where death is typicaly swept under the rug and glossed over in favor of a so-called "wholesome" lifestyle. In the orient, Japan in particular, it can be seen in various amorphous sexual exagerrations through Hentai - so it can be seen that man's natural carnal nature will out in one form or another, art being one of the most productive, which may also act as stress release, otherwise having manifested in potentially aberrent behavior.
B}. It may also be indicative of 'forbidden', and taboo idealistic and philosophical subject matter, highly symbolic, which may or may not contain gore. Such as what American photographer Andres Serrano did with the blasphemous "Piss Christ", as an example. Both as a statement against religious christian oppression, and overall censorship.
C}. As a genuine reflection of the artist, it is a Jungian expression of subconscious fears and/or fascination, which may be therapeutic in nature, and may otherwise be used as a tool to manipulate social change in a psychodramatic sense. Art itself may be a ritualistic tool of self-transformation, to evolve towards a self-professed ideal.
In this sense, by artistically materializing dark iconography, it tends to hold deep symbolism for the creator and is resonant with the viewer as well, which may or may not translate identically, but may inspire personal definitions within any given psyche.
For instance, what the herd may consider 'dark', may in fact contain some of the most beautiful expressions of the human condition, and/or anatomy. It really is relative to the individual.
2) What initially attracted you to Dark Art and what about it continues to intrigue you?
Actually, I began being attracted as a Dracling towards dark art from occult encyclopedias like 'Man, Myth, & Magic', and various grimoires, poured over at libraries. Artists such as Albrecht Durer, Hieronymus Bosch, Botticelli, Goya, and others, then later H.R. Giger, Salvador Dali, as well as Sorayama have always held a fascination. Even some of the art in 'Heavy Metal' magazine, comic books & novels, and 'Dungeons & Dragons' manuals provided contemplation and inspiration.
It was also amusing at times to spot certain favorite pieces being used for various Heavy Metal and Rock albums, while most in that genre probably assumed these were original to the album. Sometimes I bought the album for the artwork, but frequently became delightfully suprised at the music as well, which sometimes tended to reflect the entertaining theatrics displayed.
"Dark Art" tends to demonstrate some of the most imaginative visual permutations in extremes, from brutal reality to the most fantastical, both of which have been pleasing and otherwise inspire meditation for different reasons.
3) Who do you think is the "Godfather" or "Godmother" of Dark Art?
Our primal ancestors. From antiquarian cave paintings depicting the violence of the hunt, war, to mythological depictions of devils and monsters, as well as some of the earliest artists such as Durer and Bosch mentioned earlier. All through to the Gothic, Rennaisance, Feudal {Dark Age}, and Boroque eras, each contained their own aesthetic iconoclasts which formed a particular style, thus inspiring others in similar expressions, to their own unique visions.
4) Would you consider yourself to be a Satanic Artist? Is there a difference between Satanic Art and Dark Art, or do you think that Satanic Art is simply a subgenre of Dark Art?
Yes, Satanic both in the sense that I Am a Satanist, as well as creating that which is directly pertinent to My own individual psyche.
However, Satanic Art need not neccesarily be laced through with a pre-occupation with death, blood, blasphemy, and gore. Depending upon the intent of the artist, it can display everything from classic beauty to commonplace subject matter, as beauty is just as relative as what may be commonly considered 'ugly', 'morose', 'depressing', or even 'evil'.
Ultimately, I would say that 'Satanic Art' is just 'personal art'. Satanic Art may contain dark art per se, but dark art is not necessarily Satanic Art, unless it is a direct reflection of the artist oneself. Much of it also depends upon intent.
5) Which Artists have influenced you in this genre? Where do your other inspirations come from?
Primarily H.R. Giger, Rex Diabolus Church, Joseph Vargo, and Timothy Patrick Butler for My ideally similar styles. Otherwise, I visualize what I wish to create into the second dimension, and use whatever tools necessary to materialize it, whether hand-drawn, painted, or digital, sometimes a combination of these.
I derive inspiration from some of the most unexpected sources - from the way a shadow & light falls, the way some element of nature is configured, like a twisted tree, which perhaps may resemble some recognizable form, personality types, characteristics, to double-en-tendres, figures of speech, philosophical ideals, all the way to favorite media I enjoy.
