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29 Illustrations By Steffen Kraft Inviting People To Reflect On Themselves And The World Around Them (29 New Pics)
Interview With Artist
Steffen Kraft, also known as ICONEO, is back with even more thought-provoking and captivating illustrations. His work often touches on important social and environmental issues, as well as inviting people to reflect on themselves and the world around them.
"In my illustrations, I primarily show things that concern me. I always hope that others will also deal with this topic or recognize themselves so that a connection can arise between me and the viewers," the artist told Bored Panda.
Scroll down and immerse yourself in the world of ICONEO's latest artwork.
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#1
Multa Nocte 2 years ago
This is so true! Sometimes when you make a move, it looks boring and insignificant to others but it is a heart stopping moment of panic for you.
Trophy Husband 2 years ago
Yes, when you try something new... Or when you take a phone call... Or when you are forced to see other people... All are just as hard as that driving board.
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L 2 years ago (edited)
I love the concept but I don't like the imagery of the use of water wings as safety equipment. They are dangerous and not even a good aid in learning how to swim. I think the point that the kid in the water wings is actually much much braver will be lost on most people. 😄
RageOfAquarius 2 years ago
I don't think it's very detail-oriented, haha. If you went off that high dive into such a shallow spot, you could die.
Load More Replies...Bored Panda reached out to Kraft to learn more about his creative process and himself. In one of his interviews, the artist mentioned that due to the overabundance of images and impressions, we lose the ability to reflect on ourselves and see the world from a different point of view. So, we asked him why he believes self-reflection is important and if this is what he aims to achieve with his illustrations. "I am often overwhelmed by the flood of images on social media. The dangerous thing is that I don't notice it when I scroll," the artist shared. "At some point, I realized that I actually wanted to do something completely different. And all of these images that are now in my head first have to be processed and classified, mostly unconsciously of course. As a result, I sometimes lack space in my head for self-reflection because there is too much other stuff flying around.
When I self-reflect, I try to recognize my own wishes and needs or to classify my actions in the social environment. When I calm down and reflect, I sometimes recognize connections that I hadn't seen before. Either in a private environment or globally. This process is extremely important for coming up with ideas for my illustrations."
RELATED:
#2
#3
Heather Nicole 2 years ago
I experienced this myself in desperate need of help caught with my arm impaled. turns out I'm vindictive even in so much pain because as I screamed and the people a hundred feet away from me ignored, I really wanted them to fall flat on their faces
Trophy Husband 2 years ago
Drowning is silent, kids down in the middle of parties full of people with no I've noticing. Always have a single person responsible for watching your kids if you're somewhere with a pool!!
- 2 years ago (edited)
I'm lucky with the town where I now live. People don't always jump to help, but if one person starts, others join in. It's not the case everywhere.
Graham_Illegal 2 years ago
And the other towns... well, someone else be responsible for taking care of them :)
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Celtic Pirate Queen 2 years ago
My Mom was a nurse and for whatever reason, she & I were often the first people at the scene of an accident. She always pointed directly at one individual and said "YOU. Call 911" while we were administering whatever aid we could. As she explained to me, people have a tendency to assume someone else has already made the call, so NO ONE does. I've used that strategy more times than I care to recall over the course of my life. Sometimes you just "know" that person is not going to make it, or even worse, they're already gone before you even get your seatbelt off.
Jonathan Eggers 2 years ago
Nobody is that heartless realistically someone would notice and at least call 911
"Viewers can use my illustrations as a mirror to reflect on their own experiences, emotions, and beliefs. Engaging with art can encourage individuals to slow down, contemplate, and see the world through the eyes of the artist, prompting a shift in perspective."
#4
Jaxine Lexon 2 years ago
I thought they were thinking this cuz of the Pink colors... even though, Pink is actually a Male's color way back in olden days, so, praise on to all my dudes who sport pink! you no sissy, you is mans!
#5
Sydney B. 2 years ago
I've always been perplexed by this 😆 Like, dang is this for the baby to chill or for the parents to decorate the nursery??
PrettyJoyBird 2 years ago
Its for an infant. They cant see well. It goes in a circle with lights and sound. Supp to distract the baby from crying so parents can get a moment to eat, pee, shower, ect.
