Riding out the storm

In times where the internet as we knew it is drawing its last few breaths, it feels pointless to share art online. To gain attention used to be the goal, but against the flood of AI-generated images, the rule of algorithms, and the deterioration of dedicated art websites, I do not feel that it is worth the effort. Counting likes and votes is almost meaningless. Even without generative AI, there are simply too many artists, too many artworks. But if art isn't being made to be seen, what purpose is it made for? What happens to the finished work? Am I spending hours on each illustration only for it to be abandoned? The answer is actually close to being "yes". I do not need to share my art. That is an epiphany. That the art exists is enough, along with the fact that I made it. To realise my ideas, to perfect my craft, to feel as if my time was worthwhile - those are the goals. Against the whole world and the whole of history, I am small, we are small. Whatever any of us do with our time on earth is almost inconsequential to anything. When you can appreciate that idea, art doesn't need to be posted or shared, it is enough that the art has been made. Even if it's discarded instantly, lost on a hard drive forever.

Why "MysticViolence"?

This theme I decided was so important it should be my online identity, raises awkward questions. I don't like that, but I stick by it because it's a goalpost. Today it is unclear that this name is about the art and not the artist, but someday in the future it will be. It might not be considered "marketable" or "professional" by some, and the temptation is to change it. But to change the name would be to change my art, because the name IS my art. Fantasy, science fiction, and sensuality are all deemed unmarketable, unprofessional, or even lacking in artistic merit by some, and yet they are represented in many of the most beloved and memorable works of art in the last half century. The same is true for gore, violence, and confronting emotions. There might still be a time when "MysticViolence" needs to change, but for at least a short while longer, it is staying in a protest - I will be honest to myself and the world about what my art is and where it is headed.

On a strange and exotic planet, an old evil has taken hold. The powers of five godesses must be awakened in order to banish it.

A Scrolling Shooter inspired by the unique tone of older games, Divine Awakening has you shoot your way through hordes of gruesome monsters across 5 different levels. Armed with divine powers granted by the godesses, the player has a range of abilities to create a flexible combat system where the focus is more on attacking than dodging.

Current state: Underlying code 90% finished - focus is on content and level design.

Primal Dream follows the journey of a prehistoric woman named Eve, who seeks revenge on a Pterodactyl that destroyed her home.

This game is a platformer with simple combat and smarter than average enemies. An artistic project first and foremost - the aim is to immerse the player in a 2d world.

Current state: Implementing enemy AI.