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Fractal art is a captivating fusion of mathematics and creativity, offering infinite visual possibilities.
This article presents two perspectives: first, an exclusive interview with @LukasFractalizator , a Community Volunteer on DeviantArt, who shares his journey and insights on fractal art.
Then, we explore the history, key artists, techniques, and impact of this fascinating art form.
Whether you're an experienced fractal artist or simply curious, this article aims to inform and inspire.
Lukas, a Community Volunteer passionate about fractal art, is making his big return to DeviantArt after a long absence.
A key figure in the fractal community, he shares with us his experience, projects, and vision of this fascinating mathematical art.
Lukas returns with an undiminished passion for fractal art and a vision enriched by his experience.
His comeback is excellent news for the DeviantArt community, and his advice will undoubtedly inspire many artists to explore this fascinating universe.
How have you been after this long absence?
First, I'd like to thank you, Cyril, for inviting me to participate in this article. I truly appreciate it. Thanks for everything! Regarding my well-being, I'm happy to say I've been feeling much better than before my absence. Let me give you a brief overview of how things have happened.
I've been battling severe depression and anxiety since around April of last year, with the worst period occurring in early May. From April and throughout much of 2024, I tried various combinations of medication. Some had little to no effect, while others provided temporary relief before my mental state deteriorated again.
Honestly, I believe that was the lowest point I've ever reached. I experienced a complete lack of will and motivation, overwhelming self-doubt, and questioned how I'd even made it to my fifth year of medical studies. I also doubted my efforts and work as a Community Volunteer, feeling I wasn't doing the job justice compared to my predecessors or other incredible team members.
Things began to turn around after January 2025, when I started a new medication regimen and a weekly online therapy program. I began to feel more in control, and my motivation, will, and mood improved significantly. This slowly helped me climb out of the incredibly dark hole I'd been trapped in.
Now, I feel refreshed, strong, and ready to face the challenges ahead.
What motivated you to return to DeviantArt?
To connect this to the previous question, there was a point where I even considered stepping down from my role. I didn't see any prospects for the future, as my condition wasn't improving and I was barely managing.
But now, today, it's as if I've caught a second wind, a new surge of energy propelling me forward. I've decided not to waste this opportunity to turn things around. I want to make up for my time away by pouring even more energy and enthusiasm into my position. I aim to continue giving fractals a chance to shine on DeviantArt, as well as highlighting talent from the digital and traditional art fields.
Essentially, it was my enduring passion for fractal art and my enthusiasm for promoting talented artists that drew me back.
Did you continue creating fractal art during this period?
Yes, I have been creating, though my efforts don't always result in the captivating creations I envision. I often obsess over the smallest details, striving for perfection, only to be dissatisfied with the final product. This usually leads to me either discarding the draft or letting it marinate in my folder of infinitely reworked pieces
My favorite fractal type to work with is "Linear-Wave tiles" (as seen below). I like to refer to them as "fractal paintings" or "fractal landscapes" because the right composition, shapes, and complementary color palette can make the final result feel more like a freshly painted canvas than a typical fractal.
My second favorite type is fractal nebulas. I love their versatility and the challenges they present, such as setting the right blur, depth of field, or base structure. Ultimately, I suppose you could say I'm somewhat obsessed with blending fractals with a sense of reality.
What are your current and future artistic projects?
I had a project in progress before my absence, and I'm eager to resume it as soon as possible! Without revealing too much, I can say it's designed to encourage the entire artistic community to delve deeper into the fractal world and find inspiration within it.
Additionally, I'm passionate about encouraging the community to explore this art medium further and gain a better understanding of it, as it deserves more recognition than it currently receives. However, I acknowledge this task will be challenging. Firstly, the number of active fractal artists is significantly lower than when I first joined DeviantArt and essentially grew up with the community. This definitely limits my "Hidden Fractalist" project, as we're sadly seeing more artists leaving than joining. Secondly, I believe many people still don't consider fractal art a legitimate, true art form. I hope to change this by inviting them to explore the creative process of active fractal artists, demonstrating that fractals are just as authentic and require equal, if not greater, effort and understanding.
How do you see the evolution of fractal art today?
Compared to earlier days, and given today's modern, progressive technology, modalities of fractal art are evolving exponentially! (Pun intended.) But in all seriousness, whether it's discovering new fractal formulas and plugins, or even exploring the fractal world directly in your browser without needing to install anything (yes, you heard correctly – check out this Web Based Flame Editor by zy0rg: iterator.it/ ), the possibilities of fractal art, much like the art itself, are endless. There are still countless fractal styles and hidden formula combinations waiting to be discovered, which could unlock entirely new and distinctive fractal types.
Any advice for those who want to start in this art form?
Absolutely! Engage with fellow fractal artists, and most importantly, don't hesitate to ask for help! We fractalists are always thrilled to welcome new enthusiasts eager to learn. There's a wide range of fractal programs available, from beginner-friendly to more technically advanced options, and numerous tutorials for both 2D and 3D fractal art. There are plenty of resources to explore! So, explore, connect, engage, create, inspire, and be inspired.
Origins, Techniques, and Inspirations
This article will be illustrated with a selection of fractal creations, highlighting the richness and diversity of this fascinating art form.
Fractal art is a unique discipline at the crossroads of mathematics and aesthetics. It fascinates with its infinite forms and complex structures, revealing abstract landscapes of mesmerizing beauty.
Fractals were theorized by Benoît Mandelbrot in the 1970s, paving the way for a new way of representing nature and the infinity of geometric forms. Since then, digital artists have explored these shapes to create unique compositions.
Major Artists Among the pioneers of fractal art are figures like Kerry Mitchell and Hal Tenny, whose works have influenced a generation of digital artists. Today, creators continue to explore this infinite field of possibilities.
Fractal art relies on specialized software such as Apophysis, Mandelbulb3D, and JWildfire. These tools allow the manipulation of mathematical formulas to generate captivating visual structures.
Fractal aesthetics are found in many fields: graphic design, music, visual effects, and even scientific modeling. Their influence is present in nature, from the shape of galaxies to the patterns of tree leaves.
Fractal art, at the crossroads of science and creativity, opens infinite horizons for digital artists.
Through this article and the interview with Lukas, we’ve explored the depth and diversity of this ever-expanding universe.
But the journey doesn’t stop here. What are your favorite fractal artworks? Which artists inspire you the most?
Share your discoveries in the comments and let’s celebrate the beauty of fractal art together. 
NB: The cover image is a fractal work by @OutsideFate that earned him a Daily Deviation over 10 years ago. Discover his gallery here. 
