品牌，藝術家，亦或是合作組織，不論是置身於哪個位置，都能夠為平凡的世界注入新鮮的意義與目的感，而這些對象的背後便正敘說著是為現代追求某件事物的重要驅動力。－Daniel Arsham 曾言道
上述這席話，雖然看似淺義卻足以令人產生出全新的思考，因為這與全球化和文化上的相融合有關。在過程中的每位先驅們，該如何於變化多端的世代中占有一席之地，亦或又該如何與過去最有影響力的藝術家一樣能夠出色到脫癮而出？這問題想必在這世界龐大的人口基數中，從來就沒有單一視角的答案。
不過可以確定的是，相比過去人們單論探究作品本身，因網路世界的極速發展，使現今任何行業都不再侷限於單一路線，好比說活在這時代的藝術家或創作者們，不僅得注意自身向外釋出的訊息身分，也必需留意時尚，音樂設計，藝術，數字領域等各個創造性才能加以總和，簡單來說便是取決於經歷的一切過程。
但還有一個問題是，儘管領導者們汲取眾多領域的脈絡進而綜合出作品訊息，要是做為消費者倘若未曾理解過相關的事物，似乎就會很難捕捉到作者想傳遞的信息，可能會變為爆紅而買，便很難從作品本身建立聯繫散發出真正的喜愛。
這就像是大家瘋搶 OFF-White 聯名款，卻並不一定會了解到 Virgin Albon 在一定程度上是受到 Ludwig Mies van der Rohe 打造的 Farnsworth House 所影響，亦或 KAWS 塑造的 Internet stars，實際也很少人真正會探究背後原因是探討當代世界的人類心理狀況，其實這已說明著創作者本身遠大於作品的重要性。若觀者們能以全方位視角去細賞其本身特質，那或許會從其所見的任何形式得到相當程度的反饋，進而與藝術家本身產生共鳴。
所以為探討作品背後的「造物者」本身，筆者此次便有幸專訪了以「人物」為題的藝術家 DANIL YAD，他在近年於潮流圈頗具人氣，通過 3D 數位雕刻的方式對現今潮流趨勢的大佬進行揣摩，但卻不僅是對實際模樣簡化還原，而是去挖掘每位偉大人物在自我領域傑出的一面。也許你看完他的作品與看法，會對「核心」能夠誕生出更深刻的思考。
1.請先簡單做個自我介紹
哈囉！我是 Danil YAD Yarmin，是數位雕刻家，搪膠玩具設計師及 YARMS 工作室的共同創辦人。
2.你是因為什麼原因進入「潮玩」領域？
我是大約在十年前認識了潮流玩具的文化。當時我在 Behence 上看到了 Kidrobot 所做的Munny 和 Dunny 以及 123Klan 的作品。我記得對這些作品印象極為深刻。接著我便開始更加認識潮流玩具的文化。我使用軟陶黏土做不同的公仔，但過沒多久就被數位雕塑吸引。現在潮流玩具創作是我主要的活動。我和團隊為我們在這個領域的作品共創了 YARMS 創意工作室。
3.相比製作傳統公仔的製程，3D Digital Sculptor 似乎是個不同層面的技術，能夠跟我們說說為何會想用這方式打造實品嗎？
數位雕刻為我打開了新的可能性。比方說，在任何階段都可以修改作品的能力。而且我還可以使用任何種材質來表現一個物品，以了解最後的產品看來會如何。
4.從你的作品中，我有感受到 Michelangelo、Bruegel 等一些古世紀藝術家的創作技法，是以上這些人影響你嗎？還是另有其他人，事，物而受到啟發？
是的，我的確受到古典藝術的啟發，因為古典藝術從我孩童時期就存在在我生命中。但我同時也受到現今世上所發生的事所啟發，通常如炒作的故事也包含在內。
5.在 DANIL YAD 曝光的項目中，Project “AUTHORS” 系列顯然受到許多人共鳴，但似乎也很多人並不了解「意義」為何？能跟我們說說設計初衷嗎？
AUTHORS 是受到藝術家，設計家及其他才華洋溢創作者的啟發而成。在這個作品中呈現出創作物背後的人格。對我來說，創作者遠比品牌還重要。
6.大家都知道 Mighty Jaxx 藝術公仔單位，但我們都很好奇 DANIL YAD 在合作的過程中有什麼值得一提的事？
Mighty Jaxx 讓我的作品成真。我們的合作才剛開始。我們有遠大的計畫，但現在不能透露任何消息。
7.最近像 Travis Scott x 麥當勞這種潮流 IP 的玩偶，又再度掀起了熱潮，令人想起A BATHING APE當初發行Action Figure的光輝歲月，你覺得會造成這種空前盛況的結果，是因為現在人們更大程度上在意名聲，稀有度的關係，而非是理解背後意義嗎？
我了解真正的潮玩收藏者並不喜歡這種炒作。但同時，潮流玩具文化卻能抓住更多人。
8.潮玩也與球鞋一樣都存在著炒作現象，你認為「限量」是加劇轉賣風氣的最主要幫兇嗎？
在我看來，是「限量版」再加上愈來愈多的觀眾造成這個炒作的。道理很簡單：公仔的數量有限，但想買的人卻愈來愈多。
9.因為從近年來看，轉售價位越炒越高，似乎導致許多人「買假貨」來滿足自己，你認為造成這種結果的原因是什麼？
這是任何一種文化的自然過程。之前你提到球鞋的例子，就是同樣的事情發生在球鞋文化上。需求的增加導致這樣的結果。
10.在台灣也有不少關於 DANIL YAD 的仿貨到處流竄，能教教我們如何辨別正品嗎？
假貨在視覺上和我的正品不同。如果你把兩個公仔放在一起，你就會看出假貨的人物扭曲了作者原來的比例，尺寸和風格。仿製品看來醜陋。Mighty Jaxx 生產的正品都嵌入了特殊晶片，可以在 Mighty Jaxx 的平台上進行鑑定。
11.目前你在製作上有遇到什麼難關嗎？
至於我自己製作的公仔，現在已經很少見了。例如 NOMAD 作品。因為要在最終產品上達到最佳的品質，我就必須面對問題。我想列出所有的問題是毫無意義的，它們都太過特定了。
12.最後我們把目光拉遠，你認為「潮玩」領域未來會出現什麼樣的發展？
我想是會有愈來愈多封閉式俱樂部和憑邀請函的發表會。同時也將生產大量的產品製造。這些是兩種不同的方式。同時也對數位收藏會如何隨著 NFT 的到來而發展有興趣。
面對 DANIL YAD 所言：「創作者本身比品牌更為重要」，其實這不光是解讀創造背後的真正意義，帶來的更多是讓人們能夠藉由某種媒介，去誕生出與藝術家相連的涵義，就如同 Project「AUTHORS」人物系列，也正是體現他過去接觸的任何藝術設計文化的「載體」。
當然，這並不單指藝術設計，每個人都有自己想要的東西，無論是球鞋或是一幅畫作甚是其他夢寐以求的單品，如果大眾們除了在花錢購買之餘，同時思考其本質而非僅建立在趨勢所指，那麼所謂的「連結感」自然會油然而生，好比你買 Air Jordan 肯定在某種程度上對 Michael Jordan 球場歷史有感一樣。
之於「IP 限量款」以及「炒賣」這回事，雖然說穿主因是「供需不平衡」的問題，但仔細想想也是市場中自古以來的必要存在，畢竟當環境全都指向同一需求時，那自然會成為哄抬的「利品」。DANIL YAD 其實也從訪談透露了這點：「在任何文化中，這都是自然過程」。球鞋亦然，換作是其他也是同義，可與此同時也越來越多人願意成為其中的一份子，並不全然是壞事。
