Tag Archives: artist

Trevor Jones

FEATURE ARTIST

Trevor Jones

Graduating with an MA Fine Art (Hons) from Edinburgh College of Art Trevor has been working at the intersection of art and technology for over a decade experimenting with QR code oil paintings in 2012 and AR the following year. Investing in Bitcoin in 2017 inspired a new creative direction with the development of crypto themed AR paintings, which in turn soon led him to the fast paced and exciting world of NFTs.

READ Our Q&A with trevor jones  Below

Trevor Jones, bitcoinbull , (Detail)

What have you been up to, what have you been working on over the last year?

It’s been a busy 12 months! A few of the things I’ve been working on: The Ice Cube collaboration, the Angel’s Share (1991 Macallan cask) painting and NFT, I’ve established and quickly expanded my new company TREVORJONESART LTD, the planning of #CastleParty2022, I’m organising an Archangels rewards club for many of my collectors, and then the upcoming drops including the Steampunk AI project dropping on Coinbase NFT and an exclusive bronze cast physical sculpture and NFT. I need a holiday.

Tell us a bit about your art practice and any key themes throughout your work.

The unifying factor in my art practice is the fusion of Fine Art with Technology. Since my first experiments with QR codes I’ve sought to combine the handcrafted with digital mediums; to both celebrate the past and embrace the future. Recently I’ve been fascinated with the concept of exploring the themes associated with this practice. For example, the series of paintings for the Ice Cube collaboration incorporates AI, which raises the question as to how this technology could positively and/or negatively affect us in the future.

How did you first hear about NFTs, what did you think and when was that?

I first heard about NFTs in April 2019 at the first crypto conference I attended. Initially I didn’t understand what NFTs were and couldn’t see why I, as a traditional painter, would be interested in them. However, I followed several digital artists on Twitter, and, after watching the space rapidly expand throughout 2019, I decided to jump in at the end of the year with the EthGirl collab with Alotta Money.

What have NFTs enabled for you? (economically, creatively, community wise)

Without a doubt NFTs have completely changed my life. The successes of the past few years have provided me with the resources to grow as an artist without fear of wondering if I’ll be able to pay the bills or lose my home. To have this creative freedom, to be able to work only on the art projects that I’m truly excited about without anxiety or fear is such a privilege. 

 

As for how NFTs and my creativity, I see this digital phenomenon as a dynamic, innovative way to express my ideas and to communicate visually in new ways through animation, music, etc. Although I’d been producing short video clips for my augmented reality paintings since 2013, the notion of monetizing creative digital expressions in and of themselves was fascinating. Moreover, the collectors in this space are 100% all in on art and technology, which is such a breath of fresh air in contrast to the decade previous when I was trying to sell QR code and AR paintings at traditional galleries and there was almost zero interest in my work at that time.  

 

To have an entire community of art collectors come together around my work from all around the world, in particular, the Bitcoin Angel, is mind boggling. The possibility of this happening to me had never even crossed my mind. It’s so exciting but also, it’s a big responsibility. I want to ensure that those who place their trust in my work are rewarded. I’m always thinking about how to build on what has already been created. For example, my annual Castle Party is one way to give back to the Angel community and I’m really looking forward to the inaugural event July 30th and then every year after! It’ll be such an honour to meet people from all around the world at the castle, to talk art, NFTs, crypto and everything else…. over a wee dram, of course.

How have NFTs informed your art practice?

First and foremost, I consider myself a traditional artist, however the NFT medium and market has changed the way I look at my work, how I can manipulate it digitally, how I can present it and tell new stories, and how I can engage a new audience.

What attracted you about showcasing at Satellite?

In 1996 I strapped on a backpack to travel to Australia. It was the first time I’d left Canada. I was nervous leaving home, but this adventure turned into the best time of my life. I met the most amazing people and I’ve always wanted to go back. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make this show but it’s still very cool to be able to show my art in the country where my journey began and where I was bitten by the travel bug. 

What are the NFTs myths you often dispel?

That minting an NFT doesn’t kill a baby seal in Canada.

What advice do you have for other artists/collectors trying to break into NFTs?

I posted a blog back in 2019 “How To Become A More Successful NFT Artist” with 75 tips. I continue to add to the list as I continue to learn. You can read it here: https://www.trevorjonesart.com/2019/12/18/artist-checklist-for-success/

Is there an NFT you’re most proud of, and why?

The Bitcoin Bull was the one that really elevated my reputation as the sale of it garnered a lot of media even outside of the NFT space. However, I’d have to go with the Bitcoin Angel as this is the artwork that has created an entire community around it and launched the Castle Party. I have a lot more projects in store as well that will become a part of the Bitcoin Angel legacy. The Angel is the artwork that changed my life completely. 

Do you have a favourite NFT in your wallet / project you idolise and why?

I’m a huge fan of Pascal Boyart’s Underground Sistine Chapel and NFTs. It’s a masterpiece on so many levels, both physical and digital. Also, anything by Alotta Money. I have a few of his works but La Peste Bleue is a personal favourite. Alotta is a creative genius!

Can you share any plans for upcoming projects?

I’m one of Coinbase NFT’s partner artists and I can’t wait to drop my AI Steampunk project inspired by Tesla, SpaceX and more. I have a very cool physical (bronze cast sculpture) and NFT that I’m working on atm, hopefully dropping in June and of course, I have the Castle Party coming up end of July!

In your crystal ball, what are your predictions for NFTs in the next 5 years?

This space moves so fast I can’t even predict what will happen next week! I just keep my head down and work away on the things that I’m excited about and that keeps me busy. 

Don’t miss seeing Trevor Jones NFTs at Satellite 2022

The first major
international NFT art
exhibition in Sydney

A month-long, digitally immersive and sensory experience Bringing together over 40 NFT artworks from leading influential Australian and international artists, in Bondi Beach this March.

