In a quiet studio filled with the soft click of a camera shutter, we met Nicolas, a photographer whose journey has led him to the heart of burgeoning NFT artistry. With a serene smile and eyes that tell stories of countless captured moments, he guided us through his artistic evolution, his encounter with NFTs, and the limitless prospects of digital artistry.
Nicolas, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start by delving into your background. Can you share how your early exposure to photography and your years of apprenticeship with photography masters shaped your artistic journey and led you into the world of NFTs and digital art?
Nicholas: Certainly, it’s a pleasure to be here. My upbringing was steeped in photography, thanks to my mother’s passion for the art form. Growing up surrounded by the work of iconic photographers like HERB RITZ, PETER LINDBERGH, HELMUT NEWTON and JEANLOU SIEFF had a profound impact on me. I moved to Paris at a young age and learned the tricks of the trade as an assistant to greats such as CLAUS WICKRATH, PETER LINDBERG and JEAN DANIEL LORIEUX.
This internship provided a solid foundation for my career in photography and I ventured into collaborations with major fashion brands. My work is always on the border between fashion and art. It wasn’t until I discovered digital art and NFTs through a friend three years ago that I realized the transformative potential of sharing my art with a global audience. The democratization of art through digital ownership fascinated me.
Your journey is truly remarkable. Can you explain how you combine the concept of photography, which captures a moment, with NFTs, which immortalize digital moments? What intrigues you about this intersection of traditional and digital art forms?
Nicholas: The essence of photography lies in capturing moments and freezing them in time. NFTs, on the other hand, take these digital moments and immortalize them through blockchain technology. This dynamic fusion is particularly intriguing because it adds a layer of permanence to something that is inherently volatile. The idea of digital ownership contracts in the NFT space opens up exciting possibilities for artists like me to bridge the gap between the tangible and the digital, creating a new dimension in which art can thrive.
Your art is known for themes of femininity, fashion, film and glamour. Can you tell us more about the emotions and messages you want to convey with your work in the NFT space?
Nicholas: Absolute. My art is a celebration of joy and fun in a vibrant and colorful universe. I try to evoke these emotions in viewers as they engage with my creations. Whether it’s through the lens of femininity, the allure of fashion, the magic of cinema or the timeless glamour, I want people to experience a sense of joy and happiness when they interact with my art.
The NFT space has undeniably revolutionized the art world. What aspects of this transformation do you find most intriguing, and how do you see it shaping the future of art and creativity?
Nicholas: The NFT space is buzzing with artistic innovation and energy. What fascinates me most is the enormous diversity of creative projects that flourish within it. While there are challenges, such as questions of conservation and image quality, the opportunity for anyone with internet access to acquire art instantly is nothing short of incredible.
This transformation extends beyond art; it is a social shift. The integration of blockchain and NFTs is becoming an art form in itself, and for photography it opens doors to innovative media like Ionnyk, which can link NFTs to physical images. The potential for artists and makers is limitless.
Speaking of challenges, are there any specific obstacles or limitations you’ve encountered within the NFT space, and how did you overcome them?
Nicholas: Certainly. One of the first hurdles was finding the right balance between screen quality and physical copy quality for my photos. Achieving this balance required extensive testing and experimentation. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of the NFT space, where artists and creators must adapt and find solutions to meet the demands of the digital art world.
How do you see the future of NFTs and digital art, especially as they intersect with photography and other creative mediums?
Nicholas: The future is extremely promising. NFTs and digital art are poised to impact society across sectors. The interaction between artists, collectors and the public via blockchain functionalities will grow into an art form in itself. In the field of photography, innovative media such as Ionnyk, which enable the movement of pigments on photo paper and at the same time are linked to NFTs, offer incredible possibilities. We are witnessing a revolution that transcends the traditional boundaries of art and creativity.
Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial idea to the final creation of an NFT?
Nicholas: My creative process is deeply rooted in artistry. I am guided by instinct and vision, just like a film director. I constantly have a multitude of artistic ideas in mind, and I work diligently to realize them. Emotions play an important role in shaping my work, and I strive to convey these emotions through my images and projects.
How do you select the photos that become NFTs? Are there specific criteria or emotional resonance you are looking for when making this decision?
Nicholas: The photos that ultimately become NFTs are photos that possess a unique blend of artistry and iconic value. They must align with the overarching goal of spreading joy and joy through my art. Each selected image contributes to the larger story of my creative journey.
On a personal level, what is the most rewarding aspect for you of creating and selling NFT art?
Nicholas: The most rewarding aspect is the opportunity to introduce my art to new audiences beyond the traditional art market. The prospect of reaching people who might not otherwise have had access to my work is immensely satisfying. It’s about pushing the boundaries of creativity and sharing the joy that art brings.
The NFT community has grown rapidly. Can you share a memorable interaction or experience you’ve had in this space?
Nicholas: Over the past three years I have had the privilege of meeting countless remarkable individuals within the NFT community. From collectors and builders to friends, they have all played a crucial role in my journey. Some notable names include @Giga_Chad_Pepe, @LordTruffington, @sendr0ck and many others. What is truly incredible is the sense of camaraderie and mutual support that pervades this community. We’re all pushing each other to new heights, and it’s a dynamic and inspiring environment to be a part of.
Finally, how would you summarize your thoughts on the current state of the art driven by technology, blockchain and NFTs?
Nicholas: We are experiencing a revolution as powerful as the advent of the internet, with AI, blockchain and digital photography transforming the landscape of creativity. As an artist, I am excited and grateful to be part of this journey, exploring new frontiers of artistic possibility.
Gm, let’s find your mermaid ❤️????????♀️ pic.twitter.com/ufPY5AUQpy
— Nicolas Bets (@nicolas_bets) October 21, 2023
TLDR: Nicolas, a photographer and digital artist, discusses his journey from traditional photography to the world of NFTs. He combines the concepts of capturing moments in time with immortalizing them through NFTs, with the aim of conveying joy and pleasure in his art. Nicolas sees the NFT space as an exciting artistic frontier with potential for social impact. Challenges such as photo definition have been overcome, and innovative media such as Ionnyk show promise. His creative process is instinct-driven and focuses on conveying emotions. The most rewarding aspect is reaching new audiences, and memorable interactions have fueled his journey. Nicolas is excited to explore the creative possibilities of AI, blockchain and digital photography.