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FULL DISCLOSURE: I own two pieces from the artist and I have earned a small referral reward from Foundation for promoting her work. I am compensated 1% referral rewards with the collection link at article end.
Let’s jump straight into your art. As a fan of hip hop music, the lyrics will never be heard unless there’s first a catchy beat. Similarly, your Spirit Warriors collection is visually captivating first. Once you have our attention, there’s a message to be had. Tell us more about the message.
This series of images created as an AI experience portrays women as warriors adorned with flowers instead of weapons. It was inspired by a traumatic childhood memory of domestic violence with my sister and mother. The memory has been etched into my mind, driving me to create this series as a form of catharsis. Silvana Estrada's song "Si Me Matan" also played a significant role in the series' creation. The verse, "If they kill me, if they find me, fill me with flowers, cover me in earth, for I will be the seed for those who come, for no one can silence us, nothing can contain us anymore," highlights women's resilience and strength in the face of adversity. With this series, through these images, I aim to subvert the traditional portrayal of women as weak and vulnerable. Instead, I showcase them as powerful, fierce warriors who are capable of overcoming any obstacle. The flowers, the garments, and the jewelry in their adornment symbolize growth, renewal, and beauty in the midst of darkness and pain. My goal is to inspire and empower women who have experienced trauma to find their inner strength and beauty. I also hope to spark a conversation about mental health and the prevalence of domestic violence and the need for change in our society.
You take inspiration from Silvana Estrada’s song “Si Me Matan.” The song finishes with “let hope remain / and the blue of the sky / look us in the face / sister I love you.” There’s so much crypto bro energy in web3. This collection being a nod to sisterhood, were you at all concerned it wouldn’t find its audience?
That final verse evokes a poignant memory of when my sister and I joined forces to protect ourselves and our mother from danger. The lyrics capture the essence of our bond which strengthened as we faced adversity together and our enduring love for each other.
I'm not worried about finding an audience since there's room for everyone to share their voice and be heard.
You describe your hope for the collection is “to spark a conversation about the prevalence of domestic violence and the need for change in our society.” Assuming the conversation gets sparked, what are the next steps in guiding societal change?
My aim is to ignite a dialogue that addresses not only the pervasive issue of domestic violence in our society, but also the importance of prioritizing mental health. Through my art I have discovered that vulnerability and sharing my story encourages others to relate to my experiences and start discussing their own. By embracing our collective experiences we can challenge harmful patterns and heal ourselves, paving the way for a better future for all women.
Feminine beauty is no stranger to artistic center stage. However, we normally see the young, adult female featured. Why represent all ages?
In my collection I sought to capture the diversity of experiences that women of all ages and all ethnicities encounter with domestic violence. My own experience with it at the age of four motivated me to represent all ages in my work. The women depicted in my collection serve as a tribute to those who have passed on from this dimension. Their stories of resilience and bravery in the face of adversity are a testament to the strength and wisdom of women. Through their sacrifices and struggles, they have left behind a legacy that offers hope and inspiration to future generations.
Noticeably, the subjects are adorned in a lush array of flowers, though the background is arid and desert-like. Tell us more about this contrast.
My genesis collection draws inspiration from my first memory. My intention was to draw a connection between the flowers mentioned in the song and the significance of my given name, Namibia. This African country's name carries profound meaning as it represents a vast place, land of the brave, unity, justice, and freedom. To convey the resilience and strength of women in the face of adversity, I intentionally contrasted the Namib Desert with vibrant and colorful flowers that wouldn't typically thrive in such a harsh environment. This juxtaposition symbolizes the tenacity and beauty that can emerge from adversity, even in the most challenging of circumstances. There is a well-known saying that states: "If mushrooms can grow from shit, so can you." I firmly believe that all humans have the ability to reconstruct themselves in a new and positive way following traumatic experiences.
The clothing and jewelry evoke a sense of ceremony or religious affair. Describe the fashion.
I have a strong belief that the clothes we wear and the jewelry we adorn ourselves with have the power to convey our stories and reflect our innermost feelings. I also believe that decorating the human body is a way to feel empowered, strong, and joyful. With the garments and jewelry, my aim was to evoke a sense of strength, beauty, and indomitable warriors who exist alongside us but in a different dimension. Through these pieces, I wanted to celebrate the power and resilience of women and remind them of their inner strength and beauty.
Being in fashion, you’ve got beautiful human models at your disposal. Why use AI for this collection?
Creating a garment is one of the most expensive and intricate art forms, although many people fail to recognize this fact, given the rise of fast fashion (but that's another story for another time). The process requires a significant investment in textiles and materials, as well as time spent designing, pattern-making, sewing, models and photographers, among other professionals. Despite these challenges, I have long wanted to create a collection that draws inspiration from my earliest childhood memory and I found AI to be an innovative medium to express and spread the message and inspire others.
‘AI photography’ can be an intriguing mix of realism and surrealism, eg. Life in America West or Pink. Unidentified. Such a Useless Color. Outside of floating flowers or a one-off third arm, your collection favors realism. What was the thought process behind that?
