The 888 Inner Artist Initiative — July 2023 Update
There are some months where progress is like the tortoise, slow and steady, just chugging along. There are other months where progress is like the hare, fast and explosive, moving forward in a flash.
July was more like the latter. We saw a record number of Verified Inner Artist applicants. We had an unprecedented amount of participation in our weekly event curation process, so much so, in fact, that we had to adjust our policies to handle the growth. We also, for the first time ever, provided our Verified Inner Artists (and our community at large) with an opportunity and benefit that came directly from other Verified Inner Artists (more on this below).
Back in April, we announced that our next in-real-life (IRL) event would be held in Barcelona, Spain. Last month we followed up that announcement with exciting news that in addition to the festivities already being planned for our Spain IRL Event, we would also be celebrating the one year anniversary of the 888 Inner Artist Initiative in Barcelona, and teased out a “special something” for our Verified Inner Artists.
Today we are pleased to announce more details of that “special something”. We are delighted to officially announce our partnership with Mrs. Toolip Art Gallery for our very first IRL gallery event that will showcase art from our Verified Inner Artists! This is a first of its kind and we are so excited for what we have in store for everyone in Barcelona.
888 Inner Artist Initiative X Mrs. Toolip Art Gallery
Founded by Mrs.Toolip in August 2021, Mrs. Toolip Art Gallery is a contemporary art gallery that has since positioned itself as a benchmark in the Barcelona art gallery scene. Located in the center of Barcelona, their multifunctional space of 100m2 holds various events such as solo and collective exhibitions, conferences, wine tastings, fashion shows and pop-up events, creating the perfect atmosphere for art lovers, art collectors and artists. They cater to an international customer base, with both local artists and artists from abroad on exhibition. Since its inception, Mrs. Toolip Art Gallery has guested more than 500 international artists. Mrs. Toolip Art Gallery also collaborates with other cultural institutions and is child and pet friendly.
From August 25 — August 31, the 888 Inner Circle and the 888 Inner Artist Initiative will be represented at this wonderful gallery. Furthermore, on the evening of Saturday, August 26, there will be a vernissage, which in this case, will be a gala event, open to the public, marking the opening of our exhibition. This event will also mark the official celebration for the one year anniversary of the 888 Inner Artist Initiative.
For this event, the 888 Inner Circle and Mrs. Toolip Art Gallery will be inviting members from their prestigious network of contacts to attend. All Genesis token holders; all Realms token holders; and all Verified Inner Artists are also invited and encouraged to attend this vernissage event. More details, such as the exact start time of the event, will be given closer to the date.
Last month, we posted this Barcelona X IAI interest form: https://forms.gle/mXhvVX3YtCmjjarD6, and we asked Verified Inner Artists to fill out the form if one or both of the following were true:
- You will be in Barcelona from August 25–27 (Even if you are not positive that you will be there but only might be there, please fill out the form).
- You are interested in having your (unsold) artwork publicly displayed while we are in Barcelona (even if you are unable to be in Barcelona in person).
That form is still open for Verified Inner Artists to express their interest, and as should be evident now, the interest being expressed is either 1) an interest in personally attending the vernissage event on August 26 and/or 2) an interest in having your art displayed in Mrs. Toolip Art Gallery, from August 25 — August 31.
More communication about this will be privately shared with our Verified Inner Artists in our artist-gated verified artist channel. However, here are some preliminary details to consider in the meantime:
- All artists who want to have their art displayed in the gallery will be required to sign a contract with the gallery. The contract will be individually delivered to those who express interest on the Barcelona X IAI interest form.
- We are aiming to display about 35–50 or so pieces (give or take) from our Verified Inner Artists. For now, we will start with allowing one piece of art per Verified Inner Artist to be displayed.
- If we do not have enough interest from our artists, we will consider allowing artists to display more than one piece, with the opportunity to contribute more pieces being given to our token-holding artists (Genesis, then Realms) first, then to those Verified Inner Artists who will be in Barcelona in person, and then to those Verified Inner Artists with the IAI OG role (which was given to Verified Inner Artists who were part of our community around the time we reached 88 Verified Inner Artist roles assigned, which happened around the end of 2022).
