Exclusive Interview with Paul MilinskiUncover the inspiration and process of Paul Milinski's work.
MEET THE ARTIST PAUL MILINSKI
Enter a world in which all doors are open and the air is sweet – full of sources of both inspiration and, yet still, critical reflection. Australian contemporary digital artist, Paul Milinski is internationally known for his vibrant, glamorous sceneries with a surreal touch. His creations show the fine line between dream and illusion and tell sophisticated stories in the most fantastical ways.
Learn more about Paul Milinski and his work with an exclusive Q&A below.
If you have any questions about the artist and their work or any of our other new releases, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Q. Can you tell us about your journey from being a musician and manual factory worker to becoming an internationally acclaimed digital artist and designer?
PM: Art was always my thing in school, where I stood out most. But the message I got growing up was loud and clear: art wasn't a viable career path. This societal pressure was so strong that I was convinced I'd be better off with a 'real job,' leading me to leave school early and work manual labour / factory jobs, ultimately becoming creatively disconnected and creatively distant. Eventually, I used music as my creative outlet and came to a point where I was fueled by a strong desire to change my life's course. I compiled a visual portfolio and secured a place at a renowned university for visual design, which lasted one day, making it clear that traditional education was not the right fit for me. Instead, I focused on gaining real-world experience and landed a job at a design studio, branding for music festivals, leading me into 3D design and digital spaces, particularly with a focus on the outdoors. I soon realised this was a whole new way of expressing my ideas. Just as genuine as paint or pencil.
Family Trees
How did your diverse experiences shape your approach to art?
PM: My trajectory through various professions before embracing art full-time, especially my stint in garden maintenance for some of Melbourne's most luxurious homes, has deeply influenced my artistic approach. In my art, I aim to construct these idyllic sanctuaries, places untouched by the external pressures of stress, anxiety, and depression. Drawing upon the meticulous details and the serene atmosphere of the gardens I once maintained, my work aspires to replicate that sense of luxury and peace, offering both myself and the viewer an escape into a world where beauty is limitless and accessible, where the tranquillity of those out-of-reach gardens is brought within grasp.
Your work is known for its vibrant, glamorous sceneries with a touch of surrealism, often blurring the lines between fantasy and illusion. What inspires your creative process?
PM: My creative process is about the freedom, control and realism that working in 3D gives me. It's like being a photographer who doesn't just capture what's there but gets to decide everything about the scene—from the lighting to the landscape. Once I've got a scene that looks pretty much real, I can't resist but twist it a bit, adding something unexpected to make it a little dreamier, just a bit more out of reach like those lavish homes I used to work in. It's this chance to play with reality that drives my work.My art is a constant exploration of 'what if?' What if our world was infused with more magic in the everyday? By blending the real with the surreal, I strive to provide a momentary escape, a brief idea into a world that's just a little more extraordinary than our own.
Bench in Bloom
Your works evoke a sense of peace and serenity on first sight, and upon a closer look, unusual elements are discovered. Are there influences that inspire these interesting elements?
PM: Sometimes you'll notice things like coffee cups, CDs, umbrellas, shovels, and boulders on the edge in my art. Each has its reason for being there.
The coffee cups represent how much I hate that I drink coffee. CDs take me back to being a teenager, discovering music that would stick with me for life. Umbrellas because I love rainy weather and feel most at peace. The boulders balancing on the edge represent myself trying to keep everything balanced, facing the pressures of life. Shovels represent my past working as a labourer. A symbol that grounds me and always reminds me to stay humble and appreciate my path in life. Including these elements in my art is like adding a personal touch, making the scenes beautiful and meaningful. I hope that when people see these bits and pieces, they might see a bit of their own stories in them, too.
Waterfall’s Wave
In your 'Synthetic Waterfalls' series, you challenge viewers' expectations by visualising waterfalls through flowing silk drapes, expanding the boundaries of imagination. How do you approach experimentation in your work?
PM: For my 'Synthetic Waterfalls' series, I wanted to play around with the idea of what a waterfall could be. Instead of water, I thought, why not silk drapes? It was about blending the natural with something unexpected, which I always set out to do.
When I experiment, I start with a "what if" question and just dive into it. Sometimes, it's a bit of trial and error, messing around with materials or specific tools until something clicks.
Poolside Repose
Any hobbies you enjoy when you're not working on your art?
PM: When I'm not working on my art, I love hanging out with my family the most. It's my way of recharging and staying grounded. Playing the drums and guitar lets me tap into a different kind of creative energy that's more about rhythm and feel. I'm currently finding a lot of information about philosophy and science. Learning about big ideas or new discoveries just blows my mind and gets me thinking in new ways. I'm really beginning to find a lot of inspiration in this area. I love walking in the rain—it's calming and brings a fresh perspective, almost like it washes away the noise of everyday life. I also enjoy spending time in cafes. More for the ambience, people watching and finding little sparks of inspiration in those small moments of observation.
