The First of it’s kind for Fawaz. A great opportunity to  create unique art for a big brand like HP. a nice flexible experience with great results.Fawaz created 3 pieces to be used as laptop wallpaper art1.  Drawings on the wall.  ButterflyTypo.  First day of Spring.

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Wallpaper Artists: Fawaz AlOlaiwat

by Mark_Budgell

Your technology isn’t just a reflection of you; it’s what fuels your passions. And considering that the background on your desktop is something you look at most of the day, shouldn’t it be something inspiring? Something different? We’re speaking with a collection of artists whose work will appear on the latest HP desktops and laptops. Read their stories here on thenextbench.com, see their art…and download it for free from HP’s Facebook page.

The Next Bench: What is the significance of the phrase in your bio “Every hobby of mine has a dream”?

Fawaz AlOlaiwat: I like to keep myself busy with many things other than design and art keeps my mind and knowledge fresh. I consider them hobbies until they start earning me some cash. Then they move the “pro” status. Like writing, my dream is to share my culture’s stories with the world and create the most disturbing sci-fi horror novels, reimagining history. I have loved comics since I was a little child and I’ve been collecting them. My dream is to create my own comic book and comic shop – and I’ve been training myself. The list goes on and on. I’m always looking for new things to learn and enjoy. I just follow that where ever it leads me.

TNB: How did growing up in Bahrain affect your art?

FA: Growing up in Bahrain has had a big effect on my art. Art runs in the family. My mother is a writer and historian. My brother and two sisters are artists, so art was always in the air. Plus Bahrain’s long history and rich culture is the base for my work, it is unseen at some times. Bahrain is a part of the region and our history, culture and art and mixed and fused into one, but each country has its own touch. I studied Arabic calligraphy and love the geometry and flow. So I took that knowledge and started implementing it in my pop art. Almost all my work as a calligraphy base fused within.

TNB: It’s great how you describe your art as also teasing “the mind with music and daring fiction.” How are art and music represented in your work?

FA: Well in most of my gigs as a DJ I showcase my work, my music is very similar to my art, vibrant colorful and exciting but mostly positive. I design my own posters and flyers for the gigs. It’s kind of branding but on a mass scale, everything I do has a vision and somehow it’s all linked. Sometimes art inspires the music and sometimes music inspires the art.

TNB: As you just said, you’re also a DJ, photographer…and a writer. How do find the time?

FA: Time management. Plus I’m a freelancer, so I work from my studio and I organize my own time. Being your own boss has its perks. And after 16 years of working experience and managing a number of projects at the same time I kind of found a way to live my life, deliver my work and explore my hobbies.

TNB: I know it’s hard to choose a favorite, but out of everything you’ve worked on which one meant the most to you? And why?

FA: This is a hard one, I would have to chose “Flying FawazO” my self-portrait. I created this piece as a motivational and visualization tool. it represents how I would like to touch people’s hearts with my art. I want to fly in the wide open space of my imagination.

TNB: Were you surprised when HP approached you to develop a wallpaper design? Was it something you’d done before?

FA: Yes, I was very surprised and excited. The first thought that came to my head was, “How did they find me?” No, this was the first for me. I’ve done some similar work like branded art to be used for advertising or decoration like Puma and Coca-Cola. Those companies contacted me because of my style.

TNB: Did you conduct any research on the state of wallpaper art? Or did you have any pre-conceived notions about it?

FA: Yes I did my research, that’s always my first step. I like wallpaper art, I have a huge collection and I frequently like to change my desktop wallpaper so I’m always looking for new ones. And yes I wanted the art to be vibrant, inspiring and full of life. I like to start fresh and work with the team to develop a concept that is suitable.

TNB: What’s next for you? Where are we likely to see your art in the future

FA: The universe is my canvas. I’m working on launching a fashion brand focused on T-shirts. I’m working on creating exciting, funny and creative designs with messages that will represent my culture and people. So watch out for “Bedouin Ninja.”