- If we have more interest from our artists than available slots, we will generally give priority to token-holding artists (Genesis, then Realms) first, then to those Verified Inner Artists who will be in Barcelona in person, and then to those Verified Inner Artists with the IAI OG role (which was given to Verified Inner Artists who were part of our community around the time we reached 88 Verified Inner Artist roles assigned, which happened around the end of 2022).
- The gallery will have different monitors of different sizes. We will do our best to accommodate artists who would like to display their work in horizontal orientation versus vertical orientation. However, how art will be displayed will ultimately be up to the discretion of the gallery. In terms of choice of display size, we will generally give priority to token-holding artists (Genesis, then Realms) first, then to those Verified Inner Artists who will be in Barcelona in person, and then to those Verified Inner Artists with the IAI OG role (which was given to Verified Inner Artists who were part of our community around the time we reached 88 Verified Inner Artist roles assigned, which happened around the end of 2022).
- In order to facilitate the transfer and sale of art pieces, we will be setting up a Foundation World for this event. The general process flow will be 1) artist returns signed contract; 2) artist’s wallet address is added to the Foundation World allowlist; 3) artist lists their art in the Foundation World; 4) artist shares marketplace link to where art can be purchased, which will be turned into a QR code that will be displayed with the art; 5) artist sends a high-res version of their artwork for gallery to use for display; 6) if art sells, a percentage of the sales will go towards commissions (more details about this will be given in the contract).
- For technical reasons and convenience, we will only accept art that has been minted on the ERC-721 standard.
Again, here is the link to the Barcelona X IAI interest form: https://forms.gle/mXhvVX3YtCmjjarD6. If you are still interested, please fill out the form, and an IAI Team member will reach out to you soon.
Weekly Celebration of Art
Here is the art that we purchased in the month of July.
Week 45
SIN FILTRO — textures provoque by @macaalzerreca
Week 46
Queen Emerald by @MirArt
Week 47
The eyes of artist by @sepidehsahedbel
Week 48
Downcast Urbanity by @thesalmanpathan
Week 49
The Journey Begins by @mosin_artsy
Spotlight Artist AMAs
We also continue to offer the artists that we purchase art from an Ask Me Anything (AMA) interview in our Artist Spotlight channel.
Here is a sampling of some of the AMAs that we had this past month (slightly edited). To see the complete interviews, please visit the artist-spotlight channel in our Discord Server.
@Ryak_eth
Question:
Please tell us about the piece (click link to view animation) that was submitted for our weekly celebration of art. What was the inspiration behind it? Anything you’d like to share with the recipient of your piece?
Answer:
The artworks “surface-tension” and “dissol of surface-tension,” these pieces offer a deeply personal and introspective exploration.
“surface-tension” visualizes a period of depression spanning three to four years in my life associated with a 99% domination of commercial orders instead of free art creation. It serves as a representation of the emotional weight and struggle experienced during that time, conveying a sense of being trapped or confined. This artwork invites viewers to empathize with the emotional journey of navigating and coping with depression.
On the other hand, “dissol of surface-tension” represents process of overcoming depression. It signifies the dissolution of the emotional weight, transforming it into a void. Notably, the word “dissol” is a linguistic creation, highlighting artistic expression of the act of dissolving process that you can observe. Through these artworks, offers a glimpse into my personal.
https://foundation.app/@ryak/ryak/1
https://foundation.app/@ryak/ryak/2
Question:
You’ve been an artist for over 20 years. What are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned as an artist?
Answer:
In the realm of artistic expression, maintaining a delicate balance between creativity and commerce is of utmost importance. As artists, our focus should be driven by our passion for creation and the exploration of our unique visions. However, the practical realities of life often intertwine with our art, necessitating a thoughtful approach.