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Cathy Carey 2 years ago
I thought of this and used tape to turn them so my baby would see the ponies.
The most challenging part of the creative process for Kraft is trying to develop a consistent style that suits him. "For me, it's often a balancing act between two things: on the one hand I want a consistent style, on the other hand, I want it to be varied and surprising."
On the flip side, the best part for Kraft is when he finds a good idea, starts sketching it out and sees that everything clicks. "Then I get into a flow, get impatient and want to get it done as quickly as possible. This impatience sounds a bit negative, but it is a good motivation."
#6
WindySwede 2 years ago
We burn fossil fuel, CO2 goes into the atmosphere, CO2 acts like a blanked on earth. Strange it will get warmer.. /s (Yes we can measure that the CO2 is from fossil fuel).
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𝕊𝕙𝕪 𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕘𝕠𝕟 (they/them 2 years ago
now i have the song “daylight” by david kushner stuck in my head 😭
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Wiccan Crone 2 years ago
Beautiful and frightening at the same time. Fortunately for our planet, earth abides. It is our ability to live on it that is being destroyed.
Jing Yi Xu 2 years ago
It’s not the sun. Just the humans on it creating greenhouse emissions 1000x faster than natural and deforestation and everything else
Jonathan Eggers 2 years ago
Tbh global warming is way overblown and if it was true then why would the guys who keep talking about it be buying luxury beach houses wouldn't those flood in a situation where the ocean was to rise
#7
K.K.J 2 years ago
I consider the time of my life when I stopped doing this a major beneficial and pivotal time.
Sans Serif 2 years ago
I never really made this as a conscious decision but, age brought me to my senses...
Load More Replies... SonicAlchemy 2 years ago
Nobody should ever be ashamed or feel weak for asking for help, not knowing how to do something or not being able to do something on their own. If you weren't taught or didn't make a trade your profession or a practice how else would you know and if you can't carry a heavy object why risk the injury and damaging what you're trying to carry? Doctors, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, mechanics and all things down the line exist to help and serve others not experienced and capable of what they do, aside from making money.
Jeevesssssss 2 years ago
I can't remember when I made the switch to being able to ask for help. When I was studying pharmacy though, it was hammered into us that we could never know everything and it was laughable to imagine we could, and not knowing was fine. What we DID have to know was where and how to look stuff up (reliable source, up to date, how to phrase search criteria etc.). That really stuck with me - the direct lesson, but the lesson behind it too.
Load More Replies... Jeevesssssss 2 years ago
Looking back, I think that I became able to ask for help when I found people who proved to me they would be there for me. I hadn't felt that before. And yes - I do realise how phenomenally lucky I am to have people like that in my life, and that most people these days... don't.
We asked Kraft what makes him passionate about doing creative work, and what he would want other people to take away from his illustrations. "The passion comes from being able to create and represent something that I have previously imagined," he replied. "You can now do this with AI, but for me, ideas often arise during the drawing process. In contrast to AI, where the results are often random products, when I create things myself I can determine and decide everything. This creates this great flow state for me that I don't find in AI. Creating illustrations is also a mixture of self-therapy and meditation. I can process things here that I would otherwise have trouble finding words for. When I create, I focus on one thing, start it and finish it. And in the end, I created something, as if from nothing, it has something magical.
There is no specific group of people that I am trying to reach. But I often reduce and simplify my illustrations so that everyone can understand them. At the same time, I try to make sure that my illustrations show cultural diversity."
#8
Tarra Scott 2 years ago
When you spend more time documenting their childhood than experiencing it.
#9
Kelly H. Wilder 2 years ago
Me, too. Always be kind to Siri and/or Alexa, too. Not from fear but just as a reflection of true character.
Sans Serif 2 years ago
They are (programmed) to be quite kind to me, so there's no reason I'd not be...
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Heather Nicole 2 years ago
my ex husband once made fun of me for being polite to them... we're the teachers... and you're teaching it to be a D! (#
Alexis Dominey 2 years ago
Electronics can be frustrating just liek people, wity tge advancements of A.I it could pay to be nice to it like you would people. It bugs me when my sister gets frustrated with electronics and call it a "stupid peice of c**p" She used to throw it across the room whe she was little.