EXHIBITION INFORMATION

Trevor Jones, the bitcoin angel, (Detail)

James van den Elshout

FEATURE ARTIST

James van den Elshout

James van den Elshout is a Brooklyn based Australian artist and designer. He has a hybrid focus on combining rich and detailed worlds with clean and minimal compositions. Throughout his career he has created live visuals, music videos and experiential installations with award winning creative duo, Toby & Pete, since then he has relocated to New York and is currently an Art Director with global VFX advertising studio, The Mill. While he loves the challenge of client briefs and working with a large team, his creative ambition has always been fueled by self-initiated solo passion projects, his most recent case study and film La Biblioteca de Babel is a fine example of this.

READ Our Q&A with James van den Elshout Below

Image: James van den Elshout, Aleph Room (DETAIL)

What have you been up to, what have you been working on over the last year?

I wish I had more excitement going on but the past year has all been about learning to live with the ongoing pandemic, all while gaining a better grasp of work/life balance and finding the true value in things that matter the most in life. Work wise I have had the great opportunity to art direct some incredible commercials and campaigns with the talented team over at The Mill in New York and also gearing up for more personal work in 2022.

Tell us a bit about your art practice and any key themes throughout your work?

The 3D space is at the heart of most of my work, I find it gives me the most freedom to realise whatever it is I am aiming to create. I like to think I have a bit more of a graphical approach to my subject matter and compositions but am starting to blur those lines a bit with more detailed and cinematic works. Personally I believe I am still discovering what my key themes are, I have certain aspirations and goals I am striving for but am still a little off what I am happy with.

What attracted you about showcasing at Satellite?

Getting the chance to introduce NFTs and their application in the art world to the public is a wonderful movement to be a part of. In addition, exhibiting my work among other artists that I admire and respect so much is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

Can you tell us more about the story and inspiration behind your Satellite submission?

‘Cerulean Cloudscape’ is an expansion and in some ways the culmination of existing techniques and ideas I have explored from previous artworks. As I thought about the type of work I wanted to exhibit, the more I wanted to create an abstract piece that would compliment the room it sits in, something that brings color, dimension and detail into the space and inspires curiosity.

Who/what are your biggest influences and where do you find your inspiration for your art?

I’ve always been inspired by video games and stories of fantasy & sci-fi, however only in the last couple of years have I felt confident enough in my abilities that I could start to explore and develop some of these worlds of my own. I’ve been re-reading The Riftwar Saga series of books by Raymond E. Feist, they are classics in the genre and have sparked countless ideas and levels of world building. Also rediscovering a childhood interest of the card game Magic: The Gathering has been a wonderful past-time during the pandemic, the card art is so rich and features such a deep world of classic fantasy themes.

Can you share any plans for upcoming projects?

I’m building towards another large body of work similar to my previous project ‘La Biblioteca de Babel’ with further exploration of world building and everything that it entails. I’ve enjoyed taking my time with projects and not feeling a need to churn out work for the sole purpose of needing to post something. Stay tuned, but I wouldn’t hold your breath!

In your crystal ball, what are your predictions for NFTs in the next 5 years?

The literal million dollar question – short answer, I have no idea! Longer answer, I believe NFTs have proven their function within the art industry, however I am curious to see how we can apply this technology to other applications so other industries can utilize and benefit from them too, such as within gaming, live music ticketing and election voting. I’m optimistic!

Don’t miss seeing James van den Elshout NFTs at Satellite 2022

The first major
international NFT art
exhibition in Sydney

A month-long, digitally immersive and sensory experience Bringing together over 40 NFT artworks from leading influential Australian and international artists, in Bondi Beach this March.

EXHIBITION INFORMATION

James van den Elshout, substractions 3, (Detail)

Tim Grove

FEATURE ARTIST

Tim Grove

Tim Grove is a Sydney artist and designer exploring visual communication and expression.

 

Stimulated by abstract and surreal art, cinema, science and architecture, Tim’s aesthetic language is compelled forward by frantic curiosity. Perpetually seeking new forms and techniques, a dedication to constant incremental improvement inform a distinct, genre and practice melding style that overwhelms the daily noise. Tim’s intention is to grip, entertain and enrapture the viewer or passer-by.

 

A versatile skillset with foundations in art direction and graphic design, he is fluent in 3D motion design, procedural art, photography and animation. This versatility is compounded by a deliberate and critical thought process, aligning strategic outcomes to a creative filter in reply to commercial and artistic briefs.

 

Tim has directed and produced projects for renowned musicians, artists and international corporations. His unique work has provided the identity, look and feel sought by agencies, brands and project managers around the world.

READ Our Q&A with time grove Below

time grove, 95 airmax (Detail)

Tell us a bit about your art practice and any key themes throughout your work?

My background is in graphic design and while learning 3D became a massive source of creative freedom for me, it’s the discoveries I’ve made when merging these two mediums that has resonated with me the most. 

What attracted you about showcasing at Satellite?

When I first started making digital art in the early 2000s, it was always a dream to find a way to have it accepted into a gallery and received with the same reverence that traditional art enjoyed. When I saw NFTs accelerate at the beginning of 2021 I started to realise that this dream was finally starting to materialise.

Can you tell us more about the story and inspiration behind your Satellite submission?

Over the holiday break of 2021 I took some time to develop new workflows. The three pieces displayed at Satellite represent some of the discoveries made during that period and are the initial voyage into a larger body of work that I’d like to develop. Each piece is a loop of bright and bold abstract graphics compiled as a digital collage and seasoned with a little bit of nostalgia.

Do you have a favourite NFT in your wallet / project you idolise and why?

It would be a close tie between Bumpy’s Self-Medication and Nic Hamilton’s submerged_stockmod. I love both.

Who/what are your biggest influences and where do you find your inspiration for your art?

Growing up I loved reading car magazines and looking at the art that came with CDs. These had a major impact on how I began to view media (especially typography) long before I had even heard of graphic design as a discipline. Adjacent to this I read books on art history, watched anime and became obsessed with science, fashion and computers.

In your crystal ball, what are your predictions for NFTs in the next 5 years?

