While BizarreBeasts NFTs might seem simply rooted in the vibrant world of illustration, cartooning, and pop culture, the truth is, my inspiration for this collection of work runs far deeper. It's a journey that takes me back thousands of years to the mysterious creations of ancient civilizations, across continents, and through the halls of renowned art museums.
I've spent years immersed in the study of ancient cultures, poring over vintage books and photographs, and translating those influences onto canvas and into countless sketches. This dedication to understanding the art of our ancestors has shaped the BizarreBeasts aesthetic—a unique style that blends ancient echoes with modern sensibilities.
To fully realize this vision, I spent a few years filling sketchbooks with illustrations and building a portfolio of canvas paintings under the "BizarreBeasts" concept. This dedicated period allowed me to experiment with different techniques, explore textures, and refine my characters before transitioning to the digital realm.
From the awe-inspiring Nazca Lines etched into the Peruvian desert—the Monkey, the Hummingbird, the Hands—to the mysterious megaliths of Göbekli Tepe in Turkey and the hauntingly beautiful Paleolithic cave paintings of Lascaux, France, I've always been captivated by the power and mystery of ancient art.
My travels have fueled this fascination, taking me to ancient ruins in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. I've explored cities like Valladolid and Tulum in the heart of the Yucatan, immersing myself in the rich history of these regions. In Europe, I've wandered through the historic streets of Spain, France, Switzerland, Monaco, and Germany, encountering remnants of civilizations past. Closer to home in the USA, I've traversed the diverse landscapes of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Arkansas, Idaho, Texas, California, and Oregon, connecting with the inspiring artistic heritage of Native American cultures throughout the region.
Echoes of the Ancients
My work reflects the primitive essence and mystery found in ancient artifacts and art forms. One of the most striking features of these ancient works is their use of minimal perspective and calculated line work. Just like the iconic Nazca Lines, my artwork often utilizes a single, continuous line to form the outline and silhouette of each BizarreBeast. This technique not only creates a sense of fluidity and movement but also echoes the ancient practice of capturing a subject's essence with minimal detail.
Encountering the Masters at the Louvre in Paris
While ancient art forms the foundation of my inspiration, my artistic journey has also been shaped by encounters with modern masters. A pivotal moment occurred during a visit to the Louvre in Paris, where I stood mesmerized before Francisco Goya's masterpiece, "Saturn Devouring His Son." I remember being transfixed, staring at the painting in silence for what felt like an eternity. The raw power and emotional intensity of Goya's work left an indelible mark, expanding my understanding of the possibilities of artistic expression.
From that moment on, I sought to bridge the gap between ancient and modern art, between the mundane and the captivating, creating a unique style that converges these seemingly disparate influences. My artistic heroes, like Picasso, Goya, Salvador DalĂ, Basquiat, and, most importantly, Jean Dubuffet, the pioneer of the Art Brut movement in the early to mid-1900s, have all played a role in shaping my artistic vision. Dubuffet's experimentation with musical composition, art, and architectural environments in the 1960s particularly resonated with me, inspiring me to explore the intersection of different art forms.
The BizarreBeasts: A Convergence of Influences
My BizarreBeasts are a culmination of these diverse inspirations. They're quirky, sarcastic, and full of interesting personality, reflecting the vibrant energy of pop art, comics, and animation I enjoyed as a young aspiring illustrator. Yet, they also carry an echo of something ancient and primal. It's this juxtaposition that makes them so captivating, inviting viewers to explore a world where the past and present collide.
The Journey Continues
As I continue to explore the world of art and NFTs with BizarreBeasts artwork and comics, I'm constantly seeking new ways to bridge the gap between ancient and modern, between the physical and the digital. The BizarreBeasts are more than just a collection of quirky characters; they're a reflection of my artistic journey, a celebration of creativity, and a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend time and connect us to the past, present, and future.
About BizarreBeasts
BizarreBeasts are hand-illustrated, original characters featured in onchain artwork, comic strips, and now - music! Join my Hypersub to receive weekly onchain comics dropped to your wallet, and more BIZARRE perks! (such as the Night Beast track NFT)
Connect
Collect on Zora.
Subscribe on Hypersub.
Listen on Sound.xyz.
Shop on Slice.
Stream on Spotify and more.
Explore on BizarreBeasts.io.
