DeltaSauce: Nostalgia, Connection & AI (Interview)
Who is DeltaSauce?
DeltaSauce is an artist based out of Dallas, Texas whose specialty is AI art – though to the untrained eye, many of his works may appear to have the presence of illustrations or paintings. He began creating in early 2005, inspired by his father’s love for art and in hopes of connecting further with him. Other inspirations that have helped to shape Delta’s style include names like Jim Buckels, David Hockney, and Edward Hopper.
As a full-time artist, Delta creates his works as a means of escapism – a way to decompress but also connect with others. For him, many of the pieces represent moments or objects now suspended in time passed. Common recurring themes of these works include calming liminal spaces that for some might hold nostalgic or familiar feelings – as if they were memories rediscovered.
DeltaSauce
What is something you wish someone had told you before becoming an artist?
I wish I was told more about the business side of being an artist. Making the art is the easy part, it’s about being able to market your artwork to others and make those connections behind the scenes.
I am still very much learning the business side of things, reaching out to people, and trying to find opportunities that can help elevate my artwork and get it seen by more people. At the end of the day that is extremely important to me and what I do in this space.
What activity do you fall into when you are trying to enhance your creativity?
For me it would have to be listening to music, it will usually help guide my emotions for a piece and oftentimes help inspire me to create. Being able to resonate with something has always been a joy of mine, getting inspiration from the world around me.
Blue Room by DeltaSauce
What does your creating process look like?
I like to go in and string words together, try to bring forth the ideas in my head, and convey it to an AI program like Midjourney, or Stable Diffusion. Once I find a direction I want to take with my art, I will then begin to pull it apart, adding and taking away certain words or elements of the image. For me, it's like pulling apart a string and letting it guide me to a semi-plausible end.
After I find something I feel like I can work with, I will go into Photoshop and begin editing. This process is more about fixing up mistakes, sculpting down certain areas, and also fixing colors and shadows. I’ve also begun to utilize the new PS Generative fill to help my process, as well as use old assets I’ve created with AI to layer together pieces in sort of a collage art manner.
For me, creating is about taking something from a sandbox of ideas, and sculpting it down and putting myself into the work. I very much enjoy the process of having my hands on something and making it my own.
What habit or practice has changed your life the most?
It would have to be my hikes, as a kid every weekend I would go out on hikes with my dog and dad. And I still hold that practice to this day, it's a way to get away and escape just for a little bit.
Midnight Snack by DeltaSauce
Who are 2-3 artists you admire or respect that you think deserve (even) more recognition?
There are so many artists in this space that really deserve recognition for what they do. For me, I would have to say DVK The Artist is one of them, someone who not only for his stunning work but also for his worth ethic and how he elevates others in the space. He pushes the envelope and was one of the first people that got me to an exhibition, and he has done this for countless others. Always willing to give advice, and push others to do better.
Another person I admire is BL Art Cult. Not only does he craft such amazingly deep artwork but he has a vast wealth of knowledge. Just the amount of time and effort he gives back to the space, and knowledge when it comes to AI is staggering and amazing. Really love both of these guys, and happy to say we are good friends in the space!
What do you benefit the most when working with NFTs and the blockchain?
It's the ease of connecting with others, and putting my art out into the world. Just having so much control over your work, no need for a middle man and ease of transaction. As an artist I think it’s important that you have control over how your art is collected, and NFTs and blockchain allow that to happen.
Views #269 by DeltaSauce
What is one thing you think artists should focus more on, and why?
Connecting with others is the greatest tip I would give anyone in the space. The web3 space is truly about getting to know others, and building a community of people you can connect with. Not just about art either, but about what else is going on in the space, about their lives and how they are doing.
It doesn’t have to always be about selling your work; that comes in time and can come after truly connecting with another person. For me, the greatest pillar in the web3 space is and always will be community, because they can elevate you in a way you couldn’t on your own. It can be taken for granted.
I personally say that my success isn’t my own; it definitely has happened because of the support I have gotten in the space, and I think as an artist it is important to help elevate others and give back.
What’s the hardest part of being an artist?
The hardest part about being an artist would be having faith in your work; self-doubt can eat away at what you are working on. Especially when you have outer metrics that are showcased around the space, comparison to the success of others can lead down a rough path in your career as an artist.
The Glades by DeltaSauce
Why do you create art?
I create art to unwind, to bring out a feeling of nostalgia and reminiscence about the past. Art has always been about finding myself, a way to become unlost in the world and share myself with the world. We all have our story, some choose to use words to share it, I choose to use art.
What does success look like to you?
Having the opportunity to create, and connect with others. Being able to focus on my art, and get it out into the world to be shared and discussed.
What are you willing to struggle for?
I am willing to struggle to get my art seen in the world, because to me just having my art out there is such an amazing feeling. It’s something I am proud of and I truly love, just seeing the reactions of others. I want to create opportunities for others to feel the same way as well.
Views #209 by DeltaSauce
What is one strong opinion you have?
That the only person with the power to define what is art is the creator.
Oftentimes you will see others put people down about their work and say it's not art. To me, that definition is left up to the person who created it.
Which of your past experiences/learnings have set you up for success in the present?
Treat others how you want to be treated, and just be kind to others. Understanding and listening are extremely valuable and key traits.
A Boy and his Dogs by DeltaSauce
Learn more from DeltaSauce
Something to read:
DeltaSauce is sculpting infinite possibilities with AI
Something to listen to:
DeltaSauce on how emotion and relationships helped him become a leading AI artist.
