Traversing the Sayssiworld: In Conversation with Sam Balfus, a.k.a. Balfua

In an era where digital landscapes evolve at an unprecedented pace, the intersection of art and technology has become a fertile ground for boundless creativity. Few artists embody this fusion as vividly as Sam Balfus—widely recognized by his artistic moniker, Balfua. As the architect of the Sayssiworld, a surreal digital universe teeming with fantastical creatures and intricate lore, Balfua transcends traditional artistic boundaries. His work blends elements of mythology, AI-generated art, and playful absurdity, crafting an immersive experience that defies conventional categorization.

Rooted in a lifelong passion for storytelling, world-building, and visual experimentation, Balfua’s artistic journey began with childhood influences ranging from the whimsical illustrations of Dr. Seuss to the expansive fantasy realms of Tolkien and Miyazaki. Music, too, played a vital role in shaping his creative vision—early exposure to bands known for their theatrical performances and deep narratives left an indelible mark on his approach to art.

Today, Balfua stands at the vanguard of digital surrealism, pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence to generate forms and textures previously unimaginable. His Sayssiworld is not merely a collection of images; it is a living, breathing ecosystem where creatures like the enigmatic Slollas exist beyond the constraints of reality. In this conversation, we delve into his inspirations, his evolving relationship with AI, and the profound sense of wonder that continues to drive his artistic endeavors.

Sam, how is being an artist through constantly changing technologies? How did art happen to you? Let's go through the early growing years.

It’s a lot of fun for me. I get a lot out of playing with new tools and tech—I love novelty. I grew up drawing and playing music. My dad often took me to see bands, and some of my favourite experiences were seeing acts with insane live performances, deep lore, and worldbuilding. Bands like Of Montreal, Flaming Lips, and Sun Ra Arkestra influenced me a lot.

Fantasy was another early love—Tolkien, Miyazaki, and Dr. Seuss shaped my imagination. I’ve always been into fantastical creatures, and I still draw them. In college, I discovered New Media art and had fun with VR headsets, laser cutters, 3D printers, and 3D software. Those tools took my work beyond 2D and helped me begin shaping what became the Sayssiworld.

What is the need to work through AI today, and what does absurd surrealism mean to you? Why do you explore such a specific direction?

I think of AI as a blessing, a curse, a threat, a gift, a magic tool, and even as its creature. I use AI differently than my drawings or music. It lets me depict things I couldn’t render on my own—things I’ve always wanted to see. Working with AI feels like playing games with a giant beast from the future.

Surrealism and absurdity, for me, are liquid ways to experience raw feelings without having to quantify or name them. I love abstract art that makes you double-take—where you’re unsure whether it’s abstract or not. I also enjoy pushing AI until it breaks, creating creatures that transform impossibly.

My creations, like the Slollas, aren’t always meant to make people laugh, but I’m glad when they do. For me, absurd surrealism is about inventing a language that bridges playfulness and the incomprehensible.

Let’s talk about the digital realms and the worlds you build. How do the creatures find their look, and why do you give them a set space through your art?
I’ve always been drawn to certain colors and feelings of magic or the unknowable. I’m especially into dragons—but not just any dragons. My favorites are Haku, Dragonair, and Falkor: kind, sleek creatures with soft whites and baby blues.

The Sayssiworld is a fantastical spirit world that evolved naturally over time. Its creatures, the Slollas, inhabit this space. They aren’t like anything in our world—they’re their own language, and their motions create music. I place them far away from human conceptions, so they can exist as pure, unfiltered entities.

Does your work have any specific meaning or objective? What kind of intentions and purpose are you working through?

I wouldn’t say there’s always a specific objective. The Sayssiworld is so open-ended that I can create anything—beautiful, terrifying, meaningful, or even stupid. The world reflects my emotions—love, grief, exhaustion, or excitement—and deeper, more thoughtful ideas emerge naturally.

What do you like about the virtual space and our developing metaverse community?
I love the virtual space because it allows anything to exist without much limitation, though it comes with its own challenges. One of my favorite aspects of the online art community is its interconnectedness—it feels like a Mount Olympus of artists.

Every artist in the digital realm is like a mythical character, known by their unique style. Meeting these artists in real life is surreal—whether or not you become friends, you share a profound respect and understanding of each other’s creative vision.

Take us through your influences and inspirations. Are there any music artists or movies you’d like to shout out?

Growing up, I loved turquoise (the color), Yuzu (the flavor), Tolkien, Spirited Away, Haku, Dragonair, Aragorn, Legolas, Black Francis from the Pixies, and Sid Vicious. Shows like Codename: Kids Next Door and Adventure Time also shaped me.

In recent years, I’ve been into Polvo, Sam Gendel, Vampire Hunter D, Redline, Laraaji, Lucy aka Cooper B. Handy, and Hellier Ulysses. Anime, music, and visual art all continue to deeply influence me.

What’s coming next? What are you excited about?
I’ve been working on a large sculpture of a peacock dragon for about a year now. I also have a band and a whole world-building project tied to it—we’re planning to release new music eventually.

For the Sayssiworld, I have big plans: introducing my character Balfua on Instagram and sharing more about the lore behind the world. I’m also developing the Sayssi language. Inspired by Tolkien, I’ve always wanted to create my own language, and it’s been challenging but incredibly rewarding.

Interview by @_jagrati_ featuring @balfua

RED•EYE WORLD