I think the NFTs of today will mark an interesting and archival period of the technology. As AR hardware begins to integrate into our lives and many of the utilitarian benefits of NFTs are realised I expect that the use of them in day to day life will become much more commonplace. 

Don’t miss seeing Tim Grove NFTs at Satellite 2022

The first major
international NFT art
exhibition in Sydney

A month-long, digitally immersive and sensory experience Bringing together over 40 NFT artworks from leading influential Australian and international artists, in Bondi Beach this March.

EXHIBITION INFORMATION

tim grove, 95 napster (Detail)

BossLogic

FEATURE ARTIST

BossLogic

Kode Abdo, aka BossLogic, is a graphic designer and digital concept artist based in Australia who has stolen the internet’s heart with his creative fan art mashups and remixes. His artworks are passionate, powerful and pack an emotional punch.

 

What started as pure fan-art quickly gained the attention of millions around the world, including the team at Marvel, Disney and more who jumped at the opportunity to collaborate with BossLogic on a number of artworks including comic book covers, official movie posters for the likes of Avengers: Endgame, Aladdin and much more. He is now one of the most celebrated artists in the digital art space with works that transcend genres and styles, transporting us to fantastical worlds through his stunning creations.

READ Our Q&A with BOSSLOGIC Below

BOSSLOGIC, ARTWORK (Detail)

What have you been up to, what have you been working on over the last year?

I have been keeping busy, both in the entertainment world and the crypto world. Learning and being part of new tech and new ways to produce art and ways I can expand personal projects that I have been working on and utilising new ways to grow them. 

Tell us a bit about your art practice and any key themes throughout your work.

I have always worked in the realm of digital photo manipulation, digital paint or 3D to help me be more diverse when it comes to styles of my works. 

How did you first hear about NFTs, what did you think and when was that?

I heard of it from a friend, seeing him do his first ever drop at the time not knowing what a drop is but it was mind blowing, like how does one sell out of their art pieces within minutes?

 

I talked to him about it to explain it to me, I was still confused at the time so I did more research on nft’s. After that I got together with IV gallery and we did our first drop on Nifty Gateway and this whole new wave of how an artist can sell their work was just something I never seen before and I saw the potential where this can go. 

What have NFTs enabled for you? (economically, creatively, community wise)

To reach a whole new audience and new ways to create and engage with the community. I’m currently building an IP that has progressed so much since I have been in this scene and they have also got me into some art houses that I never thought possible. 

How have NFTs informed your art practice?

I try not to let different foundations change my practice, ultimately I want to bring me and what made me, me into any medium I step into.

 

I just want to adapt and evolve but still be the same base. 

What attracted you about showcasing at Satellite?

As big as I have gotten within the scene, be entertainment or crypto, Australia is my home and I feel I don’t do enough home bound shows and events and this one sparked my hype and interest. 

Can you tell us more about the story and inspiration behind your Satellite submission?

Whatever show I do, I like to bring what makes me, me to the table, to connect with the audience to get familiar with the pieces and work I do, so for the next time they see the style of work, they will remember it. 

How do you explain NFTs to someone who might not know anything about them?

I always go with the collectable logic of it, like if you own a rare comic in real life, now imagine that rare one of one comic was digital and you are the only one who owns it, it’s a super rare collectable, it just happens to be digital. 

 

This is the art take of nft where nft is not limited to just collection and you will see heavy evolution in the space. 

What advice do you have for other artists/collectors trying to break into NFTs?

Don’t change what made you the artist you are, bring what made you the artist you are today and adapt in this world. I have seen many artist change everything about them, work ethic, style, just to be part of the scene only to lose their way. Most of all. Stay enjoying what you do. 

Is there an NFT you’re most proud of, and why?

That would be the 4 horseman set, I got to create something that was always on my mind for the longest of time and it’s some of my best work.

Do you have a favourite NFT in your wallet / project you idolise and why?

I got a dope mega mutant Ape, bored Apes are a fun and quality collection and having this one is like being on top of the top!

Who/what are your biggest influences and where do you find your inspiration for your art?

I take it all in, shows, movies, music, the world, I get inspired by things indirectly to art itself, that’s why these days I take a moment to breathe, look around me and take in the wonders around us. 

Can you share any plans for upcoming projects?

All my time and energy has been building the BLU (Boss Logic Universe) and my personal IP. The story is being fleshed out, something I want to thrive in its own universe.

Can you share any plans for upcoming projects?

I honestly don’t have a clue but I’m excited. Tech moves and evolves so fast these days. 5 years in tech especially now, we could be chilling in space 😂

Don’t miss seeing BossLogic NFTs at Satellite 2022

The first major
international NFT art
exhibition in Sydney

A month-long, digitally immersive and sensory experience Bringing together over 40 NFT artworks from leading influential Australian and international artists, in Bondi Beach this March.

EXHIBITION INFORMATION

BOSS LOGIC, ARTWORK (DETAIL) ​

Jessica Ticchio

FEATURE ARTIST

Jessica Ticchio

With a vision of boundless dreamscapes and gravity-defying sculptures, Jessica Ticchio is creating a world of her own.

 

Inspired by minimalism, surrealism and ubiquitous sculptural forms, Jessica’s vision is to reimagine the world through a contemporary art lens. Her work aims to evoke a sense of peace and calm, whilst bending our concept of reality; playing with the line between the real and surreal.

 

Over the years, Jessica has had work featured in exhibitions and press worldwide – including the Australian Design Centre Sydney, Crypto Portal Prague and Art Premium Magazine Paris.

READ Our Q&A with JESSICA TICCHIO Below

Jessica Ticchio, Into The Unknown (Detail)

What have you been up to, what have you been working on over the last year?

Hello! So happy to be here :~) In a nutshell, I’ve been practising art for as long as I can remember, but only in the last year or so do I feel I have really figured out my “style”. Now that I’m (finally!) here, it feels like a whole new world. I have so many sketches, ideas and collaboration concepts in my head, I’m in a constant state of excitement trying to bring them all to life!