Elliot S 2 years ago
I say thank you to my google home thingy when it turns the tv on for me or whatever. It always replies with "I'm honoured to serve you" which makes me SO uncomfortable. I've asked it to stop saying that but it still says it everytime, so I've stopped saying thank you as much. But then I feel guilty..
At the moment, Kraft works with analog printing processes, such as linocut printing and screen printing. "Especially with the advent of AI, I feel the need to do something real, something handmade. My next big project is to publish a children's book and a book about my art." So, stay tuned for more exciting chapters in Kraft's artistic journey!
#10
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 years ago
Never too old (unless it's physically unsafe)! I'm 41 and JUST learning to enjoy roller-coasters! And I'm gonna re-learn how to Rollerblade next year :D
Jing Yi Xu 2 years ago
The Chinese proverb 'the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now' rings true here
Tarra Scott 2 years ago
When I was in Bali, mine was, "I'm too fat to surf. I'll lose some weight and come back to learn." But I decided to learn anyways. I ripped my cheap board shorts practicing how to stand up so I pulled them off and kept trying just wearing a rashguard and swimsuit. Riding my first waves and watching the clear water racing under my board was absolutely worth it. It was like flying.
#11
Jonathan Eggers 2 years ago
It's kinda interesting how the same message means something else in a different situation
#12
Jing Yi Xu 2 years ago
If humans can find happiness in being alone, toxic relationships would halve and wholesome relationships would double.
SonicAlchemy 2 years ago (edited)
As an "only child introvert", I don't mind spending time by myself and doing my own thing and even as a middle aged chef with a family I still require that and get it where I can. However, being alone does eventually suck and nobody wants to die that way. Don't need to stay in a toxic relationship, though. Cherish and surround yourself with those that do love and care about you.
Slarty Bartfast 2 years ago
Hey Elinor, this illustration really made me look at myself, and your comment left with many questions about aromanticism. I'd like to be able to discuss the subject with someone, and it sounds like you had an awakening. Did you have help? Are there people out there that can relate and make sense of the confusion?
Alexis Dominey 2 years ago
My advice, get a pet instead of being in a loveless toxic relationship
Celtic Pirate Queen 2 years ago
Never. Being alone is far preferable. I stayed in my last marriage about 6 years too long. I was absolutely MISERABLE by the time I had the guts to call it quits. That first week alone in my new apartment was the best I had felt in YEARS.
Kat Rucker 2 years ago
A terrible thing to do to oneself and the other individual involved in such a "relationship".
#13
Mermeow Overlord (they/them) 2 years ago (edited)
Username checks out. (Also upvoted for hedgehog.)
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Sans Serif 2 years ago
The possum not with standing, memories of trying to have every kid in the neighborhood be part of "your group" -- is a time I'll cherish forever...
Cathy Carey 2 years ago
You could start out with a low fence and then, depending on the neighbors, build it higher if you need to.
Winter Thomas 2 years ago
This is actually kind of dark because that's a grown man on the other side. Why does he wish there was no fence...with children there?
#14
Sky Render 2 years ago
Time is an illusion, lunchtime doubly so. But it is my favorite side-effect of gravity.
#15
Lex <3 (they/them) 2 years ago
:( reminds me of what's going on with the new wave of trolls on BP
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 years ago
I shall ever remain here to battle them :D
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Jeevesssssss 2 years ago
This made me do a tally of all the close friends I've lost to their mental health...
I love the 80’s 2 years ago
Thank you, I didn't understand until reading your comment.
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Sans Serif 2 years ago
Retirement confronted me rather unexpectedly - my focus had been solely on my work. However now, as sit in my den (with no daily responsibilities) dabbling in the many aspects of life I had previously thought unimportant is... rather time consuming! Can't believe how quickly the days pass...
