I Found Your Art: The Butterfly Effect
Remove names, reputations, and expectations. What's left? The art itself. I went on an adventure to find a work of art that I didn't know existed. I came home with a butterfly.
In my relatively short time exploring the digital art sphere - a sincere thank you to those who have made it a wonderful experience and home - I've noticed something. It's easy to get lost.
There is a lot of art out there, and there are a lot of well meaning folks hell bent on telling you what is good, what is bad, and what is ugly.
There is also the market. It's hard not to be influenced by demand and pricing. Why don't they see what I see? Do they see something I don't?
Pay attention to too many folks and too many market metrics for too long, and the magic is lost. I'm interested keeping the magic around.
So I made up a game for myself.
IFYA: I Found Your Art
Here are the rules:
Leverage a platform that (a) you haven't used before or - if you're an OG - (b) you haven't used in a while.
Explore the raw art wilderness using the platform's discovery tool.
Stay patient and spend at least 30 minutes immersed in the process.
Prioritize newer, lesser known, and less expensive art and artists.
Lead with passion and find what resonates with you.
Step One: Leverage a New Platform
Nifty Gateway will always be my first love (and where I spend much of my time), but rules are rules.
Makers Place it is. "Discover and collect truly unique digital creations." Perfect.
I immediately run into my first challenge when I see the impending SSX3LAU Traffic drop ("Greenwood" is fire).
[slaps wrist] Stay focused, Roger!
Step Two: Explore
The Discover tool that Makers Place provides is ideal. No obstacles. Endless scrolling is enabled.
To capture the spirit of the game, I close my eyes and rip three mega scrolls down the page. Theoretically that gets me into less popular territory. New horizons.
Eyes open. Engage.
Step Three: Stay Patient
I take my time.
No rush. No fast fingers. No expectations.
There are many, many clicks. I engage with 1/1s, 1/10s, and 1/100s alike. I look at artist profiles. I follow a few.
Step Four: Prioritize Lesser Known Art
Then I find something.
Ancient Ethereum. It’s an edition of 3. (Yes, I'm a sucker for the juxtaposition of modern/future technology with either an older or more natural setting.)
Even better: it's recent, and it's one of an artist named KPSD's first works.
There's just one problem: it's also sold out (at just over $100-$125 price point). The feeling of disappointment that all collectors know well washes over me. Did I lose my own game?
Instead of going back to the drawing board, I decide to learn more about KPSD. Who is the artist that captured my attention?
Kristaps Dokans (KPSD)
Graphic Designer and 3D Artist
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kristaps_Dokans
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.psd/
Makers Place: https://makersplace.com/kpsd/
(For some of his eye catching IG work, check out this, and this, and this)
Step Five: Lead with Passion
Sometimes it finds you.
All of that research into KPSD leads me to this tweet of his:
Boom! Unbelievable timing.
Most importantly, I like the artwork. The color combinations and concept (remember the futuristic/natural juxtaposition?) click. The messaging fits my first adventure in a new land.
It also incorporates two interests:
Digital + Physical Art: I love the idea of having a physical canvas in addition to the digital #1/1.
Collaboration: I like the intersection of Kristaps and Latvian photographer Sandis Helvigs.
After a few back and forth bids with NiwinEth (good game, sir) The Butterfly Effect becomes part of the collection.
Epilogue: Magic
Just after acquiring the art, Kristaps reaches out. Apparently as the auction wrapped, he received word that The Butterfly Effect is now featured at the International Photo Festival (FFIEL) in Leon, Mexico.
After well deserved congratulations, we talk a little further. In his words, "the crypto-art community doesn't know me yet". Now hopefully a few more folks will.
I'm happy to have found you and your art on Makers Place, Kristaps - keep doing what you do!
*Your Turn*
Take IFYA (I Found Your Art) for a spin. I promise you won’t regret it.
If you do, please share your story with me.
Every Time the NFT Drops
I tell stories behind the digital art revolution.
While I've dropped plenty of threads on my Twitter - @rogerdickerman - this is the first official @theNFTdrops newsletter.
I appreciate you helping me spread the word. See you next time, friends!
Speechless. Roger, you left me speechless! Incredible story! I'm honoured to have my artwork on your collection! You made my day!