1/1 Artist Spotlight: Space Case

ONE37pm's 1/1 Artist Spotlight is a series that focuses on giving love to 1 of 1 NFT Artists. Whether they're from the traditional art world or just got started in art through web3, we want to highlight and help you get to know those who are up and coming.

A 1/1 NFT is a unique, one-of-a-kind digital collectible where no other exists other than the piece itself. We hope to introduce you to talented and incredible people in the NFT space and the reasons they love doing what they do.

Space Case is a digitally native neurodivergent artist, known best for his abstract style and art expressed through sensitivity. He is equally influenced by abstract expressionism, graffiti, graphic design, glitch, zines, punk rock, 90's electronic music and its album covers. He also utilizes collage, photography and figurative elements in many of his works.

How has your artist journey changed since joining NFTs? How did you start?

How has it not changed is probably the better question for me LOL. I've been a full time artist for over 15 years now and now been making NFTs for a little over 2. In many ways I suppose it hasn't changed me, I create work from the same sources of inspiration and with the same mindset as I always have, which is with the goal to communicate complicated thoughts, emotions and stories through various mediums. Communication and self expression have always been more important to me than commodification and even in a space where money seems to dominate a lot of the conversation it still remains far less important to me than making work that will outlast me and perhaps speak to/encapsulate culture. 

I started minting work in late 2020 after finally letting my interest overtake my hesitancy & imposter syndrome. My good friend Sarah Zucker is a huge inspiration to me and she encouraged me to dive in and helped me navigate a lot of my early dilemmas and moments of confusion. 

Do you prefer physical or digital?

My work is a hybrid of analog and digital processes but the end result is always a digitally native piece. I utilize parts of physical drawings, paintings, photographs via scanner and photos as well as physical collage components and create feedback mechanisms by printing out parts of the work; painting, destroying etc mixed media style and then rescanning, compositing etc. Ultimately merging into a digital painting in the end. There is no 1 to 1 physical "original" if you will but they all have physical remnants that helped to create the final work.  That said I have considered creating & tokenizing some physical work and it could be something I experiment more with this year. 

How would you describe your art style?

Layers are important to my work. Both literal layers of material and layers of meaning. I enjoy making art that can unravel like an onion. I like making people cry too. 

Who or what are some of your biggest inspirations?

Barry McGee. Janine Antoni. Mike Kelley. Radiohead. Joan Mitchell. Massive Attack. Twombly.  Jack Whitten. Fred Tomaselli. Portishead. Agnes Martin. Clyfford Still. Trent Reznor. Kiki Smith. Basquiat. Rothko. Lynch.

What is your favorite piece?

I can't name favorites as it changes all the time. I love all of my works equally. I hate them equally too. :)

What do you hope to accomplish in the next year?

My goal every year is the same. To make work that feels closer and closer to what I see in my head and feel in my heart.  To continue to remain free from working a 9-5 job. (art is a 24/7 job LOL)

When do you feel most inspired to create?

When my life is at it's most harmonious I feel the most connected to the muse and my work.  When I have conflict with my wife or my family or friends or random people on the internet I feel uninspired and shut down.  I am working on changing this because frankly it's a reflection of my struggles with codependency but this is the truth.  I am not the cliche of the tortured artist making my best work when my life is going to shit.  If my life is going to shit than most likely so is my art. 

Who are 3 artists you have your eyes on at the moment?

Oh god so many but here are 3 @elquirze @_noumenal @edgar_frias_

What advice would you give to an artist starting in the space right now?

In general if you can afford a therapist I highly recommend it. as far as actual art things go, move slowly and with intention. observe how people you respect operate in the space. instead of asking people for rts or follows ask for advice. instead of seeking out sales seek out relationships.

Would you rather be relatable or aspirational to your audience?

I would rather be invisible yet omnipresent, that's the dream hahahaha. <3