Welcome to the Artist Spotlight Interview Series, where we showcase talented artists, creators and NFT projects across the WEB 3 community.
This week’s featured NFT artist is an aspiring Tattoo apprentice and New Zealand pointillism artist Olly Hunter Wilson. We first connected with Olly earlier this year by listening to Olly speak on Twitter Spaces and when we dived deeper into Olly’s social media we were instantly drawn to the unique Pointillism art style which was the first time we have come across this style of art along with the traditional and cultural motifs integrated across the NFT collection.
INTERVIEW
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My background has always been directed towards art, but I have always struggled to make money from it, so my journey has been spent working to support my passion, I was in the military as a tank operator and also have spent a vast majority of my working life in construction all over the world.
What lead you down the path to becoming an artist and ultimately creating with NFTs?
With the realisation of my life and what makes me happy, I constantly feel the urge to chase my dreams and not settle for a 9–5. As for NFTs, the concept was too good to be true, a virtual art business that has eyes on it from all walks of life.
What are your favourite themes to explore through your art?
I like to explore things people would usually overlook, scenes you would hear about but never think to see, The type of art that would make you think and wonder.
Where does the different indigenous art design inspiration come from?
Growing up I was always fascinated by cultures of the world, I’m from New Zealand so I embraced the Māori traditions as my own, this inspired my creative desire to explore other nation's beliefs and religions And create them in my style, almost as if you were looking through my eyes and seeing things that have been around since before our time in a new light.
How would you define your artistic process?
My style is just a projection of my mind, I visualise all of my art and I create it in a timely and precise manner, I find copying or using references weakens my style and doesn’t have the iconic and recognisable art style that I can call my own.
Who are some of your favourite artists that have inspired you?
I love Tony Babel, Mcbess and Dippies NFT. I guess they are my favourites even though the style is a lot different to mine they seem to captivate the viewer in constant thought whilst having a completely original art style of their own.
What are your other passions besides art?
Tattooing is a huge passion of mine I worked as a tattoo apprentice at 15 but unfortunately, it didn’t work out and now I have recently taken a new apprenticeship in Sydney and have been tattooing myself because the idea fascinates me. I’m also an athlete of many sports I grew up snowboarding and skateboarding, now learning to surf, and I also make sure I hike and gym at least 5 times a week.
Are there any NFT lessons learned through your artistic journey?
Don’t rush it, create a project that doesn’t cave into the success of others, I’ve been making art on social media to be seen for a long time now and I see a lot of talented souls give up because they don’t feel the recognition is fair for what they are creating. If you are a passionate artist you’re creating art for yourself everyone else watching is a bonus. Also, don’t sell yourself short, Artists seem to always be under-appreciated and the NFT world may come as a blessing, but it also is a dangerous world too as I see artists begging for people to buy their art and changing their value because they haven’t found the right market for there works, Stay true to yourself remember why you came to be an artist in the first place. For me, it’s mediation, spirituality and inspiring emotions.
What advice would you give to artists interested in entering the world of NFTs?
Create a project that has values outside of income, My project is huge and I can’t even afford to fund it right now but I’m taking small steps to show people this project will happen regardless If you buy it or not. It’s my dream and my passion and I know one day this will be looked back on as one that started slow but people wished they took a chance on it.
Do you have any upcoming projects, collections or collaborations?
I’m creating a children's book. Midnight Sol NFTs are all part of a story that’s slowly being written, the characters all have a story that will be brought together in a book to teach our future generations about culture and beliefs and to treat everyone equally regardless of what they think or worship. Owners of the 50 NFTs will be the only ones to receive a first edition signed copy of the book when it’s released and they will be able to find their purchased NFT character in the book.
Where can we find more of your work?
My artist account is Ollhunter and Midnight Sol NFT on Instagram, where all art is made and shown even behind the scenes. I’m on Opensea and soon to be on foundation too. With a new collection of artworks non-related to the book project.
Stay connected with Olly through the Social Media links below;
Opensea NFT Collection
Our aim throughout this series is to provide our community with practical tips and helpful insights to learn from emerging and established artist experiences, as you navigate through your own creative journey with NFTs as a creator, collector or enthusiast.
ABOUT NFTSYD
The Inaugural NFTSYD Event was a “one-day-only” event held in Barangaroo Sydney on the 2nd of April 2022.
The program featured 18 dynamic speakers across five Interactive Speaker Panels, Live Performances and Entertainment, Networking opportunities and Sydney’s first Hybrid Art Exhibition & NFTs.
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If you’re looking to be featured either as an artist, community builder, or NFT enthusiast please reach out to us at hello@nftsyd.io
