Designs to Make Your Brain Feel Nice: Oran Deen-Lester Explores Art and Technology at ArtHaus

DECORAH — On February 7, local artist Oran Deen-Lester unveiled his exhibit, "Desk Toys," at the Doyle G Heyveld Gallery at ArtHaus, showcasing an imaginative collection of robots, tech-inspired abstractions and quirky, endearing characters. The exhibit will remain on display through March 1. "Desk Toys" is a reflection of Deen-Lester's versatile background in animation and character design. With an eye for detail, the pieces in the exhibit are described as "commanding, imaginative, and delightfully playful," offering an exploration of Deen-Lester's interest in the intersection of art, technology, and storytelling. Deen-Lester shared insights into the creative process behind the exhibit in a recent conversation. His interest in art began as a child in a household that valued creative expression. "My parents are big fans and consumers of art and media," Deen-Lester explains. "Once I discovered Pokémon, Gundam, and Lord of the Rings, I was hooked on viewing as many illustrations and comics as I could get my hands on." In creating "Desk Toys," Deen-Lester embraced his foundation in animation but noted that the exhibit's designs lean toward simplicity and minimalism. "A lot of the compositions and characters I worked on are pretty simple monster designs or noodle-armed people interacting," he says. "The color and perspective lessons I learned were really helpful for any type of design work." Technology has played a significant role in shaping Deen-Lester's artistic approach, particularly his experience with 3D modeling. He credits programs like Adobe Suite and Blender with expanding his creative range. "I've used the Adobe Suite since age 13 and have always found the flexibility of digital drawing programs to be fun. Modeling in programs such as Blender helps trick your brain into thinking in 3D when drawing traditionally or digitally," Deen-Lester explains. His deep engagement with technology is also reflected in the robot and mecha designs in the "Desk Toys" collection, where futuristic concepts of 3D printing and technological advancement are explored. When asked about the message or feeling he hopes to evoke with his work, Deen-Lester reflects, "Lately, I've been exploring themes of heroes and villains on opposite sides of technological advancement and what that would look like ethically and not. Most of my past work is conceptual or just designed to make your brain feel nice. I also enjoy drawing special effects and moving objects." Deen-Lester's creative influences are drawn from a wide array of iconic artists and designers. "I feel pretty strongly about creating the type of art you like to view the most," he notes, listing figures like Jean Giraud (Moebius), Takashi Murakami, Mike Mignola and Yoshihiro Togashi among his inspirations. These influences are evident in the color schemes and line work that characterize much of his art. Despite the challenges of being a local artist, Deen-Lester has found rewarding moments in his journey. "The biggest challenge has been the lack of character design-focused artists to brainstorm and make stuff with," he says. "The biggest reward is being able to provide and discuss different types of artwork with fans of the genres and styles I'm into." His presence in Decorah's established art scene has allowed him to introduce something distinct and fresh to the community. Currently, Deen-Lester's commercial work is on pause as he focuses on teaching and personal projects. He hints at upcoming releases, including prints released through ArtHaus and a guidebook zine based on a personal mecha world-building project. Looking ahead, Deen-Lester offers advice to aspiring artists: "Have fun! It's the first step to learning anything. Developing a unique style can be daunting, so don't be scared to study from reference and take the time to identify why you like or want to make the art you do. I've found it very fulfilling to make the type of art I wish existed. Also, study geometry." Elevate your inbox with the DecorahNews.com newsletter! Receive free thought-provoking articles, actionable advice and inspiring stories every week."More information on Oran's future releases and a small portfolio are available upon request at info@arthausdecorah.org or through direct interaction at ArtHaus.