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Radiation
This blog post highlights my latest digital artwork collection, Radiation. This collection has been a long time coming, continuing my passion for on-chain artwork and a desire to create something unique confined by on-chain constraints. In the blog post below, I will touch on the holistic vision around this digital art collection…
What is the Radiation Collection?
Radiation is an on-chain artwork collection comprising six (6) 1/1s, all on-chain, with no external storage. In almost every artwork I have ever produced, “light” finds a way to integrate itself into the message. In this collection, “light” is defined by rapidly glitching color themes I have created via code, which I call Radiations.
Radiation is the emission of energy in the form of waves traveling through space at the speed of light.
The Artist Vision
When I began my explorations into creating this collection, I had three specific goals for what I wanted for the art.
On-chain, no external storage, made with code
On-chain artwork is a unique form of art. Personally, I believe on-chain artists deserve more credit considering the amount of constraints that are required to understand to push art onto a blockchain that will live forever.
Light art, based on the capabilities of your device
SVG code offers a solid range of animation possibilities. Light being a focus glitch specifically seemed like the closest way to describe the animation method here. But in reality the rapid flickering was meant to create a glowing palette that is defined by the on-chain code.
Asset system for artists to utilize and build upon
In this particular collection, I wanted to overdevelop the concept and then narrow it down to only a few available artworks to be owned. This, in turn, led to the creation of a system made up of 3 levels of artwork that, when combined, form the Radiation artwork.
Architecture
Radiation is made possible by a system of shapes, palettes, and animations driven by subjects and code.
As mentioned above, Radiation is one level of a larger artwork system. That system extends the artwork into three levels in total: Radiation, Particles, Ions.
The assets in this library are cc0 and can be used by anyone with access to this website.
The only available artwork that can be owned on-chain is from the Radiation collection on Foundation.
Asset Library
Once all 8 1/1s are sold in the Radiation collection, I will release the Asset Library as cc0 for other creators to build upon.
Level / Radiation
Level 2 / Particles
Level 3 / Ions
If you’ve made it this far, I appreciate you. Over time, this site has evolved into my sandbox for creativity, which has been super inspiring to keep up to date as time permits. More love, more wins, and more fun for all in 2024.
The Network
Artist 1980k is focused on creating and shaping meaningful and memorable experiences for humans.
This blog post will be a retrospective on things I’ve learned and potential pathways forward in my creative journey. The Network has been my most rapid and innovative learning artistic venture to date. One that will influence my focus in art, products, and installations moving forward.
In the blog post below, I will touch on these emerging topics...
Generative art enables infinite directions.
Physical art as a form of learning and inspiration.
Human connection through experiential design.
Inspiration
The three pillars that helped shape my direction with this collection.
A.I. Narratives
My goal was to communicate TRUTH with this collection. The truth is that we, humans, will be affected unless we take the current state of technology seriously. Unlimited information at our fingertips. A.I. Slowly taking our jobs. These are important messages to communicate. Not only will our everyday lives change but so will our love and passion.
Art + Technology
I love all creative mediums. But to date, I have yet to explore them all fully in a single output. The physical finish embodies a cyberpunk interpretation of contemporary art, employing a street artist's weathered, imperfect wheatpaste technique. At the same time, the resulting artwork stands as a modern representation at the cutting edge of innovative artistry. A perfection to the imperfect.
Light and Space Movement
It wasn’t until recently that I was introduced to the 60’s Light and Space movement. This was the first time I felt a connection with who I am as an artist. It is characterized by a focus on perceptual phenomena, such as light, volume and scale, and the use of materials such as glass, neon, fluorescent lights, resin and cast acrylic, often forming installations conditioned by the work's surroundings.
The Network is the Internet filled with endless information. The Network is the a.i. Informing our every move. The Network may or may not care for our human existence. Those narratives and the expansive output potential are fascinating journeys into a path of unexplored art.
Generative art enables infinite directions
The beauty of code as art is its expansiveness with no limitations on output potential. With every piece in The Network collection, you will see a recognizable pattern that I generate in p5js. It wasn’t until I began working with the physical pieces that I realized the full control I had for oversize scaling, customization, and output power to mediums. My creative path will continue to push on a simple process from which I will develop a future business...
Everything originates from art. Output via digital & physical are for collectors who love Scarcity. Output via personalized products for the rest of the world.
Physical art as a form of learning and inspiration
While packaging The Terminal artwork to be shipped, I included extra content in the box that led me into something unexpected.
What if the physical artwork could become an opportunity to expand an interaction with the customer of the artwork?
Knowing the collector's interests, I decided to set up a GitHub page here. The idea was to encourage the collector to hack my artwork. Inside the page you will see a “Update LED” file where I provide the basics of how to update the animations of the artwork. By creating an opportunity for the collector to hack my art, there is less buy and that’s all and more customer experience. Inspiration leads to learning. As I develop work into the future I will continue to push here to see where this takes me.