For an artist, the primary focus should revolve around their passion for creation and the exploration of their artistic voice. By devoting the majority of their time and energy to the actual process of making art, they can nurture their skills, experiment with new techniques, and develop a unique and authentic style.
When commercial orders become a significant portion of an artist’s output, there is a risk of diluting the authenticity and emotional depth of their art. The pursuit of profit and catering to market trends can lead to compromises that deviate from the artist’s true voice. This may result in a loss of connection with both the art itself and the audience it seeks to engage.
By consciously limiting commercial orders to a maximum of 20%, we ensure that the majority of our creations are born from genuine inspiration and personal reflection. This approach allows us to immerse ourselves fully in the creative process, unconstrained by external demands, and produce art that resonates deeply with viewers.
Furthermore, maintaining a focus on non-commercial art fosters growth and innovation. It encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and the exploration of new artistic frontiers. The freedom to create without the constraints of commercial pressures enables us to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and evolve as artists.
While commerce remains an integral part of the art world, it is important to keep it in its proper place. Embracing alternative means of financial support, such as grants, commissions, or personal sales, can reduce reliance on commercial orders, freeing us to focus on art that truly moves us.
Ultimately, the pursuit of art should be an inner journey, an exploration of the experience, and a means of connecting on a profound level. In doing so, we preserve the authenticity and impact of our creations, leaving an enduring legacy that reflects the true depth of our artistic souls.
Question:
Do you have any other art you’ve created that you’d like to share with our audience, perhaps a piece of art that is currently on sale that you’d like to spotlight?
Answer:
One of notable explorations can be seen in series titled “Digital Life Forms.” This collection serves as a powerful synthesis of art and science, inviting observers to question the boundaries of life and existence in the context of emerging technologies. Through the incorporation of scientific concepts, imagery, and symbolism, I challenges conventional perspectives and encourage viewers to embrace new ways of thinking.
In “Digital Life Forms” delve into the intersection of the digital and organic worlds, pushing the boundaries of imagination and exploring the potential of technology. By visualizing the convergence of these realms, prompting viewers to contemplate the transformative power of artificial intelligence, data-driven existence, and the evolving digital landscape. Artworks in this series serve as catalysts for reflection, inspiring observers to consider the impact of technology on our perception of self, identity, and the nature of life itself.
Furthermore to notice is the collection “45720” which manifests the concept of freedom. For now this collection features 25 artworks created during April 2023 and encompasses digital illustrations, 3D sculptures, video art, and not only. Each artwork within “45720” explores freedom from unique perspectives, inviting viewers to contemplate their own understanding of liberation and self-expression. The collection demonstrates my artistic versatility and his ability to convey abstract concepts through diverse mediums, fostering a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted nature of freedom.
Digital Life Form
https://foundation.app/collection/dlf
https://foundation.app/collection/dlf-x-ai
45720
https://foundation.app/collection/45720 (piece from this collection shown above)
https://foundation.app/@ryak/99c/3
To learn more about this artist, please see:
- Website: https://ryak.xyz
- Instagram (https://instagram.com/ryak.eth)
- Twitter (https://twitter.com/Ryak_eth)
@Anomalit1
Question
Could you tell us something about this particular piece that we acquired?
Answer
Engaged in the art for over 10 years, I have explored a plethora of mediums, including painting, sculpture, graphic design, fashion creation, 3D sculpting, AR/VR, illustration, and mural painting. Each of these avenues has filled me with inspiration and contributed to the development of my artistic narrative. Currently, I am focused on the storytelling aspect of my work, utilizing the medium of 3D art. “Evolution of Traces” is one of my very first creations in this medium, encompassing the entirety of my experiences and experimental journey. It serves as a hymn to the path that each of us traverses, a unique and individual journey.
Question:
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
Answer:
At the core, what truly matters is the absence of fear when initiating any endeavor, irrespective of its nature or initial execution. The pivotal aspect lies in the perseverance to persist and accumulate wisdom throughout the journey! Refrain from restricting yourself within confines and instead incessantly delve into the realm of experimentation! We presently reside in an extraordinary epoch, abundantly equipped with an array of technologies and possibilities for self-actualization; the sole requirement is to embark upon the voyage!
