Where are you from? (Provide a little bit of your background, have you moved etc)
I’ve lived in the remote Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina my whole life.
Can you tell us about your background and what lead you down the path to becoming an artist and ultimately experimenting with NFTs?
Living the entirety of my life in the mountains, I did not often get to experience art and artists from different backgrounds. Web3 has changed this entirely for me, that geographical barrier (among other barriers) do not exist and i have found inspiration from artists from all over the world. Because of the relative “niche-ness” of NFTs, this has been possible.
When did you mint your first NFT? What platform did you choose and why?
February 4th, 2022- i chose Opensea at the time, but have since dabbled with objkt and I’m excited to mint on Manifold’s new marketplace.
Can you tell us one thing you cannot live without? (and why)
My daughter. I always wanted to be a mom, mine recently passed from alcoholism complications and my dream was to have a daughter that I could give the life I wanted so bad as a child. I had tried to get pregnant for 7 years, and assumed that I was unable, so I poured that love into my art, murals and then was finally able to realize another dream, opening a gallery. Well the day I was able to move in, I found out that I was pregnant, single happiest day of my life- and I can’t wait to share my art and journey with her as an active and present parent.
Who is your favorite artist(s) (Non NFT)? What about their style resonates with you
I have always been the BIGGEST MC Escher fan as long as i can remember. I love how calculated and intentional his works are, and his art introduced me to surrealism which I embody in my work today.
Who is your favourite NFT artist? What makes this artist unique?
Hands down Jake Fried. The stop motion (if thats even what its called) of scanning each drawing after he’s done and compiling it into a beautiful story (gif) that loops- but honestly his work is so elaborate half the time Im not even aware of the beginning or the end.
What made you pursue NFT art?
I found a real connection with other artists and collectors that really isn’t present in the tradional art world (that I’m familiar with). Not to mention, one collection’s DAO funded a real dream of mine to paint a mural in a different state. The mural I completed in Jersey City for Cryptoskullz honestly wouldn’t have taken place without the connections I made in the community. I pursue NFT art because it makes me feel truly connected to my holders, and vice versa for the other NFTs I hold.
What is the one NFT you wish you had purchased but missed out on
Anything Claire Silver always gives me FOMO.
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? Why this location?
Australia. Before my grandmother unexpectedly passed, this was the last trip she took and she beautifully and meticulously documented where she ate/ stayed/ did and I want to recreate this adventure.
What are your other passions besides art? Why?
I have a BS in Chemistry with a concentration in Fermentation Science, I’m an avid brewer, wine maker, and I dabble in artisanal distilled spirits with the copper still I made with my dad. I absolutely love skiings, rock climbing, and volunteering for the committees I chair.
Do you make other forms of art?
I do street art/murals, canvas art, digital art, epoxy art, and interior design.
Are you self taught or trained?
self taught
How did you come up with your specific style?
Because I’m a surrealistic artist, I love the juxtaposition of two or more subject matter on a canvas. This has always propelled my art in the direction that it is going today.
How has your style evolved over the years?
Oh goodness, I’ve been painting since I was in 1st grade so it has made quite the evolution. I started out doing only commissions for YEARS before I could afford to do my own art, so not only has it evolved, but I would imagine will drastically change over the course of my life time.
What is coming in the near future?
Due to the interest in my cryptoskullz mural (which was the 1st NFT native AR mural), I’ve now got projects (Doodles, Meebits, Loserclub) interested and we are submitting proposals to their DAOs and communities to get murals up before Art Basel.
If you could collaborate with one artist who would it be? (and why)
THIS is so hard. If it was anybody famous I think I’d have a panic attack and that would hinder my ability to produce a quality piece but joking aside, I’d say Shepard Fairey. I’ve always looked up to him as a street artist, and I think our styles would be wonderful together.
What was your greatest failure and what did you learn from that?
My greatest failure was not believing in myself. I would give my art away because I did not think it had value. I’ve learned that I am my biggest cheerleader and if I don’t believe in myself- who will?
What is your biggest piece sold
“It Only Matters What’s Inside” canvas or my mural “Tree of Appalachia”
How much did it sell for
Canvas: $8,400 mural: $11,600
Do you have any upcoming drops?
I do! Should have a piece this week that I’m collabing on with Rust, and then I have a new collection I’m working on for OpenSea that should be available in December.
Social links and NFT marketplace links