Jonathan Eggers 2 years ago
Prob'ly cuz you work too much have some fun it's actually quite important to your mental health
SonicAlchemy 2 years ago
I'm a career/family man these days but I can still fill my free time with the same things a 13 year old high school freshman would. Playing video games, eating junk food, YouTube, looking at the new releases in streaming apps, window shopping Amazon, Bored Panda 😉. The problem as an adult is getting the free time, not what to do with it.
#17
Jing Yi Xu 2 years ago
But secretly dark...littering is choking up the oceans
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Jonathan Eggers 2 years ago
Again with global warming honestly I see this garbage waay too much 😮💨
Rose-Marie Smith 2 years ago
Hope you mean there is way too much garbage to see.
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#18
Bryn 2 years ago
I think it's more "don't be afraid to dance in the rain" or something like that.
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Anon Y Mous 2 years ago
I wonder when the people part and she falls how many bones she'll brake.
#19
Kelly H. Wilder 2 years ago
Happy Feet (or The Pebble and the Penguin)...both are fantastic movies. 🐧 💖
Matalyn Bradford 2 years ago
you just made me relive my childhood and my brothers relentless obsession with penguins with those movies
Load More Replies... Jeevesssssss 2 years ago
Two male penguins will often adopt an abandoned orphan egg and incubate it as a couple. I don't know and cba to research if they're a couple beforehand or not, but I know they bring up the penglet (I also don't know the right term. Pengling? Pengwing? - Google 'benedict cumberbatch pengwing'). I'm not hugely motivated bc my pony was a raging lezzo and had a highly erotic affair with another horse on livery at the same yard, so penguins ain't gotta prove to me homosexuality is a natural state lol.
#20
#21
#22
Kelly H. Wilder 2 years ago
We often take lessons from nature. Mother Nature is the penultimate designer and engineer.
Cesc 2 years ago
I think it's more of a symbolic paint. From the piece dove to the war plane
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DC 2 years ago
Doesn't make me happy, but it makes me alive. I value that high enough.
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Alana Mullen 2 years ago
"War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength" - 1984. War is not peace.
#23
#24
Sans Serif 2 years ago
That's what WE'RE thinking -- sadly, likely to never cross their minds...
LuLuBelle 2 years ago
Lol. Not sure why everyone thinks women aren't every bit as capable of hostility and violence as men. Maybe social conditioning suppresses it, but that doesn't mean it's not there, trust me.
Anon Y Mous 2 years ago
War has nothing to do with gender. It is about WHO you are , as in what are your morals, and what do you fight for. It is NOT about WHAT you are, not at all. Woman can be just as awful as men, women have just as much potential to be serial killers as men, and men have just as much potential to be life saving heroes as woman. The difference is men tend to be more physical, and woman tend to be more emotional. But even then, plenty of woman are physical, and plenty of men are emotional.
Celtic Pirate Queen 2 years ago
Oh, I don't know. We can be some real cut throat bitches if provoked.
Maureen Laneski 2 years ago
Or, more likely, "Because then I'd win." :( Also, women can also wage war. Depends on the women you elect!
#25
#26
George Dabrowski 2 years ago
#27 gave me the w*****s: took me back to when I lived on 4th floor walk up on Amsterdam avenue in New York City. One of the bunch that did that stuff had robbed my apartment of the very few things, locked the front door against me and went out to the window, about 3 ft away from the fire escape, which I had left open. After the shock of finding the door chain locked against me, I had to go up to the roof, climb down the fire escape, and step over the balcony to the open window to get into my apartment. I have always been afraid of heights, and believe me that was the most terrifying thing I ever experienced. Moved out of New York a few weeks later, never looked back.🐸
#27
WindySwede 2 years ago
or it the person just has a wifi access point and runs for it, the kid has to keep up! /s 😏
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#28
I'm.Just.A.Girl 2 years ago
We always remember the negativity.. especially when it throws it back at us. Time after time. Just let me leave the trash behind!!!
#29
Sans Serif 2 years ago
Unpack bonus: the physics of a bed-of-nails and, as an enabler to inspiration -- hmm non sequitur, my show's on, maybe later...
Lledorin 2 years ago
She's also missing a visible ear canal. Anyone else have a pointless critique that doesn't actually diminish the intended message of the artist?
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