最後有趣的是，DANIL YAD 提到了 NFT 數碼藝術的趨勢，讓筆者想起近期無論是 Grimes，Takashi Murakami 等藝術家都加入了戰局，其實也早說明這種獨特的資產代幣已然成為大眾關注的目標，但至於在未來對藝術又會造成什麼樣更龐大的衝擊，想必是十分有趣的話題。
（以下為訪談英文版）
Brands,artists, and collaborations have the ability to imbue the mundane with a fresh sense of meaning and purpose, and the narrative behind these objects beacomes an important driver of modern aspiration.- Daniel Arsham
The meaning may seem simple yet it is enough to generate brand new thinking, for it correlates with the blending of globalization and cultures. How does each pioneer take on a role to play in this ever changing generation; or how could each pioneer be brilliant enough to stand out like the most influential predecessors? In this world of vast population, there has never an answer with single perspective.
One thing can be certain is that, comparing to the past that studying the work itself, due to the rapid development of the cyber world, industries of the modern world can no longer be confined to one single route. Such as the artists or creators that live in this era when paying attention to their identities that are released to the outside world, must also keep an eye on the creativity in fashion, music design, art and digital fields to be able to combine. To simply put, it all hinges on experiencing the process of everything.
There is another question. Even though leaders draw context from multiple fields to summarize messages of the work, if the consumers could not understand the related things, they would not be able to capture the messages the creator intends to deliver. They would purchase because of the fame of the creator hence would be difficult to connect to the work itself and show genuine fondness.
It is just like people go into buy spree for OFF-White co-branding items but do not necessarily understand that Virgin Albon is influenced by Farnsworth House as created by Ludwig Mies van der Roher. Or Internet stars built by KAWS; no one would actually explore to find out that the reason behind it is to discuss the human mentality of the current world. This explains that the creators themselves are far more important than their works. If the viewers would savor the quality of the work itself from all perspectives, they may be able to receive certain degree of feedback from the shape they see and resonate with the artist(s).
In order to explore the “creator” behind the works, author has the privilege to interview artist DANIL YAD who uses “figures” as his themes. He has been rather famous in the trendy circle in recent years fathoming the current trendy big shots through 3D digital sculpting. He does not just simplify and restore the actual figures but to excavate the outstanding parts of the great characters in their fields of excellence. Perhaps when you finish watching his works and reading his views, you would have more profound thinking to the cores of his work.
