The wonders of the digital age never cease to amaze. And, as the entire world begins to settle into the new normal, a multitude of industries are turning to the recent advancements in technology to not only assist with work and connectivity but also to spread joy in turbulent times. One industry that is making particular strides in this area is the creative one. Putting on a display of pure wonder, Adobe calls upon the multidisciplinary artist, Claire Luxton, to draw on her artistic flair and dream up “Destination Imagination”, bringing it to life with Adobe Photoshop.

In a bid to offer its customers escapism when they needed it most during the UK lockdown, Adobe calls upon the artist to assist in crafting the creative Eden which Claire describes as blurring the lines “between fantasy and the physical mind.” With Adobe’s cutting-edge technology at the forefront of these images, the digital brushstrokes come to life with the creative’s masterful design skills and a vibrant injection of colours as observers are ushered into the alternate realm dreamed up by the artist.

“I have been using Adobe Photoshop for around 7 years now,” explains Claire when speaking on the collaboration. “The magical thing about having this digital element as part of my practice is that I’m always learning and evolving, as it has become an extension of my creative process. My practice is always a fine line between sculpture and photography. When creating ‘The Compass’ I used Adobe Photoshop to individually draw thousands of hairs and combine nearly 100 layers to paint in colour, light and nuances.”

Upon the release of the “Destination Imagination” photo series, Claire sat down with Wonderland to discuss her passion for art, the wonders of Adobe Photoshop and her career. Head below to check out our interview with the artist now…

Talk us through the inspiration behind your artwork. What does “Destination Imagination” mean to you and how did you go about interpreting this fantastical theme?
When I first explored the topic of “Destination Imagination” my first thoughts were of ‘Lucid’ dreams, this is something that happens to me often where the line between dream and reality blurs. I wanted to explore this line between fantasy and the physical mind. We are our own maps, our own compasses, but during a year where we spent a lot of time behind closed doors, I wonder how our imaginations evolved over this time to take us to destinations unknown.

How did Adobe Photoshop help bring your ultimate fantasy to life and push your imagination as an artist?
I have been using Adobe Photoshop for around 7 years now. The magical thing about having this digital element as part of my practice is that I’m always learning and evolving, as it has become an extension of my creative process. My practice is always a fine line between sculpture and photography. When creating ‘The Compass’ I used Adobe Photoshop to individually draw thousands of hairs and combine nearly 100 layers to paint in colour, light and nuances.

How has Covid-19 impacted your creativity? What have you learnt about yourself and your art during this difficult time?
As an artist, I’m no stranger to isolation. I’m very much happy locking myself away in the studio for hours on end, listening to my favourite playlist. However, I feel lockdown allowed me to be freely creative in ways I hadn’t before. I guess It gave me a kind of permission to learn and explore my practice in a more direct and concentrated way. I learnt that my emotions are directly linked to my creativity, both good and bad and it was really a privilege to still be able to continue to make and Inspire on a global platform during this unusual time.

What do you hope viewers take away from your artwork?
I always aim to create a moment of true immersion. Art is always so personal and subjective, but I often find viewers tend to have a very emotional or transportive response to my work. I constantly seek to tap into those parts of myself and others, that nobody sees and I think people see that reflected in themselves.

What most surprised you about Adobe Photoshop and its ability to help visualise your wildest dreams?
I studied Fine Art at Goldsmiths and my roots are in painting and sculpture. Adobe Photoshop allows me to create my vision both physically and digitally in a fine art cross over. I’m always so surprised by the lack of limitations when working digitally, (other than my own). As my ideas grow and evolve so too can the elements of my practice in Adobe Photoshop. Since working with Wacom tablet brushes, which I overlooked for many years, I have bridged the gap between reality and fantasy, photography and painting.

What would be your word of advice to young creators starting out?
My biggest piece of advice that I would give would be to create without being self-conscious or self-critical. You can be critical once the work is made, but explore the idea first as you never know where it might lead. Often my best steps forward came from mistakes. Ultimately be bold, brave, and authentic to yourself.

What are you most proud of in your career so far?
A few of my proudest moments have come in the last year. Over the past 12 months, I have launched a number of public art projects in London with L’Occitane, Westminster, The Crown Estate and the super talented team at MTArt Agency who I signed with back in May 2020. Public Art is incredibly important to me. Is been so powerful especially over the last year when galleries, exhibitions and cultural events have been closed. My projects “Plant Yourself” & “Of Nectar & Dew” on Regent Street have given free access to art for everyone and helped to develop the idea of greener urban spaces.

Finally, travel has opened back up again. Where’s the first place you’ll escape to?
I love to travel. It feeds my soul and mind, so it’s something I have deeply missed. I have a trip booked to Greece in September for my birthday so I am very hopeful that the trip will go ahead and I can explore once more. I would also love to be back in LA & Oslo visiting my friends.