Today we’d like to introduce you to Aiden Faherty.
Hi Aiden, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a 23-year-old digital artist and the creative mind behind the social media brand @coolacloy. My journey as a digital artist has been an exciting mix of my passion for philosophy, science, and technology. I use captivating 3D designs, animations, and videos that tell stories through visuals. The beauty of Eastern philosophy and the vastness of the universe influence my art, often accompanied by the voices of renowned figures like Alan Watts, Michio Kaku, and Neil deGrasse Tyson.
But let me take you back to one source of my inspiration – my travels in Asia. It was a life-changing experience that happened in Southeast Asia from October to December 2022. I started this adventure with my cousin and a close friend photographer, exploring Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia. From the moment we stepped foot in each country, the unique feel of every location was a source of creative energy for me.
Cambodia, in particular, left an indelible mark on my artistic soul. Though I spent only three days there, I had the opportunity to explore numerous temples, including the renowned Angkor Wat. The architecture and the stories visible on the temple walls fascinated me deeply, aligning perfectly with my affinity for Eastern philosophy and the teachings of Alan Watts. Among all the incredible places I’ve visited in Southeast Asia, the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia left the most profound impression on me.
@coolacloy In Hinduism, the astral realm is known as the “Sukshma Sharira” and is considered to be one of the five levels of existence. It is said to be the realm where the soul goes after death before being reborn into the physical realm #cambodia #digitalart #angkorwat #temples #astralrealm #reality #foryoupage #aftereffects #unrealengine5
Built-in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, this temple complex showcases the intricate carvings and detailed bas-reliefs characteristic of Khmer architecture. Every inch of the temple, from the walls and ceilings to the floors, were adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu ideas.
Those abandoned temples inspired me and I had the idea to recreate their essence through my art. By using Unreal Engine 5, I downloaded 3D scans of the temples, a breathtaking realization that brought these ancient structures into a virtual space. I’ve created different videos that invite the world to explore the beauty of diverse cultures and the wisdom of ancient civilizations.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvIFgRUsYJX/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
It’s truly mind-blowing how technology is revolutionizing the world of digital art. I’m especially amazed by the 3D scanning capabilities that allowed me to capture the details of ancient wonders like the Angkor Wat temples and statues. I used software like Unreal Engine 5 to import these real assets and create entirely new forms of art, reimagining and repurposing the artistry of civilizations from thousands of years ago. It’s like breathing new life into the past.
This is a video I created using Unreal Engine 5 that went viral on TikTok, reaching 1 million views:
@coolacloy As I journeyed through the depths of the human psyche, I was astounded by how vivid and real the experience felt. It was as if every detail was created with immaculate precision, leaving no doubt the inner world was just as tangible as the one we see with our eyes. • • • • • #digitalart #dreamworld #dreams #digitalarts #unrealengine5 #mdcommunity #motiondesigner #motionmood #motiongraphics #astralplane #astralprojection #astral #motionlovers #renderzone #renderoftheday #renderlovers #nftcommunity #nftcollector #nftart
In Hindu ideology, they believe in various realms of existence, and I wanted to showcase the temples in an environment that resembled one of these mystical planes. Using the 3D scan of the Angkor Wat temples, I brought this vision to life.
One day, I woke up very early around 4 a.m. to see the beautiful sunrise at Angkor Wat. I couldn’t resist capturing this magical moment, so I made a video that you can watch here:
@coolacloy Though he should live, a hundred years without seeing the deathless state, yet better indeed is the single day’s life of one who sees the deathless state- ancient buddhist proverb #dreamart #ancienttemples #trippyart #digitalart #pink #cloudart
For another video, I used the power of AI to present the temples and statues in a whole new light.
https://www.tiktok.com/@coolacloy/video/7165907868724612394?lang=en
As I travel, I’ve witnessed the unfortunate effects of time and looting on these ancient treasures, with statues missing their heads and temples falling into disrepair. Through my work, I aspire to reconstruct and preserve what was once lost, showcasing the beauty of these historical civilizations in the digital space.
I can imagine a future where technology will play an even greater role in reconstructing and safeguarding the heritage of these magnificent cultures. It’s an exciting journey! Through my videos, I hope to inspire others to appreciate the beauty of the world, encouraging them to contemplate life’s mysteries and embrace the transformative power of art.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the early difficulties I faced was the limitation of using a regular business laptop for video editing. As my passion for digital art grew, I realized the need for better performance, which led me to invest in an editing laptop.
While I was traveling in Asia, I encountered several obstacles that tested my dedication to my video content. Although I had my laptop with me, it wasn’t my usual high-powered PC, which limited my ability to work with resource-intensive software like Unreal Engine. So, I adapted my approach and I captured footage during my travels and created those videos upon my return back home. The diverse culture and ancient temples left a profound impact on my creative soul, shaping the stories I tell through my digital art.
Managing time and the limited internet access, especially on buses and planes during my travels in Asia was quite challenging. We would stay at each location, whether it was an Airbnb or a hotel, for just about three days before moving on to the next destination. The constant cycle of early mornings, packing our bags, and heading to different airports or taking long bus rides, like the overnight buses to Sapa Valley in Vietnam, demanded effective time management.
Despite the tight schedule, I was determined to keep up with my content creation and social media presence. I wanted to stay connected with my audience and maintain consistency in posting to keep up with the algorithm.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At the heart of my work as a digital artist is the mix of technical expertise, creativity, and my passion for philosophy, science, and technology. With a degree in Computer Information Systems, I use my knowledge to create 3D designs, animations, and videos that transcend traditional boundaries of digital art. To elevate my creations, I use the voices of renowned figures such as Alan Watts, Michio Kaku, and Neil Tyson, adding depth and insight to my artistic narratives.
What sets me apart from others in the digital art space is my commitment to innovation and exploration. I constantly seek to stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving landscape of technology, pushing the boundaries of digital art to new heights. By using the latest advancements in software and tools, I demonstrate the power of technology in shaping artistic expression.
I produce video content that not only captivates the eyes but also stimulates the mind and evokes emotions. My unique approach has led me to collaborate with clients across diverse industries, from music to advertising.
Through my art, I aspire to bridge the gap between technology and creativity, opening doors to a world where imagination has no bounds.
Follow @coolacloy on TikTok and Instagram to stay connected with my latest creations.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
There are several individuals who deserve credit for playing significant roles in my journey as a digital artist and the success of my brand, @coolacloy. One of the most influential people during my travels in Asia was my good friend Sutton @suttonlynch, who is a talented photographer and drone enthusiast. Throughout the trip, Sutton constantly had his camera out, capturing nature shots and stunning videos of the temples. Additionally, I embarked on this transformative Asian journey with my cousin @danisdrone, who played a super important role in planning the entire trip. Brainstorming ideas and sharing our artistic perspectives with them was invaluable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coolacloy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coolacloy/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiden-faherty
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coolacloy
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@coolacloy?lang=en