Human connection through experiential design
I want to make anyone purchasing artwork feel they have acquired something special. Every detail matters. In the images below, I’ve highlighted ways I am enabling the best customer experience in everything I create. In time 1980k will expand into an experiential brand, with art as the foundation, and personalized product experiences that are globally accessible. This collection has been R&D around what people like and love.
In review, the details matter; moving fast is essential, and never be limited to digital vs. physical if there is an opportunity for learning. In my past life, I was a director of design and design systems, leading innovation and rapid prototyping. These techniques are similar to the R&D processes that helped rapidly uncover innovative concepts for Fortune 100 companies.
Shop Digital + Physical
Check out these custom products from the collection, which are only available for a limited time.
If you’ve made it this far, I appreciate you reading and hope you’ve enjoyed my creative content. Over time, this site has evolved into my sandbox for creativity, which has been super inspiring to keep up to date as time permits.
More love, more wins, and more fun for all in 2024
Year in Review 2023
As another year concludes, I'm thankful for my family, friends, and good health. 2023 brought challenging moments and beautiful highlights, fueling my determination to excel in 2024.
Creatively, this year has been one of the most rewarding, helping me discover new areas of storytelling I want to pursue. On the low side, I've struggled to generate enough income to support my family. Alternatively, I had enough free time to expand my knowledge base into new avenues such as 3d, augmented reality, AI tooling, and pushing on blockchain capabilities while making new artwork and testing business concepts. The pursuit of creative freedom continues...
Highlights
21 collectors of unique 1/1 artwork.
300 collectors of an open-edition artwork.
Artwork on the front page of Foundation Marketplace.
Artwork created on multiple chains. (Ethereum, Bitcoin (sub 10k), Tezos, and Base)
Networked more than ever, meeting artists, specialists, and collectors in person. (Conferences, events, etc.)
Collectors and Friends
New collectors and friends I've met in real life have been the foundation of my year. Their support has been a massive inspiration in the creative journey I have been taking and one that highlights how unique the blockchain is as art and technology continue to intertwine. These connections have led to numerous installations and pop-up events where I've been able to showcase my work.
Digital Art
The h4x0r and The Network collections helped me fulfill my desire to push innovative visuals and highlight two critical messages. These subjects hugely inspire me, and I will continue to create in both areas. Subject one is human security/privacy around data, and subject two is human existence in a time of artificial intelligence. The artwork visuals are brought to life by code and 3d programs used in parallel.
Physical Art
Physical artwork allows me to push innovative approaches further with the connection to digital art and technical product abilities. The Network collection filled that desire with a few areas I wanted to highlight below...
Digital artwork is the key to the Physical artwork. (Trackable historical ownership)
Physical artwork contains RFID chips synced to the token owner. (Instant authentication)
QR codes are embedded and signed to authenticate 1/1 artwork. (Added website experience for personalization)
Each physical piece includes custom LED light animations written to match the artwork.
Products and Business Concepts
While the artwork was at the forefront of my output, I challenged myself to push further past the norm by testing physical products, building projection mapping and technical tools, and presenting business concepts to stores in the hope of attraction. The gallery below highlights a few of the explorations.
2024 INTENTIONS
This year, I made a conscious effort to attend more events and meet more people. Next year, I will do this more as I focus on large-scale collaborations to get eyes on my artwork and introduce people to the authentic human behind the work. Through digital art, products, or installations, I want to bring my capabilities to brands looking to illuminate their customer base, such as Meow Wolf, Space X, Red Bull, etc. As an artist with a background in action sports, technical capabilities, and a unique vision for partnerships, I’m looking forward to what this year has in store.
Continue to teach my children how to love, play, and create.
Expand my network, attend more meetups, and build new partner relationships.
Launch a physical gallery show highlighting my digital, physical, and innovative creations.
Establish a new storefront business that ties my Art and Work interests that supports my family.
If you’ve made it this far, I appreciate you reading and hope you’ve enjoyed my creative content. Over time, this site has evolved into my sandbox for creativity, which has been super inspiring to keep up to date as time permits.
More love, more wins, and more fun for all in 2024
Marfa
It’s been a fun past few weeks with creative planning for the rest of the year, new projects, and attending the Art Blocks weekend in Marfa, Texas.
Community Contributions
Before the event, I researched the small town of Marfa and got inspired by some stories about the local artists, aliens, lights, and more. That inspiration was all I needed to start creating a few 3D pieces representing my take on those subjects. I included the chromie squiggle colors, local Donald Judd shapes, etc into the art as the recognizable touches—merging the virtual and real world via projections felt like the perfect combo.