 

Over the last year, I’ve minted NFTs across Foundation and 1stDibsNFT, created art for the beautiful Vera Blue, and have exhibited in the launch shows of both Ninety Three Bourke (new artist-run Sydney gallery) and Crypto Portal (Prague’s first NFT gallery). I created art prints for Slowdown Studio LA, and later self-released a “Lockdown Print Series” via my website to help bring some peace, calm and colour to those stuck in iso in this weird time. Although NFTs had just begun blowing up, I wanted to make sure my work was still accessible to those not yet acquainted with the metaverse. :~)

Tell us a bit about your art practice and any key themes throughout your work.

I have found myself delving more into the “experience” of art this year; reframing my art as a meditative practice itself. Sounds cliche, but my practice has brought so much clarity to my mind and become so intertwined in my daily life that it now transcends “work” and feels kind of like self-care. I heard the quote “both meditation and art require you to focus on the present moment”, which rings SO true to me. 

 

Getting in touch with nature, looking at the world more closely, taking the time to really observe and notice details in everyday life that I may have been desensitised to previously – these are all the things that inspire my art, but simultaneously help me exist in a more relaxed (and less anxious) state of being. With this said, the key themes of my art now are emulating this sense of calm, meditation and reflection for others who may benefit from it as I have.

How did you first hear about NFTs, what did you think and when was that?

I am forever grateful to Matt Vernon for my early introduction to the NFT space in 2020. Matt, as Co-Founder and Head of Design at Foundation, invited me to be a part of the platform’s launch, with 24 other incredible artists. Matt taught me how to mint, how to price and even bought my first NFT! As he explained the concept of NFTs, I recall thinking the whole thing simply sounded too good to be true! I couldn’t imagine suddenly being able to monetise a practice I had been doing for years, just for the sheer joy of it. I knew the technology was incredible, but still had no idea ‘NFT’ would become everyday language in the mainstream too. So far, NFTs have been a total gamechanger and it’s only the beginning…

What have NFTs enabled for you? (economically, creatively, community wise)

With NFTs came a newfound sense of creative freedom. For a long time, I felt caught between the worlds of art and design, without a bridge connecting the two. I love creating for brands and clients in my studio life, but creating my own art feels equally fulfilling… just in a different way. The ability to monetise my art practice (real talk) has given me the leverage I needed to be able to split my time between my love for both art and design, and my two worlds now exist in perfect harmony. :’)

How have NFTs informed your art practice?

NFTs have informed my art practice through facilitating a more personal connection between myself and my audience. Before NFTs, I didn’t feel as though I was part of the digital art community, nor did I feel my art was really having that much of an impact… But since the dawn of NFTs, I’ve been able to build relationships with collectors and followers, hearing more personal interpretations of why people gravitate towards my work. This insight has allowed me to zone more into the positive and calming feelings I’ve learnt my art can evoke – a notion that now constantly informs my practice.

What attracted you about showcasing at Satellite?

Joining the gallery space has always been an aspiration, but for a long time it seemed somewhat unobtainable in the digital art world. 3D art has been restricted to social media sharing for so long, I never thought major exhibitions dedicated to art like mine would suddenly exist, so I feel very, very lucky to be showcasing at Satellite.

 

I was also attracted to Satellite as it’s not your traditional art-on-walls exhibition. In my studio life as the Art Director of Studio Messa, I specialise in experiential design, so I’ve really appreciated being able to utilise immersive light, sound and space to create a deeper level of connection between my artwork and the viewer.

Can you tell us more about the story and inspiration behind your Satellite submission?

I’ve always been so intrigued by the concept of mirages; the mind’s ability to create a visual that plays on the line of appearing both completely impossible, yet so convincingly real… it just blows my mind! That was the key inspiration behind my “Mirage” series, but my artwork “Moonlight Horizon” also exists within this intersection – dream-like elements grounded in reality. In this piece, I‘ve attempted to visualise the abstract concept of mindfulness and meditation, interpreting an intangible notion as a physical space and exploring what that could look like.

Is there an NFT you’re most proud of, and why?

I’m most proud of my NFT “Into The Unknown” – a piece I created at the very beginning of the first Covid lockdown. Unable to leave the house, I found my mind constantly dreaming of expansive open spaces that juxtaposed my confined reality, and creating this surreal scene planted a little seed of hope in me. This NFT has become a bit of a symbolic representation of a “light at the end of the tunnel” for me in this pandemic. (Also Pat McGrath shared it on her instagram !!!)

Can you share any plans for upcoming projects?

I’m super into the crossover of digital art and the physical world (hello @ Satellite), so am VERY excited to announce I’m working with Infinite Objects on my very own artist collection! I can’t say too much more, but this year I’m planning to keep creating, minting and hopefully exhibiting more and more (HMU @ curators) so watch this space! Thanks for coming on the journey :’)

Don’t miss seeing Jessica Ticchio NFTs at Satellite 2022

The first major
international NFT art
exhibition in Sydney

A month-long, digitally immersive and sensory experience Bringing together over 40 NFT artworks from leading influential Australian and international artists, in Bondi Beach this March.

EXHIBITION INFORMATION

Jessica Ticchio, View from villa verde (Detail)

​​What are NFT’s?

What are NFTs?

NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token which makes them unique digital assets that can’t be replaced with something else. Each NFT contains transparent and  incorruptible in-built documentation using blockchain technology of their origin, ownership history and transaction values.

ARTWORK: SERWAH ATTAFUA CONSENSUAL HALLUCINATIONS (DETAIL)

NFTs are a new type of digital asset with an importance placed on its non-fungibility. If we asked you to let us borrow $10, you most likely wouldn’t open your wallet and say, “Which bill do you want?” This is because a $10 dollar note is fungible. Each $10 note has the same value as every other $10 notes.

 

NFTs, on the other hand, are non-fungible in the sense that no two are the same. Each NFT is a unique asset that cannot be replaced by an identical version because there is no identical version.

