CryptoArt is just art that’s been ‘tokenized’, or recorded with a non-fungible token (NFT) on the blockchain. This provides a permanent record of provenance and ownership. In my case the art is usually a drawing, illustration or some type of mixed media video.

That’s it, you can mostly move past the hype. CryptoArt is just art. It’s the medium or method of delivery that’s different and offers so much potential.

There is a case to be made for CryptoArt having its own aesthetic and potentially a new movement within art, but, there are also plenty of examples of traditional artists or illustrators that have made the transition. In this case they have simply changed the medium or platform in which they make their work available.

Traditionalists argue that CryptoArt and NFTs are just a passing fad and many of the creators should not be considered artists, they lack skill, vision and training.

But what is art if it’s not subjective? Who the fuck am I to decide who’s an artist, who has vision and who doesn’t.

This is the great thing about CryptoArt and NFTs. It’s an extension of the internet and traditional barriers to entry have been massively lowered.

Some things that contribute to that:

• Location agnostic. Got an internet connection and a device? You’re good to go. This is truly global for both creator and audience.
• Digitally native. From creation to sale, every step in the process can happen digitally.
• Decentralised. No gatekeepers or intermediaries are required. For the most part you set the terms and retain autonomy over your work and actions.
• Permissionless. You have the right and the tools to participate.
• Anonymity. Choosing to remain anonymous is an option and free of judgement.

For me, it’s about being part of history, creating a record of my contribution to this point in the timeline of human and technological evolution. A way for me to be remembered.

This last point emerged at the time my Father died. Sifting through his stuff I was reminded of his art accomplishments as a teenager/young man. His work was exhibited and toured the country, he won awards but for whatever reason he stopped creating entirely. I never had the chance to talk about this with him but my assumption is he prioritised the need to put food on the table, pay the bills and create a secure environment for his young whānau.

I admire and deeply respect that decision but its not exactly a lesson I want for my own child. I don’t want him to reconnect to his creativity through a traumatic event. I want him to prioritise creativity, nurture it, hang on to it, carry it through to adulthood and find a way to thrive.

This is why I make CryptoArt and NFTs. It’s why I don’t chase follower numbers, floor prices or sales. For me its personal and if someone finds a deep enough connection with something I’ve created that they want to buy it, that’s fucken amazing and hugely rewarding. If not, so be it, it’s simply not what I came here for.

View my portfolio of CryptoArt and NFTs