1) Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
I am Hamlatul Arsy Mulia, also known by my artistic alias “The Curious Unicorn”. I discovered my passion for drawing and painting at the tender age of five.
Since then, my artistic endeavors have remained a constant source of joy and inspiration. Hailing from a mixed Bruneian-Indonesian-Singaporean background, I am currently based in Singapore, where I explore the craft of 2D animation, visual development and illustration.
Having spent my formative years in Singapore, the UK, and LA, I am immensely grateful for the opportunities that art has afforded me. It has not only allowed me to work in diverse corners of the world but has also nurtured my independence and broadened my visual horizons. The experiences gained through these journeys have become an integral part of my ever growing artistic vocabulary.
I am a dancer, story teller, visual development artist and plant lover.
2) Who are your biggest artistic influences?
My work is heavily influenced by the worlds and minds of Tim Burton, James Jean and Guillermo del Toro to name a few. And through them, I learned even more from their biggest inspirations. Learning, researching, and exploring the source while remaining curious allowed me to use what I learned to explore what truly defines my soul, and develop my own voice.
A journey that brings meaning to my work for others to hopefully be inspired by.
3) What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Stay grateful, and success will follow. At the same time, always remember to live a life of adventure, travel and meaning, as it will truly inform the art that you make. Every experience, every book you read, everything your watch and every moment in your life, will contribute to your artistic vocabulary. Make it count.
4) When is your favourite time of day to create?
I don't really have a specific time of the day that I prefer, but I do have different moods throughout the day. I learned to use these different moods and allow it to inspire what and how I create. I even have different music playlists that go along with these moods. I believe you should create when your heart speaks to you.
5) If you could change one aspect of our society through your work, what would it be?
The world is ever-changing. I hope that we are able to continuously find meaningful ways to keep up with this fast-changing world.
With my stories, I hope I will be able to inspire younger artists to come out of their comfort zone, explore new skills and be part of a generation that will build and grow our nation's future.
6) What makes you happy as an artist?
Being happy is a journey. This journey has taught me that happiness is a feeling, a feeling we hold on to. When I am able to successfully channel my stories, feelings, and heart into a piece of work, makes me feel grateful. A process that took me a lot of years, and yet I am still learning. This is what makes me happy.