Question
Do you have any other pieces of art that you’d like to share with our audience (for example, other pieces of art that an interested party may want to buy and a link to where it can be bought)?
Answer
I would be delighted to share the link to my artwork, “Moment of Unity Part 1.” (see above). It is a video art piece that vividly illustrates the encounter of my main character Anomalit and a traveler (a human) in a new world. Additionally, the link also provides access to other paintings I have created recently.https://foundation.app/@Anomalit/awrld/1
To learn more about this artist, please see:
- Website: https://anomalitkate.com/en/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Anomalit1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anomalitkate/
@MirArt
Question:
Please tell us about the piece that was submitted for our weekly celebration of art. What was the inspiration behind it? Anything you’d like to share with the recipient of your piece?
Answer:
“ Queen Emerald “ is a symbol of nature for me. The spirit that flows in me every time I step into nature, the peace that I receive
I showed the dance of flowers and the smell of grass in this work.
Her green color symbolizes the greenness and vitality of nature, she has flowers and plants all over her body and she wears a crown of flowers on her head.
“ Queen Emerald “ is calm and dignified like a clover that dances in the morning breeze, inside she has a strong spirit like wild flowers that grow in the hard rocks of the mountains. This is the story of Emerald’s life, maybe it is the life story of many of us
Most of the time, the characters I design have messages that I express for mental health in stories. Maybe someone will find themselves in that character by reading their stories and it will be hopeful for them.
What is important to me is the friendly behavior of humans with nature. I would like everyone to be kinder to nature, because nature was and is our main home, the peace we get from nature is incomparable to anything, our soul needs it, how good it is to take care of it more.
Question:
You are a character designer. Can you walk us through the process of how you create a character? Do you start with the visual? Do you give them a backstory and then create based on that story? Would you be willing to explain your process for creating characters and talk about how that process may differ from creating art that doesn’t involve particular characters?
Answer:
When the idea of designing a character comes to my mind, I think for hours and days about how it should be and how it will show the purpose and message I want and create the story in my mind.
Sometimes the stories are based on real events and stories from my own life, combined with the fantasy world, and sometimes the whole story is made up of my imagination.
My biggest and best source of inspiration is nature. I always try to go to nature at least one day a week. Nature and animals and human’s spiritual connections with them have always been my favorite and I use the characters of animals and nature in my works. Usually, while walking, I visualize the story and characters over and over in my mind.
Sometimes it takes days to fully shape the story and idea I have in my mind. First, I will start with the key details of the story and the main character. I start with the key words of the story and the general topic. If I need to use specific symbols that are related to culture, a specific state, or certain animals, I search for them, observe them more.
Our mind is the archive of what we have seen and our imaginations, but because we cannot store everything in our memory, we need to see it again, so we get ideas from references to complete the details.
As a character designer, I always have a mirror on my desk and I get ideas from my facial expression and hand and body poses. Then I start sketching. In this step, I add new ideas to the story. The sketching stage is one of the most important stages in character design. It is when you draw everything that has been in your mind on paper or tablet in the real world.
It usually takes a few days for the sketch to be completed because I make changes to it repeatedly until it becomes what I want. Then I flow the colors, while adding colors, new ideas and new details come to my mind and I add them to the characters.
Playing with colors is very enjoyable.
Question:
Do you have any other art you’ve created that you’d like to share with our audience, perhaps a piece of art that is currently on sale that you’d like to spotlight?
Answer:
Yes, thank you for asking this question. I have pieces that I would like to share.
