From Stop-Motion to the Senses: SH13’s Artful Beginnings
At a time when AI is overtaking most video tools, a young artist is dedicated to using stop-motion techniques to illustrate the world he observes with remarkable sensitivity. We interviewed SH13, who shared very few details about his approach, except that he admits to experiencing the Florentine syndrome:
The Florentine syndrome (or Stendhal syndrome) is a psychosomatic condition in which a person becomes emotionally and physically overwhelmed by intense beauty—especially when viewing works of art, architecture, or cultural treasures. This can trigger reactions such as a racing heart, dizziness, confusion, fainting, or even hallucinations in the presence of exceptionally beautiful sights.
The quality of the few sequences presented on his Instagram feed suggests that this artist is at the beginning of an artisanal journey that could lead him toward commissions for music videos, advertisements, and more commercial works. It’s up to you to judge.
Could you introduce yourself? Age, workplace, education, and professional background.
sh13: Sasha Hamala (also trying to push my nickname “sh13,” but that might change); 23 years old; I work for myself. I have a professional background in kickboxing and studied business analysis, so I had no professional background when I got into videos. I just liked visualizing music and emotions through video.
What is your overall vision for a project at the beginning of each creation? How do you define your intentions?
sh13: I hyperfixate on music and emotions.
What are your main sources of inspiration for your video creations?
sh13: Florentine syndrome.
How do you combine image with voice and music in your projects?
sh13: Instinctively.
Since handmade work is a personal signature, what is your interest in photography, typography, drawing, or coloring in your creations?
sh13: I specialize in making videos, so that’s my main focus. Everything else is secondary, but I try to make photography, typography, drawing, and coloring all work together.
What is your perspective on digital technologies, particularly AI, in the field of visual and sound creation?
sh13: I actually don’t hate AI, even though handmade work and AI are almost opposite things. I think AI can help a lot if used wisely. People will still have a special connection with handmade craft.
Are you interested in collaborating with other artists or musicians on future projects?
sh13: Absolutely, why not? Especially if it’s with bands whose music I love and adore.