Pivoting from Developer to Kinetic Artist - E65

Using unique mediums can help differentiate an artist's work, giving it both distinctive appeal and commercial viability. Rei sits down with Andrew Zolty, an acclaimed data and kinetic artist widely recognized by his professional name, BREAKFAST. The episode delves into BREAFAST's career journey from being a commercial developer to a full-time kinetic artist. Known for integrating real-time data and engineering into his artworks, BREAKFAST shares invaluable insights into the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of forging a unique path in the art world.

Andrew Zolty, known professionally as BREAKFAST, is a data and kinetic artist whose work centers on transforming real-time data from the natural world into digitally controlled kinetic artworks that tell stories. From the waves crashing on the beaches of Normandy to solar activity on the sun’s surface, BREAKFAST’s pieces draw this data from the web and transform these fluctuations into mesmerizing, undulating sculptures, creating a profound connection between the viewer and distant places.

BREAKFAST's passion for art, electronics, and computers, which began in his childhood, has led him to merge these elements throughout his adult life. Developing skills in art, coding, interaction design, and mechanical and electrical engineering, he became fascinated by the vast streams of data constantly generated around us. This fascination drives his work, as he finds ways to translate data into physical experiences that tell stories of real-time events.

Over the past 15 years, BREAKFAST has grown his studio into an engineering powerhouse, allowing for the complete in-house production of his works. This capability pushes creativity and quality to their furthest limits, with ideas inspiring engineering and engineering enabling new artistic expressions.

Timestamps:

• 0:03 Creative Evolution: From Commercial Designer to Kinetic Artist
• 6:17 From Digital Concepts to Art: A Creative Evolution
• 11:43 Creating AI Experiences for Bikes and Blimps
• 16:05 Embracing Career Transitions Through Unique Skill Combinations
• 20:48 Balancing Artistry and Business in Creative Ventures
• 27:12 The Evolution of Kinetic Art and Creative Mediums

Episode References:

• BREAKFAST | Instagram
• BREAKFAST | Website
• Rei Inamoto | LinkedIn
• Rei Inamoto | Instagram
• I&CO | Corporate Site

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.