Artist Interview: Ghostrystore

Cait Lamas, also known as Ghostrystore in digital arts world, is a digital artist who’s born and raised and based in Atlanta, Georgia. At the core of Ghostrystore’s work is a fascination with death, the unknown, the afterlife, the ethereal, and the fantastical.

Her art genre called “Magical Digitalism,” created by the artist herself, features fantastical, otherworldly elements, such as mythical creatures, natural landscapes, and mystical objects through the lens of technology.

We asked Ghostrystore about her art, creative process, and inspirations.

Can you tell us about your background as a digital artist? How did you get started in this field?

I started back in 2019 right before the pandemic. I was painting for years but ultimately lost interest in it since I wanted to put my work into motion. I tried film but it was not fiscally feasible for me and I wanted to create whole other worlds. Once I discovered 3D art on Instagram I knew I could have full artistic freedom with it. I saved my money from my job at a nightclub and had to learn how to do everything on my own. It's pretty crazy that I put all my eggs into that one basket but I’m glad I did.

What inspires your art? Are there any particular themes or subjects that you enjoy exploring through your artwork?

The subject of love, nature, death and dying, the afterlife, tropical themes, and gothic themes inspire me the most. The idea of paradise without any religious undertones. I have always been drawn to beaches and gothic art work. Marrying the two seemingly opposing themes make for what I would want my own “afterlife paradise” to look like. I like to think that we are the architects of our own afterlife. The demons in my work are like your spirit guides into the spirit realm.

I came up with a name for computer art that shows the connection between nature and technology. I call the genre “Magical Digitalism.” It is a play on words for the art genre “Magical Realism” that was popular in the early 1900s.

“The combination of natural and technological elements in Magical Digitalism often reflects a desire to reconcile the seemingly opposing forces of nature and modern technology. The genre can be seen as a celebration of the possibilities that arise when these two seemingly disparate elements are brought together in creative ways.”

— Ghostrystore

What is an event which you consider a milestone in your digital art career?

Having 3 billboards display my work in Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo was a huge milestone for me and that’s when I started showing more work internationally.

Can you tell us about some of your favorite pieces or a past or upcoming project? What makes them special to you?

I am working on my first collection ever, Feral Girl Summer. This is mostly my inward interpretation exploring my own selfishness, rage, passion, and sloppiness. I was mostly inspired by the amount of “feral girl summer” memes that have been present in my algorithm. Also it’s funny how poignant they are for my life right now. The mood for this collection is to take what you want, do as thou wilt, to be unhinged, and revel in your gluttony or lust without any intention to apologize. The point of this project is about vanquishing my inner people pleaser and taking care of my needs before anyone else's. A true ode to whomever came up with the phrase, “who gives a shit?”

Do you have any speaking engagements, awards, exhibitions you’d like to mention?

Showing in Tokyo, Seoul, Venice, Rome, Barcelona, New York City, and Los Angeles. Also winning an award for my app idea at MIT which will be released next year.

What materials, software, and tools do you typically use for your digital artwork? Are there any specific programs or techniques you specialize in?

I use Cinema 4D, ZBrush, X-Particles, After Effects, Photoshop, and Octane render engine.

How do you stay inspired and motivated as a digital artist? Are there any specific techniques or practices you use to overcome creative blocks?

I like to go out into nature and write or read. Sitting in front of a computer trying to create and not being able to come up with anything is incredibly frustrating. Stepping away can provide much needed rest on the mind and eyes.

Spore Majesty by Ghostrystore

Are there any artists or creative influences that have had a significant impact on your work? How have they shaped your artistic style or approach?

I absolutely adore David Lynch's work. The moods and visuals he creates in his work is just so disturbing yet comforting to me. I love Lynch’s usage of inter-dimensional travel through the power of nature and electricity like in Twin Peaks. I try to embody that and execute it in my own work. Robert Eggers's The VVitch inspired my piece, Séance. I love the mystery of occultic themes. Also something about dark feminine energy just has always had a strong pull on me. In contrast to the obvious influences on my work, I love Lisa Frank. I am basically Lisa Frank with tech skills.

“I am endlessly drawn to the idea of what lies beyond our mortal existence, and my art seeks to capture the essence of that mystery in vivid detail. I strive to create immersive worlds that transport viewers to otherworldly realms, where the boundaries of reality are blurred and anything is possible.”

— Ghostrystore