INSPERATIONS, ART,

What is your Display Name?

surreal24seven

Where are you from?

I was raised in New York, but I've been living in Guatemala for the past 11 years. I'm glad to say that I still have all of my organs and haven't been kidnapped. (Just kidding!) Guatemala is a beautiful country, and the low cost of living has allowed me to advance my career as an artist.

Can you tell us about your background and what lead you down the path to becoming an artist and ultimately experimenting with NFTs?

My artistic journey began at a young age, influenced by my mother, an abstract painter who studied at the prestigious Arts Students League in New York City. A humorous story from my childhood illustrates how my interest in art developed.

When I was around 12 years old, I covered my bedroom walls with Playboy magazines. Inspired by a movie scene, I believed this would make me seem "cool." However, my mother discovered my actions and, as a consequence, took me out of school to attend her art classes. During these classes, I drew various subjects, including older individuals, thin women, and overweight men. Through her guidance, my mother aimed to instill in me an appreciation for the beauty of all people and female bodies, encouraging me to perceive them as works of art.

During my time as an actor guest staring on TV shows like Martial Law, Saved by the Bell, My So-Called Life, and 90210, I simultaneously pursued my passion for mixed-media art by creating abstract characters that measured a towering 7 feet tall. One of these sculptures even was shown in the exclusive VIP area (the Foundation Room) of the House of Blues in Hollywood. It wasn't until I embraced my digital art as a form of personal journaling in my adult years, however, that I proudly adopted the label of an artist. Sharing my creations with others led to a surprising turn of events—I started receiving commissions! A career in surrealism was never on my radar before this, but now my artistic endeavors bring me unparalleled fulfillment.

When did you mint your first NFT? What platform did you choose and why?

My first NFT was minted on October 21, 2021, on the Foundation platform. Foundation was a closed platform at the time, and artists needed an invitation to join. I was drawn to SuperRare's limited-access model because I hoped to sell my artwork there in the future. My strategy for expanding my artistic brand played a crucial role in getting me invited to sell my work on SuperRare's marketplace.

Can you tell us one thing you cannot live without? (and why)

Air and Pizza. If I had to choose just one, pizza without a doubt is the winner!

Who is your favorite artist(s) (Non NFT)? What about their style resonates with you

Red Groom stands out as my favorite. His pop art-inspired urban cities captivate my imagination every time I encounter them. His artwork has a profound effect on me, transporting me to vibrant and dynamic urban landscapes.

As a child, I eagerly anticipated taking the train into the city to visit a museum where Red Groom had an exhibition. One of his most memorable works was an interactive display of a life-size train, populated with a diverse cast of characters, including sex workers, criminals, gamblers, tourists, and shoppers. The intricacy and attention to detail in this project were astonishing and left an unforgettable impression on me.

Even now as an adult, the mere thought of Red Groom's artwork sends chills down my spine. His ability to capture the essence of urban life and present it in such a captivating and thought-provoking manner continues to inspire and resonate with me deeply.

What made you pursue NFT art?

When I decided to pursue art full-time, I struggled to sell my work consistently. The traditional art world often did not recognize digital art as a legitimate medium. People would often question if my work could truly be considered art.

Later on, NFTs emerged as a new concept in the art world. My artist friends who were using digital tools started discussing this innovative technology. I saw NFTs as an opportunity for digital art to finally gain acceptance in the art world. I researched the NFT market and became fully immersed in it, never looking back.

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? Why this location?

I have always wanted to visit Chicago and maybe even relocate there. Since I was raised in New York, I feel at ease in urban environments. Chicago has a lot to offer, including amazing people, fantastic food, a rich culture, and four distinct seasons.

What are your other passions besides art? Why?

Can pizza be a passion? I am an animal lover. I once had a 300-gallon saltwater fish tank, and I loved watching the different fish and their unique personalities. I had a dog-faced pufferfish whose face looked just like a dog, but he never fetched a ball when I threw it in the water! (That was a bit corny, lol.) I also had a bird wrasse, which is a long, beautiful green fish. I named him Prozac because he never stopped moving. I am passionate about all animals and the reasons behind their behavior, whether they are fish, dogs, or cats.

Do you make other forms of art?

I began studying acting at age 16 under the renowned instructor Ivana Chubbuck. I saw some success, landing guest roles in shows like Martial Law, Saved by the Bell, My So-Called Life, and 90210. Simultaneously, I used various media to create 7-foot sculptures inspired by Red Grooms. One of my sculptures was even displayed in the House of Blues' VIP room (Foundation Room). I genuinely enjoyed the creative process—it was like solving a puzzle by searching for the right parts at different art supply stores. Looking back, it was a fun hobby that I could have pursued professionally if I had chosen to do so.

Are you self taught or trained?

I have received formal training in art and have dedicated many years to studying it, making me a trained artist.

How did you come up with your specific style?

My style is a result of my life experiences. I craft surreal and imaginative digital artworks by combining multiple photographs into a visually striking compilation. The images in my mind are often inspired by the emotions I feel at various points in my life. Since I struggle to express my feelings verbally, I find solace in articulating my stories through art. My emotions can be embarrassing or even childlike, but by channeling them into my art, I'm able to create unique and compelling pieces. When someone views my artwork, I strive to evoke thoughts and emotions. If my art fails to achieve that, I consider it unsuccessful.

How has your style evolved over the years?

Over the years, my artistic style has undergone a significant transformation. Initially, my education was studying photography which instilled in me the principles of composition and lighting, which served as the foundation for my artistic journey. As I experimented with various compositional elements and lighting techniques, I refined my approach to visual storytelling. My art has evolved from a purely representational style to one that prioritizes emotional resonance and ambiguity. I no longer seek to explicitly convey a single meaning through my work but rather aim to evoke a range of emotions and interpretations in the viewer.

What is coming in the near future?

My art will be on display at the Oditto Gallery in Palm Beach, Florida. Six of the physical pieces will be accompanied by a 1/1 NFT. The artwork is around 50 inches by 40 inches. It is incredibly exciting for me to have my work displayed at such a prestigious gallery. A new themed surreal collection that I am working on will be available on SuperRare later this year.

Oditto Gallery

139 N County Rd Suite 11,

Palm Beach, FL 33480

WEBSITE: www.odittogallery.io

SuperRare

WEBSITE: https://superrare.com/surreal24seven

Anything else you'd like to share?

Is it ok to put Pineapple on Pizza?