 

An NFT can be a piece of digital art, a song, a poem, a baseball card, an entry ticket and so much more. Think of it as a digital collectible that lives on the blockchain. But what’s special about an NFT, as opposed to the art in your home or your old Pokemon cards, is that an NFT is created (or “minted”) on a blockchain, thus making it completely digital, trackable and immutable.

 

When something is minted on a blockchain, it — and all of its attributes — will live there forever. This means that an NFT can be purchased, sold, gifted, etc., and its history and value will forever be recorded on the blockchain. 

 

Because of this, non-fungible tokens are the perfect medium for scarce assets such as art and collectibles, as their provenance and paper trail is open for anyone to see at any time. Similarly, they can never be torn, damaged, bent or broken. Unlike in most traditional art markets, many NFT marketplaces also enable 10% or more secondary sales royalties for creators in perpetuity, meaning artists continue to profit as their work increases in value!

 

NFTs enable true ownership of a digital asset in a way that wasn’t possible prior. Although some argue that they could simply download a JPEG image of an NFT and save it, this action would be akin to taking a picture of a painting and saying you now own that piece. You may be in possession of its likeness, but ownership and control of the actual asset is easily confirmed on the blockchain. Everyone can see it, but only one can own it.

 

Can you imagine if the Mona Lisa, subject to years of travel, trade and duplication, which some speculate isn’t actually the original painting, was an NFT? There would be no questions in that case.

Note: You should be aware of the risk in NFTs and cryptocurrencies, which are volatile and may lose some or all of their value. Nothing in this article is intended as advice, and you should consider seeking your own financial and taxation advice.

 

Source

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Explore more topics about the evolving NFT space with us

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How to prepare for Satellite

How to prepare for Satellite

You don’t need to be fluent in crypto to bid in the NFT art auctions at Satellite. There are just a few steps needed to get setup.

Before you get started there are a few key terms you should be aware of:

 

  • Cryptocurrencies (or “Crypto”)
    • Digital currencies that are not controlled by any one governing body, like a government or a bank. Crypto is ushering in a new era of the internet that’s decentralized, community-driven, and community-owned. This emerging technology will plug you into a revolutionary global community.
  •  ETH
    • The cryptocurrency used for all transactions on the Ethereum network, and it’s the currency used to purchase and sell NFT art on the marketplace Foundation.app. All of the NFTs on Foundation can be purchased with ETH. Creators get paid in it, too.
  • MetaMask
    • A digital wallet that is specific to Ethereum. There are other wallets available, but Foundation uses MetaMask. It’s connected to your web browser as an extension where you can hold and spend ETH. You’ll need to connect your wallet to Foundation in order to participate in the marketplace. For new users please see our guide to setting up a MetaMask wallet here.
  • Foundation.app
    • A global leading NFT art marketplace where you can buy, sell and trade NFT’s. All NFT art exhibited at the physical Satellite exhibition in Sydney will also be displayed on Satellite’s Foundation page for anyone around the world to bid on.

      See here for Satellite’s Foundation page.

With those basics covered, there are four steps that you will need to complete before you are ready to bid on artworks during the Satellite NFT auction.

STEP 1

Purchase some ETH

Remember ETH is the currency used by the NFT art marketplace Foundation, so you will need ETH to purchase your favourite artworks during the Satellite auction.

 

So how do I get ETH?

Sign up to CoinSpot.com.au, a secure platform that makes it easy to buy, sell, and store cryptocurrency.

  • Once you are on the registration page, enter the requested details and select ‘Create Account’.
  • Verification of your identity should be instant but can take up to a day or so. Once you have been verified, you can deposit Australian dollars just like any other online transaction using BPAY, Direct Deposit or PayId

Now you’re able to buy some Eth – the cryptocurrency used for all transactions on the Ethereum network – on CoinSpot.

 

  • Once you’ve registered and completed account verification, you will be able to choose from a variety of AUD deposit methods to fund your account & purchase ETH. (Please note, most deposit methods are instant on CoinSpot, however depending on your bank, first time deposits may take 1-2 business days to arrive.)
  • Click “Buy / Sell,” and find “Ethereum.”
  • Click “Buy ETH” and confirm the amount in Australian dollars you would like to exchange,  then select “Buy” to complete the purchase of ETH. You now own ETH. CoinSpot will notify you when it’s available to send to your MetaMask wallet.

STEP 2

Set up a MetaMask wallet

MetaMask is a universal software wallet that enables NFT collectors to buy, sell, hold or trade digital assets using ETH as the currency. You will use your MetaMask wallet to hold your ETH until you’re ready to bid, and it will also be used to securely hold any artworks that you bid on successfully during the Satellite auction.


How do I set up a MetaMask wallet?


  1. Download and install the MetaMask browser extension through their website or through their app on your mobile.
  2. Select “Create a Wallet.”
  3. Create a username and password.
  4. Pay close attention to your uniquely assigned Secret Recovery Phrase, and store it somewhere safe. If you lose this series of words or forget what order they’re in, you will lose access to your wallet and it will be unrecoverable. We recommend writing the phrase on a piece of paper and storing it in a memorable, safe, and secure spot.
  5. Confirm the phrase by placing all of the words in the correct order as they were assigned.
  6. Now, MetaMask is set up and should appear in your browser extensions.
  7. If you have any trouble, visit MetaMask Support.

STEP 3

Transfer your ETH to your wallet

Now you’re ready to send your ETH from CoinSpot to your wallet for safekeeping until it is needed for bidding during the Satellite auction.

 

CoinSpot will let you know when your ETH is available to send out. Once your ETH is ready, send it from your CoinSpot wallet to your MetaMask wallet. Click on “Account” to copy your Ethereum address. Your Ethereum wallet address—which is similar to a bank account number—will let you transfer and receive crypto from anyone, anywhere in the world. It’s a mighty piece of technology that’s uniquely tied to all of the NFTs you purchase or create on Foundation.

