About Surreal24seven

Origin & Current Location:
Raised in New York, I have been living in Guatemala for the past 11 years. Despite the change in scenery, I’m lucky to still have all my organs and haven’t been kidnapped! (Just kidding!) Guatemala is a beautiful country, and its affordable cost of living has allowed me to focus on my career as an artist.

Background & Artistic Journey:
My artistic journey began at a young age, inspired by my mother, an abstract painter who studied at the prestigious Arts Students League in New York City. A memorable moment that shaped my passion for art occurred when, at 12 years old, I covered my bedroom walls with Playboy magazines thinking it would make me seem "cool." When my mother found out, she took me out of school to attend her art classes. In these sessions, I explored a range of subjects, from diverse body types to self-expression, with my mother encouraging me to appreciate the beauty of all bodies as unique works of art.

At 16, I transitioned to acting, landing roles in TV shows like Martial Law, Saved by the Bell, My So-Called Life, and 90210. While acting, I also pursued mixed-media art, creating large abstract sculptures, some even displayed in the VIP area of the House of Blues in Hollywood. Later, I embraced digital art as a form of personal journaling, which eventually led to an unexpected but fulfilling career in surrealism, especially within the world of NFTs.

NFT Journey:
I minted my first NFT on October 21, 2021, on the exclusive Foundation platform. At the time, it was invite-only, and I strategically chose to focus on SuperRare’s limited-access model, aiming to eventually sell my work there. This decision helped me secure an invitation to SuperRare, marking a significant milestone in my career.

One Thing I Can’t Live Without:
Air and pizza! But if I had to choose just one, pizza would undoubtedly be my top pick.

Favorite Artist (Non-NFT):
Red Grooms is my favorite artist. His pop art-inspired urban cities captivate my imagination every time I see them, especially his interactive works. As a child, I was mesmerized by a life-size train exhibition filled with a diverse cast of characters. The intricacy and detail left a lasting impact on me, and his work continues to inspire me deeply.

Why Pursue NFT Art:
When I decided to pursue art full-time, selling my work consistently was challenging. The traditional art world often overlooked digital art, and many doubted whether it could truly be considered art. With the emergence of NFTs, I saw a groundbreaking opportunity for digital art to gain recognition and value. Immersing myself in the NFT market, I quickly realized the potential and have since made it an integral part of my artistic practice.

Dream Travel Destination:
I’ve always wanted to visit Chicago, and possibly relocate there. Coming from New York, I thrive in urban environments, and Chicago offers an incredible mix of culture, food, and distinct seasons.

Other Passions:
Can pizza be considered a passion? Outside of art, I’m passionate about animals. I once had a 300-gallon saltwater fish tank, where I observed the unique personalities of my fish. One standout was my dog-faced pufferfish, who resembled a dog but never fetched a ball. I’m also fascinated by animal behavior, whether it’s with fish, dogs, or cats.

Other Art Forms:
In addition to visual art, I studied acting under Ivana Chubbuck and landed guest roles in shows like Martial Law, Saved by the Bell, My So-Called Life, and 90210. I also created 7-foot sculptures inspired by Red Grooms, with one displayed in the House of Blues' VIP room. Although acting was an enjoyable hobby, art eventually became my primary focus.

Self-Taught or Trained:
I have received formal art training and have dedicated many years to studying various artistic techniques, making me a trained artist.

My Artistic Style:
My style is a direct reflection of my life experiences. I craft surreal and imaginative digital artworks by combining multiple photographs into visually striking compositions. My art often stems from my emotions at various points in my life, allowing me to express feelings that are difficult to articulate with words. While these emotions can be raw or childlike, I channel them into art to create compelling and unique pieces that I hope provoke thought and emotion in viewers.

Artistic Evolution:
Over time, my style has evolved from simple representations to prioritizing emotional resonance and ambiguity. Early on, I learned from photographers, which helped me build a foundation in composition and lighting. Over the years, I have refined my approach to visual storytelling, shifting from static representations to emotionally dynamic pieces. My focus is now on evoking diverse emotional responses and interpretations from my audience.

Explore 'Will Dance For Food,'

a surreal critique of society's fascination with spectacle. While this piece has already found its home, discover more of my work and see how each piece tells its own powerful story.

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