As we grow older, we often become accustomed to our environment and lose interest in the little things in life. However, some people don't grow out of their wonderous childlike minds and find the mystery in the ordinary.
Diego Cusano, also known as “Fantasy Researcher”, is an Italy-based artist who reimagines various everyday objects by adding a playful twist. May it be a snail shell that transforms into a helmet or a full-on chicken that is reinterpreted as Maleficent's horns, Diego continues to find fun and creative ways to draw unexpected illustrations.
To learn more about Diego and his creative ways, we got in touch with him; read the full interview below.
More info: Instagram | diegocusano.com | Facebook | tiktok.com
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First of all, we were wondering what inspired Diego to start drawing these imaginative illustrations, and how this journey evolved over time. The artist responded: “I’ve always been a fan of surrealism; since I was little, I enjoyed drawing fantasy settings. When I attended the Academy of Fine Arts, I created a fantastical city, and year after year, the concept of fantasy evolved. I realized that I needed to observe reality as a dreamer, understanding that there are many perspectives. This is how my style was born, which has since become a beautiful journey of over 12 years.”
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Diego’s artworks have caught the attention of many famous brands like LEGO or Barilla. We asked the artist to walk us through his creative process and how he adapts to various objects, creating unique experiences.
“Each object has its own uniqueness; I observe it, turn it over in my hands, examine it from every angle, and through imagination and fantasy, I try to decontextualize it and turn it into a new object. In the end, it has become a beautiful habit, just like drinking a cup of coffee,” explained Diego.
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Diego’s works have a playful and light-hearted quality that brings smiles to those who see them. Therefore, we asked what the artist hopes viewers take away from his art.
“First and foremost, I hope they bring a bit of serenity and happiness, especially in the historical and cultural context we’re experiencing. I would like people to learn to observe better, to pause for a moment, and to understand that a problem or anything from another point of view can be more beautiful. It’s all about knowing how to observe,” shared Diego.
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We were also wondering how Diego cultivates and nurtures his creativity to consistently produce such innovative and unexpected artworks. He wrote: “I travel a lot and I never tire of being curious, learning, and discovering new places and cultures. Sometimes, when I listen to a song, creativity is influenced by a verse, the same goes for a scene from a movie or a book. Another fundamental aspect is that I am a lover of nature and animals, and being in contact with them is very important to me. Good nutrition and physical activity are also crucial because they greatly help psychophysical balance.”
And lastly, Diego added: “I always encourage studying, never stopping learning, dreaming, and taking care of your own talent because it’s your personality and your power that life has given you.”
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