- Please briefly introduce yourself.
Hello! I’m Danil YAD Yarmin. Digital Sculptor, vinyl toys designer and co-founder YARMS studio.
2. What brought you into the “designer toy” field?
I got to know the designer toys culture about 10 years ago. At that time, I saw Munny and Dunny from Kidrobot and 123Klan’s works on Behance. I remember how impressed was with these projects. Then I started getting to know more about designer toys culture. I made different figurines from polymer clay, but after a while I got carried away with digital sculpting. Now the creation of designer toys is my main activity. With my team I founded YARMS creative studio for our projects in this area.
3. Comparing to the production of traditional action figures, 3D Digital Sculptor seems like a technology of entirely different level. Could you tell us why you want to produce an actual figure in this method?
Digital sculpting opened up new possibilities for me. For example, the ability to edit work at any stage. Also I can render an object in any materials to understand how the final product will look like.
4. I sense the creativity techniques of Michelangelo, Bruegel et al ancient artists from your works, are you influenced by them? Or are you inspired by other people and things?
Yes, I’m inspired by classical art, because it has existed in my life since childhood. But also I’m inspired by what is happening now in the world. Often these are some kind of hype stories.
5. Among the items of DANIL YAD, many people seem to resonate with Project “AUTHORS” series but a lot of people also do not understand the meaning. Could you tell us the original intention of your design?
AUTHORS is inspired by artists, designers, and other talented creators. In this project, I show personalities who are behind the creation of things. Here for me the creator is more important than the brand.
6. Everyone seems to know the art toy brand name Mighty Jaxx; but we are curious if there is anything DANIL YAD would like to mention during the collaboration?
Mighty Jaxx helped me bring my projects to the real world. Our cooperation is just beginning. We have big plans, but right now I can’t unravel any information.
7. Recently designer IP toys such as Travis Scott x McDonald has raised fanaticism again, reminding people of the glorious era when A BATHING APE first released the Action Figure. Do you think such upsurge is a result of people care more about fame and rarity rather than understanding the meaning?
I understand true collectors of designer figurines who don’t like this hype. But at the same time, designer toys culture embraces more and more people.
8.Hype phenomenon exists in designer toys and sneakers; would you think “limited edition” is the main accomplice that intensifies the resale?
It seems to me that the “limited edition” coupled with the growing audience is making this hype. It’s simple: there are as many figurines left, but there are more people who want to buy them.
9. In recent years, the resale prices seem to be getting higher resulting in a lot of people buying fakes to satisfy themselves. What do you think is the reason that causes such a result?
This is a natural process in any culture. Above you gave an example with sneakers. The same thing happens in sneaker culture. Increased demand leads to such a result.
10. There are a lot of DANIL YAD counterfeits in Taiwan market; could you teach us how to identify the genuine product?
Fakes differ visually from my original works. If you put two figures side by side, you will see that the fake figure distorts the original proportions, size and style of the author. The copy looks ugly. Also original items produced by Mighty Jaxx includes an embedded special chip that can be authenticated to the Mighty Jaxx platform.
11. Have you encountered any difficulty in production recently?
As for the figurines that I produce myself, these are rare cases now. For example, a NOMAD project. I have to face problems, because I want to achieve the maximum quality of the final product. I think there is no point in listing all the problems, they are too specific.
12. Let’s look into the future; what do you think would happen to the future development of designer toy field?
I think there will be more and more closed clubs and releases by invitation. At the same time, will be produced mass products too. These are two different ways. Also interesting how digital collecting will develop with the advent of NFT.
Conclusion：
DANIL YAD says: “Creator is far more important than the brand”. This is not only to interpret the true meaning behind the creation but more on allowing people to give birth to the meaning that connect with the artists through certain media. Just as the project “AUTHORS” series figures, they are the carriers that manifest any art designing culture that DANIL YAD used to come in contact with in the past.
Of course this refers to more than just art design. Everyone wants to buy the thing they desire, be it a pair of sneakers or a painting or even some other items they dream of owning. When people spend money to purchase, if they could ponder the essence of the items and not just being incited to the trend, the “sense of connection” would emerge naturally. This is just like when you buy Air Jordan, you would feel Michael Jordan’s contribution to the history of basketball court to some extent.
As for “IP limited edition” and “speculation”, they are merely problems of “imbalanced supply and demand”. Come to think of it, this has been necessary for the market since before; after all, when the environment all point to the same demand, the item naturally becomes a profit good with inflated price. DANIL YAD also reveals this during the interview that “this is a natural process in any culture.” The situation is the same for sneakers and other things as well. But it is not entire a bad thing when at the same time, more and more people are willing to become a part of it.
Finally, it is interesting that DANIL YAD mentions the trend of NFT digital art, reminding author of Grimes and Takashi Murakami et al artists all entered the battle recently. Actually this also explains that such unique asset tokens have already become the attention of the public. As for what kind of huge impact it will cast on the arts in the future, it would be a very interesting subject.
