On this episode of Creative or Dead, David and Aleesha meet with Tom Blachford, a commercial architecture and interiors photographer and fine artist known for his bold and atmospheric works.

Tom shares insights into his Midnight Modern series, which captures the surreal beauty of mid-century architecture at night in Palm Springs, as well as his recent ventures into AI-driven image creation. Known for pushing the boundaries between traditional photography and digital art, he discusses his unique approach to balancing spontaneity and structure in his creative process. He also touches on his experiences with aphantasia (the inability to visualise images in his "mind's eye"), his fascination with myths and dystopian aesthetics, and the impact of AI on the art world.

This episode is for anyone interested in the future of creativity, offering a glimpse into the mind of an artist sitting smack bang at intersection of technology and art. If you’re not already familiar with Tom’s work, we highly recommend checking it out before listening in.

LINKS

Check out Tom’s website and Instagram

The wonderful Midnight Modern – recently on show at Compendium Gallery

The Lost Archive of Slender O’Kinoshi

Tombo Den AI art commission – check out the Instagram page for some of Tom’s wild images

Tom’s wife Kate Ballis and her incredible work

Influorescence collab between Kate and Tom, check out here

Take a look at Nihon Noir – and Aleesha’s particular favourite, the Nakagin Capsule Tower

You can also read up on this crazy Nakagin Capsule building on Wikipedia here

YOUR HOSTS

Aleesha Callahan is a design journalist, regularly contributing to Est Living, Green magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Indesignlive and Habitus, the latter of which she was the editor between 2020-2024. A storyteller and versatile freelancer, Aleesha collaborates with select brands and studios to help articulate their voice.

David Constantine is a creative business builder and leader. With a career spanning branding, advertising, innovation, strategy and social impact, David has worked with arts practitioners and institutions in Australia and internationally for more than two decades. He has delivered place identity strategy and strategic planning for many prominent Australian arts entities. He currently sits on the board of the Art Gallery of Ballarat. David is a collector of contemporary Australian Art and has strong relationships to both artists and gallerists.

CREDITS

Creative or Dead was produced by Rob Heneghan.

It was recorded at the State Library of Victoria. We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land where we recorded, the Wurrundjeri and Woi Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation.

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