My creative process was deeply personal and driven by my own experiences and aspirations, rather than any external references. I approached the project in an organic way, allowing my ideas to flow and take shape naturally. It all began with a hand-drawn illustration I created back in 2021. When I discovered the potential of AI technology, I was excited to experiment and see what new possibilities it could unlock for me. I was pleasantly surprised by the results that Midjourney generated based on my written ideas, and I found the entire process to be both enjoyable and insightful. This project has given me the opportunity to explore new dimensions of my creativity and push the boundaries of what is possible with art and technology.
Your debut collection of 25 pieces goes on sale April 26th. The same day you’ve got eight sales to prominent artists and collectors. What kind of champagne did you pop? Seriously, though. Tell us about your reaction.
While I'm more of a beer person myself, I do have a bottle of Veuve Clicquot waiting for me in the fridge as a celebratory treat for when all 25 pieces of my collection are sold! I have been pleasantly surprised by the overwhelmingly positive reaction from people in the NFT world, especially since I am new to this space. This experience has truly been a rollercoaster ride of emotions with a flood of dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins coursing through me. I've learned so much, met incredible new people, and engaged in deep and meaningful conversations that have sometimes led to laughter, and even a few tears. I'm incredibly grateful for this experience and the support that I've received along the way. It has inspired me to keep pushing my creative boundaries and to continue exploring the possibilities of art and technology.
Tell me about a few of your favorite pieces.
Each piece in this collection holds a special place in my heart and represents a different aspect of my artistic journey, which makes it difficult for me to choose favorites. However, if I had to choose three, I would pick Peony, Rudbeckia, and Poppy. Peony stands out to me because of its beautiful color palette, the way the flowers flow in the air, and the adornments on the garments that resemble numerous eyes. Rudbeckia catches my eye due to the way it appears as though the garment is growing flowers, and the facial expression is captivating. Finally, Poppy is another favorite of mine because of the three arms, one holding a red flower near her face, the colorful flowers growing from the desert and the delicate and intricate details of the garment make it aesthetically pleasing, and I would love to wear it.
In your mind, what was the key to such an immediate reception?
To me, art is a medium of expression doesn't always require explanation. It should be powerful enough to speak for itself and create an impact on the audience. The ultimate goal of art is to inspire transformation and evolution in the world. As an artist, it's important to constantly evolve and enjoy the creative process. When you achieve all these things, that's when you know you've succeeded as an artist.
You have an accomplished background in fashion. Because I grew up skateboarding, I thought snowboarding & surfing would come easily. I was mistaken to a large degree. Did fashion design experience help you in this artistic endeavor?
Of course. My life experiences have been a great influence in my art including my knowledge in fashion design. I believe that every experience and knowledge that we acquire in life can help us achieve our artistic endeavors. When art is inspired by our own experiences, it has a greater impact and authenticity. It's like a chain reaction where one thing leads to another and each experience builds upon the last.
Does the reception of this collection have you considering spending more time on art?
I’ve always created art because I consider fashion design to be one of the careers that encompasses various art forms like drawing, sculpture, painting, sewing, photography, engineering, graphic design, among others. For this particular collection, I am experimenting with a new medium which is AI.
If you did decide to create more art, have you given thought to your trajectory?
To me, creating cohesive collections is crucial. I believe that each collection should not only complement the individual pieces, but also build upon the previous ones. In terms of pricing, I intentionally kept the prices low for my first collection to introduce myself to a new audience and gain exposure. As a newcomer to this space, I am still learning and experimenting. My process has been trial and error, guided by my instincts and a passion for trying new things. Ultimately, I hope to cultivate a community of collectors who feel a deep connection to my art and appreciate its unique value.
Do you collect art? Physical? Digital?
Currently, I enjoy collecting fabrics, cameos, and rare shoes. However, in the future, I plan to expand my collection to include carefully curated digital and physical art.
[Instagram: All Around The World]
Finally, a few random questions:
Is mofongo better in Puerto Rico or NYC?
Puerto Rico by faaar!
Wearing white after Labor Day. A sin?
Not a sin. I believe in wearing anything you want, whenever you want to. I run away from trends or rules.
Are bucket hats actually cool or are we just bored?
Not aesthetically pleasing to my eyes.
Who would win in a runway walk off? Derek Zoolander or Supermodelgamer?
Supermodelgamer
Footwear. RTFKT AF1, Adidas Into The Metaverse or 10KTF Puma Slipstream?
RTFKT AF1
Planned tattoos or in the moment?
Both, lol. If I have to pick one, planned tattoos
Sexier accent? Bwoston or New Yohk?
None, hahaha! If I could choose an accent, I would pick the Spanish accent from any region in Spain, or the Medellin accent from Colombia, or the Portuguese accent from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
There are only 12 editions left in Namibia’s genesis collection: Spirit Warriors. At just 0.035 ETH ($66), they won’t last long. CLICK HERE to view and collect!