 

From the CoinSpot website: Now head back to www.coinspot.com.au and log into your account. Select “Wallets,” and find “Ethereum.” Click “Send,” and paste in your Ethereum wallet address from MetaMask in the “To” field. Double-check that you pasted in the full 42-character wallet address, if you send crypto to the wrong address you will not be able to get it back. Click “Continue,” then “Confirm” to send your ETH, it should take a few minutes to transfer.

From the CoinSpot app: Open the mobile app, and click on “Wallets.” Find “Ethereum,” and select “ETH Wallet.” You should see your balance here. To send ETH to your wallet on MetaMask, click on the send icon in the top right. Enter the amount of ETH you want to send and click “Continue.” In the “To” field, paste in your Ethereum wallet address. Click “Preview” to confirm the amount and once you’re ready, hit “Send Now.” Wait a few minutes for the ETH to arrive in your wallet.

STEP 3

Connect your wallet to the Foundation marketplace

As the Satellite NFT auction will be taking place on the Foundation marketplace, you will need to link your wallet to Foundation in order to bid safely and securely. Instead of signing up for an account on the Foundation marketplace with an email and password, all you need to do is connect your MetaMask wallet.

How do I connect my wallet to Foundation?

Start by visiting the foundation website, foundation.app.

 

Once on the Foundation website, click the “Connect Wallet” button in the upper-righthand corner, this will cause a prompt from your wallet to appear. If it doesn’t appear, find the MetaMask fox icon in your browser extension toolbar. Click the “Sign” button in your MetaMask to explicitly confirm your intention to connect your wallet to Foundation. Your wallet is now connected to Foundation.

 

Good luck bidding!

Satellite is proudly supported by it’s crypto-exchange partner, CoinSpot. 

Note: The exact scope of the buyer’s rights are set out in Foundation.app’s terms of service.

 

You should be aware of the risk in NFTs and cryptocurrencies, which are volatile and may lose some or all of their value. Nothing in this article is intended as advice, and you should consider seeking your own financial and taxation advice.

Curious to learn more?

Explore more topics about the evolving NFT space with us

BACK TO THE SATELLITE NFT HUB

How to Set Up a MetaMask Wallet

How to Set Up a MetaMask Wallet

MetaMask is a universal software wallet that enables NFT collectors to buy, sell, hold and trade digital assets on the Ethereum blockchain. MetaMask’s ease of use and industry leading security protocols are the reason why it is trusted by over 21 million users globally.

 

Setting up your MetaMask wallet is the first step on your journey to becoming an NFT collector. While the process is very intuitive, we’ve produced the below step-by-step guide to help you with the process.

STEP 1

Download and install MetaMask 

You can download MetaMask using either your phone or computer, however we find the easiest way to get started is by using your computer (PC or Mac) to set up the account.

 

Start by visiting the MetaMask website, where you will find simple instructions on how to download the MetaMask wallet, along with a list of supported browsers. As you can see below MetaMask is supported by Chrome, Firefox, Brave and Microsoft Edge browsers, meaning you will need to have one of these browsers installed to get going (at Satellite we prefer Chrome however it’s largely personal preference). If you don’t have one of these browsers (and don’t want to download one) you can download the MetaMask app via an Apple or Android device.

 

The only drawback of using MetaMask purely on mobile devices is that browsing and collecting NFTs via mobile can be a bit clunky as there are many projects that haven’t been built for mobile interface. Again, we recommend installing on the browser first and then importing your account onto the Apple or Android app.

STEP 2

Create an Account

Once you’ve downloaded and installed the MetaMask browser extension, you will be greeted with the below screen. For new users you will want to select “Create a Wallet”. For those with an existing software wallet, you can transition over to MetaMask by selecting the “Import Wallet” option.

Create a Wallet

 

If you have selected the option to Create a Wallet, you’ll be asked to either opt-in or opt-out of MetaMask’s usage data gathering. Usage data gathering helps the MetaMask team assess how users interact with their product allowing easier identification of areas for improvement. At Satellite we opt-in, as we want to help support the MetaMask team and ensure their software remains the best in class, however if you don’t want to share your data then this will not have any impact on your user experience.

 

Next, you’ll be asked to create a password. You’ll be asked for this password whenever you sign in to your MetaMask account from either the browser extension or mobile app. We recommend writing down your password and keeping it in a safe place to avoid losing it. If you do happen to lose this password you will need your seed phrase to unlock your account, which takes us to our next step.

 

After selecting your password you will be shown your seed phrase, which is a randomly generated string of words that act as your unique backup key. You are asked to confirm this phrase by entering it back into the app, we highly recommend writing down your seed phrase in a notebook before you confirm it into the app. Store your seed phrase in a safe place as you will need this phrase to access your account in the event you lose your password. 

 

Once you confirm your seed phrase, you’ll arrive at the main page of your new MetaMask wallet.

STEP 3

Look Around

Setting up a digital wallet can feel a bit confronting so, before moving on to adding funds, downloading the mobile app or purchasing NFT’s, we recommend taking some time to explore your new wallet to familiarise yourself with the settings and options.

Settings


Click your account photo, the round image in the top right of the page next to the “Ethereum Mainnet” button. This will open a menu, at the bottom of which you will find the “Settings” option. Once you click “Settings” you will see an array of sub categories that we encourage you to explore. For new users, the Satellite team notes that we made very few changes to the default settings, however we recommend checking the following:


  • General settings: change your wallet to your currency and language of choice
  • Security and Privacy: here you can use your password to reveal your secret phrase, this may be handy if you ever lose your copy and need to write it down again!
  • About: a great source of information with links to the Support Center should you have more detailed questions

Ethereum Address

 

Directly below the “Account 1” label on your homepage you will see a string of numbers. These randomly generated numbers are your Ethereum Address, akin to your bank account number. Just as with your bank account number, you will use your Ethereum Address whenever you are transacting on the Ethereum Blockchain, i.e. sending or receiving NFT’s or currency. 