First is my SuperRare piece, “The First Choice” (see above): https://superrare.com/0xa56fa216629b04376b03163b9461818c8f8b9c64/the-first-choice-84
The next piece is in the foundation, “Equilibrium”: https://foundation.app/@MirArt/mirn/2
You can see my foundation pieces here: https://foundation.app/@MirArt
To learn more about this artist, please see:
- Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/MirArts
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MirNft
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirartts
888 Inner Artist Initiative X Paladin Punks
For the first time ever, in the spirit of celebrating the one year anniversary of IAI, we provided an opportunity from our Verified Inner Artists to our Verified Inner Artists (as well as our greater 888 Inner Circle community).
Paladin Punks, a project founded and created by a number of our own Verified Inner Artists, generously offered our community a unique opportunity, which combined a unique giveaway, with a contest, with an opportunity for our artists to display their art, with an AMA, with a free mint, with an invitation to an International Moon Day metaverse party to cap it all off.
What immediately distinguishes the Paladin Punks project is their gorgeous metaverse museum, which was created by 0xWolfgang, one of the premier metaverse architects in the Web 3.0 Space. The best way for people to understand the Paladin Punks museum is to see it for themselves.
- Paladin Punks museum (day version): https://oncyber.io/paladinpunks
- Paladin Punks museum (night version): https://oncyber.io/paladinpunksnight
In a spotlight artist AMA, here is how one of the project’s founders described the Paladin Punks project:
“We started this project to connect with the real people behind the PFPs in Web3 who are still around, showing up every day and trying to make Web3 a better place. We honor the history of the Cryptopunks carving the way for art on the blockchain and we realize by the sheer fact of being early we all have an opportunity to create what we would like to see happen in Web3.
We cannot create this world in separate silos, which understandably happened when a lot of people rushed in during the last bull market. We are promoting and facilitating cross community events, where Web3 people can meet and new people can get inspired about Web3. We offer a safe environment without any pressure to buy anything or understand what a wallet is, but first just learn about the space and the opportunities. Therefore 0xWolfgang and myself came together and dived deep into what we needed to create this space, which led to 0xWolfgang designing the amazing Paladin Punks Museum with the punk DNA written all over it.
The Museum opened on February 23rd this year and we have had many events for people to enjoy and meet other people. From live DJs to Art competitions by Vavortex, Global Digital Pride Brussels, International Yoga Day, the Linked by Art exhibition and now on July 20th International Moon Day. We select themes and bring people together based on a theme or special occasion.
I always say the Museum is truly a Twitter Spaces on steroids, the only way to understand what I am talking about is to come and take a tour with us or enjoy one of the events.”
The opportunity that Paladin Punks offered us started with the opportunity for members of our community to win a custom-created OnCyber Gallery by 0xWolfgang, called “The Deep.” Our artists and members of our community were invited to display their art in The Deep, and two members of our community won an NFT of the Gallery. Above are some pictures of the exhibition, and all of the art shown is by Verified Inner Artists.
On top of the contest, Paladin Punks also invited us to a metaverse party that they threw to celebrate International Moon Day, which a number of our community members attended. Here is a stream of the first 50 minutes of the event. Below are some pictures from the festivities.
If all of that was not enough, Paladin Punks also offered us a free mint of this awesome OnCyber avatar, and they also invited us to their subsequent event, which was a free class held inside the Paladin Punks Museum, organized by Boring Security (sponsored by APE DAO). Some of our artists attended and pictures of the event, which include the free avatar we were offered, are shown below.
July was an extremely eventful month for the 888 Inner Artist Initiative, and August is shaping up to be even more eventful, as we head to Barcelona and officially celebrate the one year anniversary of the 888 Inner Artist Initiative!
***
As a reminder, the 888 Inner Artist Initiative is not just a single program. Rather, it is a comprehensive and ever-increasing set of efforts and endeavors designed to celebrate, empower, and support artists. Our goal is to meet the various needs of various artists, in a wide variety of ways, wherever they may be on their artistic journey.
For more information, please join our Discord server, follow our Twitter, and view our Medium. Also, as a reminder, if you are an artist, we encourage you to apply to become a Verified Inner Artist. No token purchase is necessary, but you will need to join our Server and be verified as a community member (by going to our verify-to-access-server channel) in order to receive the role.
