'I strive to look for things that trick my mind' – Rogier van der Zwaag, cover artist for 'The Optics Issue'

A huge thanks to Rogier van der Zwaag for being our second FRONTIER and designing the cover of our OPTICS ISSUE. Through shifting the perceptions and perspectives, Rogier’s work often creates optical illusions that mesmerise, dumfound, spark curiosity and disorientate the viewer – which made us immediately think of his work for our OPTICS theme.

What technology could you not do without?

I need something with a lens and a sensor that is able to record at least 25 frames every second.

Which phase of the creative process excites you the most and why?

I love to not think too much and just try stuff out. I’m not strong in making concepts, since that all has to happen in my head. I like to practice. To turn the camera on and just record some things. Edit it, see what works and what doesn’t, go back to my studio and try it again.

Who is your style icon?

I’m not sure I can call him a style icon, but he has been my biggest inspiration: Oskar Fischinger. A German artist/animator who made most of his films in the ’20s and ’30s of the last century. I saw a few of his films in my first year of art school and was intrigued by his skills to make ‘visual music’

My music video ‘Grindin’ for Nobody Beats the Drum felt like an ode to him.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

‘You should do something with all that drawing of yours.’ – My Dutch teacher in high school.

What top tips do you have to help people get creatively inspired?

Get off the internet, empty your agenda, get something in your hands, don’t think about what you are making too much, analyse afterwards.

As your website states, ‘each of Rogier’s works….reality and imagination - in which direction can we expect your next step to be?

I take pretty small steps. It’s always a combination between things that I’ve done and a little new idea or experiment that get’s added. But I like how more people are starting to find me and ask me to collaborate in some way, I hope that keeps happening.

Are there any other perspectives you’d like to shed light on through your work?

I like abstraction because it doesn’t give you too many literal references as a viewer. There is more freedom in there, and less forced messaging. I think our minds tend to stick to the rules we know, it’s great when art is able to elevate ourselves out of our rusty thinking patterns. I strive to look for things that trick my mind a bit, in the hope that it will do the same to others.