INSPERATIONS, ART,

Display Name: surreal24seven

Where are you from?
I was raised in New York but have been living in Guatemala for the past 11 years. Thankfully, I still have all my organs and haven’t been kidnapped! (Just kidding!) Guatemala is a beautiful country, and the low cost of living has allowed me to advance my career as an artist.

Can you tell us about your background and what led you down the path to becoming an artist and experimenting with NFTs?
My artistic journey began at a young age, heavily influenced by my mother, an abstract painter who studied at the prestigious Arts Students League in New York City. A humorous childhood incident highlights how my passion for art developed: at around 12 years old, I covered my bedroom walls with Playboy magazines, thinking it would make me seem "cool." When my mother discovered my collection, she took me out of school to attend her art classes. In these sessions, I explored various subjects, including older individuals, thin women, and overweight men, as my mother sought to instill in me an appreciation for the beauty of all bodies, encouraging me to see them as unique works of art.

Later, at 16, I began acting, landing guest roles in TV shows like Martial Law, Saved by the Bell, My So-Called Life, and 90210. During this time, I pursued my passion for mixed-media art, creating towering abstract characters that reached 7 feet tall. One of my sculptures was even displayed in the exclusive VIP area (the Foundation Room) of the House of Blues in Hollywood. It wasn’t until I embraced digital art as a form of personal journaling in my adult years that I proudly adopted the label of artist. Sharing my creations led to unexpected commissions, paving the way for a career in surrealism that I never anticipated but now find immensely fulfilling.

When did you mint your first NFT? What platform did you choose and why?
I minted my first NFT on October 21, 2021, on the Foundation platform. At that time, it was a closed platform requiring an invitation to join. I was drawn to SuperRare's limited-access model, hoping to sell my artwork there in the future. This strategic choice played a crucial role in eventually gaining an invitation to sell my work on SuperRare's marketplace.

Can you tell us one thing you cannot live without? (and why)
Air and pizza! If I had to choose just one, pizza would undoubtedly be the winner!

Who is your favorite artist (non-NFT)? What about their style resonates with you?
Red Grooms stands out as my favorite artist. His pop art-inspired urban cities captivate my imagination every time I encounter them, transporting me to vibrant and dynamic landscapes. As a child, I eagerly anticipated visiting a museum in the city for a Red Grooms exhibition, where I experienced one of his most memorable works: an interactive display featuring a life-size train filled with a diverse cast of characters. The intricacy and attention to detail left a lasting impression on me. Even now, the thought of his artwork sends chills down my spine and continues to inspire me deeply.

What made you pursue NFT art?
When I decided to pursue art full-time, I faced challenges in selling my work consistently. The traditional art world often overlooked digital art as a legitimate medium, and I frequently encountered skepticism about whether my creations could truly be considered art. Then NFTs emerged, offering a new avenue for digital art to gain acceptance. My artist friends began discussing this innovative technology, and I recognized it as a pivotal opportunity. I immersed myself in the NFT market, and I’ve never looked back.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why this location?
I’ve always dreamed of visiting Chicago and maybe even relocating there. Growing up in New York, I feel comfortable in urban environments, and Chicago has so much to offer—amazing people, fantastic food, rich culture, and four distinct seasons.

What are your other passions besides art? Why?
Can pizza be a passion? I’m also an animal lover. I once had a 300-gallon saltwater fish tank and loved observing the unique personalities of the fish. One standout was my dog-faced pufferfish, who resembled a dog but never fetched a ball! I also had a bird wrasse named Prozac because he never stopped moving. My passion for animals extends to understanding their behaviors, whether they’re fish, dogs, or cats.

Do you make other forms of art?
I began studying acting at 16 under the renowned instructor Ivana Chubbuck. I found some success, landing guest roles in shows like Martial Law, Saved by the Bell, My So-Called Life, and 90210. Simultaneously, I created 7-foot sculptures inspired by Red Grooms, with one displayed in the House of Blues' VIP room. The creative process felt like solving a puzzle, searching for the right parts at various art supply stores. Looking back, it was a fun hobby that I could have pursued professionally.

Are you self-taught or trained?
I have received formal training in art and have dedicated many years to studying it, making me a trained artist.

How did you come up with your specific style?
My style reflects my life experiences. I craft surreal and imaginative digital artworks by combining multiple photographs into visually striking compositions. The images in my mind are often inspired by the emotions I feel at different points in my life. Struggling to express my feelings verbally, I find solace in articulating my stories through art. While my emotions can be embarrassing or childlike, channeling them into my creations results in unique and compelling pieces. I strive to evoke thoughts and emotions in those who view my artwork; if it fails to achieve that, I consider it unsuccessful.

How has your style evolved over the years?
My artistic style has undergone significant transformation. Initially, I learned from observing photographers, instilling in me the principles of composition and lighting that served as a foundation for my journey in digital arts. Experimenting with various elements refined my approach to visual storytelling. My art has shifted from purely representational to prioritizing emotional resonance and ambiguity. I no longer seek to convey a single meaning but instead aim to evoke a range of emotions and interpretations in the viewer.

What is coming in the near future?
My art will be on display at the Oditto Gallery in Palm Beach, Florida, featuring six physical pieces accompanied by a 1/1 NFT. The artwork measures around 50 inches by 40 inches, and it’s incredibly exciting to showcase my work at such a prestigious gallery. Additionally, a new themed surreal collection I am working on will be available on SuperRare later this year.

Oditto Gallery

139 N County Rd Suite 11,

Palm Beach, FL 33480

WEBSITE: www.odittogallery.io

SuperRare

WEBSITE: https://superrare.com/surreal24seven

Anything else you'd like to share?

Is it ok to put Pineapple on Pizza?