 

Every ETH address is public and searchable on Etherscan.io. While all addresses are publicly searchable, you are the only one with control over your wallet. Just as with a bank account number, people can use your Ethereum Address to send you Ethereum or NFT’s, however once sent only you can interact with these assets.

STEP 4

Add Funds (Ethereum)

You will need to have Ethereum in your wallet in order to enable you to bid on Satellite exhibition artworks that you wish to purchase. To get a rough guide on how much Ethereum you may need in your wallet to complete a purchase a given work, you will need to take into consideration two elements; the price of the artwork itself and transaction fees, known as Gas fees. The best way to get a guide on the price of work ahead of the bidding starting is by looking at previous sales by the same artist, you can do this by going to the artist’s Foundation profile. To get a guide on Gas fees, see our guide to What are Gas Fees?

 

The best way to add Ethereum to your wallet is by sending it from an exchange. We recommend using Coinspot, the most intuitive exchange. You can find our step-by-step walkthrough on how to purchase Ethereum using Coinspot here.

STEP 5

Moving to Mobile

This is an optional step however we recommend it if you want to access your wallet on your phone in order to show off your new NFTs at the dinner table! Download the MetaMask app through the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Once downloaded, open the App and you will see a similar interface as when you set up the desktop account. 

 

This time, you want to import your existing wallet, so select the “Import Using Seed Phrase” option and input your Seed Phrase that we saved during the initial MetaMask setup. If you have lost this phrase, remember you access it again via settings – security and privacy – “Reveal Secret Recovery Phrase”. Once you input your Seed Phrase, your MetaMask wallet will be ready to go.

STEP 6

Purchasing NFTs

Once you’ve set up your wallet and filled it with some Ethereum, you are now ready to begin collecting NFTs. For the Satellite exhibition we’re using the Foundation marketplace, which is an artist first NFT marketplace that we recommend exploring further as you build out your NFT collection.

 

Start by visiting the Foundation website, where you can connect directly to your MetaMask wallet following these simple steps.

 

In the upper-righthand corner of the screen you will see a large “Connect Wallet” button, click this to commence connecting your MetaMask wallet. Once clicked, you will receive a prompt to “Select a wallet”, showing you two options, click on the MetaMask option to link your wallet. Now you will receive a “Signature Request” prompt, this is just a verification of your intention to link your wallet to the Foundation marketplace, simply click sign to connect your MetaMask wallet. If this prompt doesn’t appear, find the MetaMask fox icon in your browser extension toolbar. Click the “Sign” button in your MetaMask to confirm your intention to connect your wallet to Foundation.

 

Your wallet is now connected to Foundation, meaning you can use the Ethereum you purchased earlier to bid on and hopefully purchase your desired NFTs. Follow this link to review all Satellite NFTs.

 

For more information on bidding and purchasing NFTs on Foundation, see our guide to bidding.

Curious to learn more?

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BACK TO THE SATELLITE NFT HUB

Yambo

FEATURE ARTIST

Yambo

Yam Ben Adiva is a multidisciplinary artist, the founder and creative director of Yambo Studio, and a co-founder of NFT and digital collectible ecosystem, Dissrup. Collaboration is at the heart of Yam’s design philosophy. Working with a globally distributed network of artists, Yam utilizes expertise from a variety of fields to create tailor-made digital worlds for clients ranging from Apple to Nike, infusing the DNA of pioneering brands with his own trademark blend of dreamlike imagery and hyper-vibrant colour to create surreal environments that remain consistent, yet independent of the limitations of a single visual language.

READ Our Q&A with YAMBO Below

Yambo, Genesis (Detail)

What have you been up to, what have you been working on over the last year?

Over the past year, I have been juggling the full-time running of Yambo Studio, my CGI-oriented design studio, which works with digital artists to produce creative content for big brands, and a new project, Dissrup — which has come about in response to my changing perspective on the role of the creator in the global artistic ecosystem, as a product of the rise of NFTs. Dissrup shifts the focus onto the creators and the art itself, allowing artists to build economies around their practice, and help them monetise it directly, without the need for client work.

 

Since the end of 2020, I’ve been working with an amazing team to build a dApp on the Ethereum blockchain. The result is Dissrup, a creative ecosystem that leverages blockchain and NFT technology to deliver advanced NFT artwork and collectibles experiences (drops), as well as a space for artists to mint and sell their own digital artwork. We have collaborated with several artists to create bi-weekly drops — the first of which arrived on September 13th 2021. We are now on our sixth release, and the platform is growing and evolving quickly, which is very exciting.

Tell us a bit about your art practice and any key themes throughout your work

During my childhood, I would frequently communicate with people online via mIRC, an Internet Relay Chat client for Windows created in 1995. I think that Yambo Studio, and my artistic practice, is driven by a similar motivation to build connections and friendships with talented people from around the world. I think something inside me has always been attracted to this idea of Global Collaboration. When I realised that working with others in this way was raising the quality of the studio’s output, it became obvious that this approach was the future of the studio, and the strongest way to continue growing. I seek out great talent online, and if something/someone catches my attention, I just drop the artist a line to start up a conversation about working together.

 

I think that this method of collaboration has really changed my personal style. Constantly collaborating with other artists has shaped the way I approach the process of creating: every artist has their own style, tricks, and techniques, and by constantly working with other people, my personal style has evolved in a way that it otherwise wouldn’t have.

 

As a general overview, I’d say that my work could be summarised as the intersection between photorealistic rendering qualities, and surreal visual worlds —  saturated, abstract and playful.

What have NFTs enabled for you? (economically, creatively, community wise)

I would say that primarily, NFTs have given me the freedom to focus on the art of creation itself, without the need to fulfil client demands. Having focussed on client work for the past decade, this is a huge shift for me; to be able to put the power in the hands of creators, myself included, is really great. In addition, the community aspect of NFTs is majorly different from anything I used to know. There is so much going on every day, and people are starting to focus on the digital world faster than I ever imagined.

