The holidays are upon us and 2016 is nipping at our heels. The only decision harder than what gift to get your grandmother is what GIF to attach to inter-office emails and Slack threads. We've gathered some of the most festive GIF artists on the net for a series called 12 Days of GIFmas. We'll shine a red and green spotlight on the creative process behind these shareable bites of holiday cheer.Immediately recognizable for her blocky 3D forms, Moscow artist Sasha Katz's work deals with the trifles and tribulations of life in the digital age—and deserts. Since reconciling our youthful computer-centric existence with the meatspace of family life is basically the meaning of Christmas, Katz's stylistic celebration of GIFmas is more relevant than ever. While moms and dads string lights on houses that they will spend the rest of their lives paying for, Katz decorates a digital rendition of her computer, a representation of the tool through which she creates art. If that's not jolly, I don't know what is.
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We asked Katz about the process behind her artwork and her IRL plans for the holiday season.
Sasha Katz, 2015
The Creators Project: Can you briefly explain the idea behind the GIF?Sasha Katz: The idea behind the GIF is that my laptop is my best friend and an extension of me and if I’m in a good mood, then it is too.Run me through the process of creating the piece. What tools/techniques did you use?All of my artwork, including this one, is made using Cinema 4D.
What kind of stuff do you have planned for 2016? This year I want to increase my breast size, just kidding. I’d like to get a few new tattoos and take a road trip through Nevada and Arizona. And the car has to be a convertible, of course.How are you celebrating the holidays?During the holidays I’m replenishing my stash of consciousness altering substances taking some time to knit little hats with deer antlers for my two cats.
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What kind of stuff do you have planned for 2016? This year I want to increase my breast size, just kidding. I’d like to get a few new tattoos and take a road trip through Nevada and Arizona. And the car has to be a convertible, of course.How are you celebrating the holidays?During the holidays I’m replenishing my stash of consciousness altering substances taking some time to knit little hats with deer antlers for my two cats.
See more of Sasha Katz's work on her website.Related:[1st Day of GIFmas] Watch Santa Kick it Poolside[2nd Day of GIFmas] A Very Snarky Christmas[3rd Day of GIFmas] Have Yourself a Twisted Little Christmas