Aaron Osborne: Navigating Inspiration through Imagination and Collaboration
Aaron Osborne, is a multifaceted artist whose journey spans the realms of film and television production design, as well as multimedia artistry, embodies such a connection. Rooted in an upbringing marked by the ebb and flow of the ocean and nurtured by a fervent passion for collaborative expression, Osborne's artistic odyssey is a testament to the transformative power of creative exploration.
Osborne's early years were unlike many others as he spent his formative days adrift upon the waves, dwelling in the embrace of a sailboat and the boundless expanse of the sea. "I grew up on a sailboat and didn’t live in a house until university," Osborne reminisces. "It truly informed who I am as a person now." His solitary yet imaginative upbringing, coupled with the deep bond shared with his parents, laid the foundation for an artist whose essence would be shaped by the interplay of solitude and communal connection. Rejecting the notion of "work" in favor of embracing the sheer joy of creation, Osborne seamlessly intertwines his roles as a production designer and multimedia artist. For him, the act of crafting worlds—be it on a film set or through a canvas—is not merely a task but a symphony of passion and purpose. "I don’t view what I do as work," he declares. "I love what I do as both a film and television production designer and as a multimedia artist."
Central to Osborne's artistic ethos is the notion of collaboration—a principle ingrained in his psyche from a tender age. "Creative collaboration has been everything for me," he affirms. "I work towards aesthetic goals that can be as simple and personal as creating a letter or as interpersonal as building a world for a film." His affinity for collective creation underscores the belief that the true essence of art lies not in solitary genius but in the harmonious convergence of diverse perspectives and talents.
At the heart of Osborne's current artistic endeavor lies the enigmatic allure of the Major Arcana Tarot Deck—a conceptual framework that serves as both a muse and a guide. Reflecting on his deep-seated connection to the tarot, Osborne recounts his introduction to the mystical deck during his youth—a gift that would shape his artistic trajectory for years to come. "I received an Italian tarot deck when I was quite young," he shares. "These are images that I still reference and use and live with, and this worn deck is still with me now."
The fusion of personal history and creative expression culminates in Osborne's ongoing exploration of the Major Arcana through multimedia collage artworks—a journey fueled by introspection and interconnectedness. His innovative approach to storytelling is exemplified by a seminal project rooted in the realm of experimental filmmaking—a saga marked by love, loss, and the enduring quest for completion. "I first started using the format when I was making short films at Syracuse University," Osborne recounts. "It became an ongoing film, and the lover and I fought, and the film was ripped in half."
Despite the trials and tribulations encountered along the way, Osborne's unwavering commitment to his craft ultimately bore fruit, culminating in accolades and acclaim. "Needless to say, the film was finished in 2021 and won Best Experimental Film at the HollyShorts Film Festival," he reflects.
Does the framework of the Tarot Deck feel constraining or liberating?
As in all good bondage, the constraints are the liberation. I mean, I find my freedom in how I deal with whatever constraints are thrown at me. Walking across the street is constraining. Why can’t I fly? Do I have to look both ways? Should I dance? I do, however, find myself constrained by language. I wish my command of it was better.
You originally debuted your project as an interactive art installation in Los Angeles. Why do you think it’s important to engage viewers beyond merely looking at the artwork?
Everything I do is viewer-based and breaking the lines of communication down and becoming more intimate with the viewer is a total turn-on for me. I guess I just want to know the viewer and them to know me.
How do you maintain a creative life?
It's just been this way forever, I guess. I can’t imagine not having a creative life or outlet. What I can say is that I attempt to be as true to myself and the people around me as I can at any given time.
What does well-being mean to you?
Well-being is being true to yourself and the people around you.
What’s next for you Aaron?
I have just completed the next series of Major Arcana artworks and I’m preparing how I will show it, which includes tarot readings by some artificial intelligence that I have developed. Please stop in and get a reading.
From the tranquil waters of Aaron’s childhood to the kaleidoscopic tapestry of his multimedia artworks, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of beauty, truth, and the transformative power of the imagination.
Website: https://www.aaronosborneart.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronosborneart/
