XCOLLABZ Interview Blog

Originally published on XCOLLABZ gallery website on Mar 10, 2023

Sean Yang is a self-taught contemporary figurative artist based in Los Angeles. He discovered oil painting in 2019 and joined the NFT space in 2021 after researching the potential of blockchain technology for artists. Art has been a transformative experience for Sean, providing a platform for his individuality and becoming a driving force in his life.

Lets get to know more about Sean.

1. Tell us about yourself

   I am a self-taught contemporary figurative artist based in Los Angeles, California. I specialize in oil painting and have been creating art since 2019.

2. When did you first begin creating art?

   I stumbled upon art accidentally, and my first introduction was to the oil painting process in 2019.

3. Tell us about your NFT journey.

   Initially, I was skeptical about blockchain technology, but after doing some research in 2021, I decided to join the NFT space. However, it wasn't until I was onboarded into the Tezos community by a group of talented figurative artists that I started to see the true potential of NFTs for artists. I realised that NFTs have the potential to democratise the art market and bring artists from all over the world together.

4. How do you personally define the role and significance of art in your life?

   Art has been a transformative experience for me, it has provided a platform for my individuality, embraced my emotional and sensitive side, and has become a driving force in my life.

5. How do you stay motivated and inspired in your work?

   I find motivation and inspiration from studying other talented artists, who constantly challenge me to think differently about art. I'm also inspired by life and the stories that it has to tell.

6. Can you explain your creative process, from concept to finished artwork?

   My creative process varies from piece to piece, for smaller works, I like to be expressive and spontaneous. However, for larger series, I usually start with a concept, and then create mockups in Photoshop/Procreate, and finally transfer it onto a panel for painting.

7. What were the factors that led you to develop your current art style, and provide more information on it?

   My art style was heavily influenced by the disruption in contemporary realist paintings and the works of visionary artists showcased in John Seed's book "Disrupted Realism: Paintings for a Distracted World". My style is characterised by a raw, expressive, and incomplete appearance, which is a result of using limited palette and brushes, and working against conventional oil painting techniques.

8. How do you see your work evolving in the future?

   I am excited about the future of my work and see it evolving in various ways, it could shift from representational to abstract, or physical to digital.

9. Are there any notable achievements or sales in your career as an NFT artist?

   I have been collected by prominent artists and collectors in the NFT space such as Laurence Fuller, AnimusNFT, and David Cheifetz, and am grateful to have the support of my collector friend Aaron Blaisdell, a neuroscientist and psychology professor at UCLA.

10. Is there any specific NFT artwork or Collection that holds a special significance to you and why?

    Every NFT artwork holds a special significance to me, and I try not to take my work too seriously. I believe that the best piece is always the next one.

11. Are there any challenges you have faced as an NFT artist, and how have you overcome them?

    One of the challenges I faced was determining the pricing and edition size of my NFTs. I reached out to my followers and the community for help, and received helpful advice from prominent artists and collectors in the space.

12. How do you see the value and appreciation of NFT art evolving in the future?

    I believe that the value and appreciation of NFT art will continue to grow, but it will be dependent on the NFT and artist. The NFT art market has the potential to democratize the traditional art market and provide a bigger stage for artists of all levels. However, like the traditional art market, I see the NFT art market becoming top-heavy, dominated by a few investment-grade artists for a while.

13. Any collaborative projects or partnerships you have undertaken with other NFT artists or in other mediums?

    I have not yet had the opportunity to participate in collaborative projects or partnerships with other NFT artists or in other mediums. However, I am interested in exploring these fascinating opportunities in the future.

14. What are your aspirations and long-term goals as an artist?

    As an artist, my aspiration is to continue to create art that I am proud of and to evolve as an artist. I view being an artist as a lifelong pursuit that requires constant growth and self-discovery. I do not have specific sales or award-related goals, as my focus is on my personal creative journey.

15. Is there anything else you would like to share with us before we conclude this interview?

    I would like to extend my gratitude to XCOLLABZ and other online galleries and web3 communities that support undiscovered artists. Your efforts have helped to provide a platform for artists to showcase their work, and I am grateful for the opportunities you have provided.