Hi, I'm Yamen. Welcome to my Complicated Reality.

I'm a Laser Fractal Space Wizard from the stormy edge of Oregon. I negotiate with complex systems and chaotic processes to create art that blurs the line between human and machine. I work with fractal renderers, neural network image synthesizers, lasers and variety of printer technologies to make vibrant, colorful designs with surreal levels of detail. I write short stories and poetry with a tone somewhere between Shel Silverstein and Phillip K. Dick. I'm a recreational mind-blower, with a kind heart and a whimsical soul.

My Beginning

In 2018, a personal awakening showed me a path out of the deep depression I'd been living in. A future where my mind was used to create, not just to critique. A world where I could be proud of my contributions. A dream of artistic passion to chase. So I dived into the deep and beautiful world of fractal art, found tools that fit with my system-oriented mind, and discovered a joy I'd long forgotten. Like a dam bursting, my creative energies hit me like a tidal wave, and I've been floating on that current ever since.

My Name

I picked the name Complicated Reality for several reasons. It is the way I see our world, a place where nuance lurks behind every question, and summaries are simply insufficient. It is a reminder that there's always more to to truth than meets the eye. And it's a bit of nerdy wordplay, as fractals are often mappings of Complex numbers on a Real number plane.

My Site

The Complicated Reality site was created to serve as a hub for my creative efforts. A home for my stories and poetry, a place to share my deeper thoughts, a gallery to show off my art, and a space to toy around with new ideas to entertain and delight. I try to keep my site as a pleasant place to browse, without the usual noise of advertising, click-bait, and attention hijacking. For fans who want my colors in their spaces, I do have prints, clothing, and other accessories available in my shop.

My Mark

My art can be found around the world on six continents. One of my most popular designs will be included in a lunar time capsule aboard the Peregrine lander, headed to the literal moon. I've created art for music festivals, book covers, album art, VJ loops, and music videos, and I'd be happy to talk about commissions for a project you're involved in. In the real world, you can often find my table at art shows around Oregon.

You can find my poetry and fractal animations on YouTube. You can usually reach me in the Complicated Reality server, a small chat space I maintain with an emphasis on kindness and artistic growth. And if you're one of the tortured souls still anchored to social media, I can be found on the lamest one.