Projections
I’ve been thinking a lot about the term “Digital Graffiti” lately. With the digital art movement full speed ahead, I’ve discovered some work is best displayed IRL in uncommon ways, such as large projections and screens. This concept felt different enough to bring to Marfa for fun and spark conversation during the weekend.
The idea was pretty simple. Set up the projections between events so attendees could experience the digital art as they walk. Visuals included everything from squiggles to alien vessels and more that connected with the local environment.
This projection was about 30ft w x 20ft h next to the train tracks. Shooting at nighttime is complicated; apologies for the quality : ( Marfa 2023 was my favorite IRL event in years. The event was full of unique humans, art, and good vibes. I’m looking forward to next year and figuring out ways to continue contributing to the community.
Free Mint // 24 hours only
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Process Deconstruction
Inspired by a recent artwork sale, I wanted to highlight some of the creative process that goes into a “h4x0r” piece. With each piece of artwork, I dive deep into the story and techniques. Thank you to those who read my content and collect my artwork; your support inspires me daily…
The beauty of the art is that everyone interprets it differently. I explain my thinking below, but that might differ from how the viewer interprets the art.
⮑ Owned by @snofro on Foundation
Pattern Generation
The most recognizable aspect of the h4x0r piece is the green pattern. I utilize a background color from a historic on-chan asset in each piece. This pattern started from the Cryptopunk blue background, which I then ran through a JS library to control the style and animation. Shout-out to Felix for the lib. Each green block is a node (you) interacting with the chain. (You buy an nft-you are a block.) These green blocks are the stories that h4x0r visualizes in each piece of artwork.
Message & Environment
I’ve utilized actual data in this environment, highlighting 11 of the largest cryptocurrency hacks totaling over 20 billion dollars. h4x0r’s workspace is then visualized via the tron-esque grid. One of the most challenging aspects of the grid was figuring out how to visualize data flowing through the grid in the form of on-chin node transfers.
Layering Animations
In this story, the hacker is seen inside a large room. A node inside of nodes. This on-chain environment is the space the character lives inside transferring between nodes with each story and overseeing all transactions and transfers. After patterns, environment, and message are created I dive into effect techniques before finalizing the output.
Early on, I decided on specific artwork tradeoffs, for example, minting animated art instead of static. Motion output would allow me to dive deeper into a story. Creating in 3D instead of pixel and raster allows every piece to be packaged and used in any 3D environment giving them unlimited flexibility.
I don’t consider h4x0r pieces a meme. But I do hope the viewers realize the artwork has a much deeper symbolism than the visual output. One of my goals with h4x0r is to utilize the stories to help educate the Web3 space. Let’s not be the adoption blockers or the trust disablers.
Paying it forward
Patrick Amadon has been using his following to bring light to the less-known creatives recently in the form of 404 August 2023 Art Catalog. One of the more inclusive and accessible initiatives I’ve seen in the space. As mentioned I’ve gone ahead and purchased work from a few underrepresented / sub-1k artists and I will continue to pay it forward however I can. Giving Back
Please consider supporting my creative endeavors by purchasing some artwork
Before the character h4x0r, I hadn’t used a 3d program. In proper artist form, I utilize the best tools for the message, so learning 3d rapidly was challenging but rewarding. As always thank you for supporting my content. Make sure to sign up for my newsletter below, follow me on Twitter, or message me for collaborations.
Navigating Realignment
Halfway through 2023, and what a year it’s been. I started the year with clear intentions that were quickly sidetracked by personal and professional changes in my life.
I’m an extremely creative human who utilizes that energy in my everyday work and life, but my creativity has throttled as I navigate life’s speed bumps. Professionally I’ve been laser-focused on standing up a business, which I’m excited to share more about in the coming months.
Writing this post has been a good reminder of the little things that bring me joy in my everyday craft. Thank you to those who stick around and enjoy my content…
Random Graphics
If your viewing from a mobile device the gifs may take a little extra time to load. Assortment of random graphics created in July.
New Artwork
I’ve been working on my subsequent art collections in physical and digital formats for the past few months. With most packaged and ready to release to the public, I have decided to hold back on minting the digital work with the current state of the market. Instead, I’m currently networking and collecting data on the best approaches to get the artwork into the best collector’s hands in the coming months.
Website Refresh
I’ve finally updated my digital art portfolio. It feels criminal that I haven’t shared more work but I’ve begun to fill this page with more information.
I care very much about giving back through support, mentoring, feedback, etc. I’ve always had a Giving Back page but I want to make a more conscious effort to share it.
Limited Edition Products
Next week
I’m working on a fun blog post about my current favorite typography/fonts coming out next week.
As always thank you for supporting my content. Make sure to sign up for my newsletter below, follow me on Twitter, or message me for collaborations.