 

I also think that beyond their economic significance, NFTs have also enabled me to learn a lot about blockchain & cryptocurrency, building a dApp from scratch has been particularly eye-opening in this regard. This is a huge plus, as I have always been interested in the technical side of the blockchain, and its great to fully dive into it, and understand it in its all its complexity.

What advice do you have for other artists/collectors trying to break into NFTs?

I can only relay some of the lessons that I learned over this past year. The most important thing to know is that selling your art as NFTs wont happen in a day. Some people just try to mint something, forgot about it, and hope that it will suddenly sell, and they will become a successful NFT artist overnight. The reality is very different, it’s a game for the long run, and patience is crucial. Mint your best work, communicate with people who appreciate it, support other artists, and keep cycling through this process over and over again. There is so much going on out there these days that it’s very hard to catch people’s attention at the beginning. You need to focus on the art itself, and work hard — I’ve been working 12 hours a day for over a decade: it takes time for the work to start paying off!

Do you have a favourite NFT in your wallet / project you idolise and why?

While most of the hype around NFTs is centred on PFP projects and 10K collections, I truly believe in the value of 1 of 1 NFT artworks for emerging artists. I am proud to own 1 of 1 pieces by great artists like Joan Garcia Pons, George Tyebcho, rvyaltsevvvvv and Borja Alegre.

Can you share any plans for upcoming projects?

Dissrup will be my main focus for the coming year. Over the past 3 months we’ve been focused on the launch of the project and it was great to be welcomed into the space the way we were. Currently we have a lot of projects and plans for the coming year. We hope dissrup will become a major player in the NFT space. On a personal note, I plan to find more time for my personal artwork which I really had to put aside last year. I Plan to release my crypto-carpet (a physical hand-made wall carpet with a digital representation) on Dissrup, as well as a series following the artwork I created for Satellite.

In your crystal ball, what are your predictions for NFTs in the next 5 years?

I believe we are going to see mass adoption of NFTs & digital collectibles. As the digital community grows, collectibles will become a part of mainstream culture. Users will build and enhance their digital identities and personal spaces on the new grounds of the metaverse, blurring the boundaries between physical and digital.

 

I believe this is only the beginning of a major shift from corporations owning our data, to personal ownership of the items we will be using in our physical and digital life. As more people begin to own NFTs, the biggest players will have no choice but to allow us to use them across the metaverse — the emergence of the metaverse will change the cultural landscape on a huge scale. 

Don’t miss seeing Yambo NFTs at Satellite 2022

The first major international NFT art exhibition in Sydney

A month-long, digitally immersive and sensory experience Bringing together over 40 NFT artworks from leading influential Australian and international artists, in Bondi Beach this March.

EXHIBITION INFORMATION

Wes Cockx

FEATURE ARTIST

Wes Cockx

Wes Cockx is a Designer based in Brooklyn, New York – balancing personal & commercial work under the name CREAM.

 

He mixes visual styles drawing inspiration equally from pop culture, street fashion, and product design. He strongly believes in exploring and experimenting with visual styles, techniques and software to push the limits of his own creativity.

READ Our Q&A with WES COCKX Below

Wes Cockx, Explorations 22 (Detail)

What have you been up to, what have you been working on over the last year?

Apart from experiments with my personal art & synthesizers I have had a very busy 2021 with client work, I’ve done a lot of collaborations with companies like Microsoft, Apple, Bala and Google.

Tell us a bit about your art practice and any key themes throughout your work

I am a Designer based in Brooklyn, New York – balancing personal and commercial work under the name CREAM.

I am a strong believer in exploring and experimenting with visual styles, techniques and software to push the limits of my own creativity.

How did you first hear about NFTs, what did you think and when was that?

I first got into NFTs early 2021 after a friend gave me an invite to FND.

 

It started with a whirlwind crash course of trying to understand the world of crypto but it felt great as an artist to grow and do my own thing outside of the limitations of a client brief.

What attracted you about showcasing at Satellite?

Apart from being a part of Sydney’s first International NFT art exhibition the lineup of artists is an honor to be a part of, a lot of friends and heroes!

Can you tell us more about the story and inspiration behind your Satellite submission?

Transmission is a colorful trio of animations where all movement is generated procedurally without any key frames, inspired by the toys of the 80s and useless gadgets – these machines don’t function!

What advice do you have for other artists/collectors trying to break into NFTs?

There are so many aspects and nuances to the NFT world that it’s hard to do this in a short answer.

 

To artists I’d say do you and don’t compromise, don’t stare at the success of others but do this for yourself and the passion for your work.

 

To collectors I’d say respect the above and see past hype and a following, collect because you love the work and what the artist stands for.

Is there an NFT you’re most proud of, and why?

I don’t have any specific favorites myself, I love working on a piece but as soon as it is finished and out there in the wild it is done for me and I move on to something else.

It’s a good habit to look forward only, keeps me hungry to grow.

Do you have a favorite NFT in your wallet?

I love all the pieces I’ve collected in my modest collection for different reasons but if I have to pick one it would be Conjure by Kervin Brisseaux.

Who/what are your biggest influences and where do you find your inspiration for your art?

Inspiration is everywhere for me, throughout the years I’ve found it healthy to move away from instagram and portfolio websites to use as inspiration.

 

I like to think I mix a visual style drawing inspiration equally from pop culture, street fashion, and product design.

Can you share any plans for upcoming projects?

I will be mostly focusing on my “Experiment & Discover’ Opensea collection in 2022, it’s the home for my personal explorations.

 

As I want everybody to be able to collect my work it’s a collection of 1/1 edition pieces only with a low buy now price.

 

Apart from that I have some plans for late this year of special pieces on other platforms but can’t share any more details on that just yet!

 

Don’t miss seeing Wes CockX NFTs at Satellite 2022

The first major international NFT art exhibition in Sydney

A month-long, digitally immersive and sensory experience Bringing together over 40 NFT artworks from leading influential Australian and international artists, in Bondi Beach this March.

EXHIBITION INFORMATION

image: WES COCKX, EXPLORATIONS 15 (DETAIL)