Whitney Stuart Landwehrmann NFT artist interview | NFT CULTURE | Web3 Culture NFTs and Crypto Art
Where are you from? (State a bit of your background, have you moved, etc.)
I have lived in the remote Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina my entire life.
Can you tell us about your background and what led you down the path to becoming an artist and eventually experimenting with NFTs?
When I lived my whole life in the mountains, I didn’t often get to experience art and artists from different backgrounds. Web3 has changed this completely for me, the geographical barrier (among other barriers) does not exist and I have found inspiration from artists from all over the world. Due to the relative “niche” of NFTs, this has been possible.
When did you make your first NFT? Which platform did you choose and why?
February 4, 2022 – I chose Opensea at the time, but have since dabbled in objkt and am looking forward to trying out Manifold’s new marketplace.
Can you tell us one thing you can’t live without? (and why)
My daughter. I have always wanted to be a mom, mine has recently come out of alcoholism and my dream was to have a daughter that I could give the life I wanted so much as a child. I had been trying to get pregnant for 7 years and assumed I wasn’t able to, so I poured that love into my art, the murals and was finally able to realize another dream, to open a gallery. Well the day I could move in I found out I was pregnant, the happiest day of my life and I can’t wait to share my art and my journey with her as an active and present parent.
Who is your favorite artist(s) (Not NFT)? What about their style resonates with you
I have always been the BIGGEST MC Escher fan for as long as I can remember. I love how calculated and intentional his works are, and his art introduced me to the surrealism that I embody in my work today.
Who is your favorite NFT artist? What makes this artist unique?
Hands down Jake Fried. Stop motion (if that’s even called that) of scanning each drawing after he’s done and compiling it into a beautiful looping story (gif) – but honestly, his work is so elaborate half the time, I’m not even aware of the beginning or the end.
What made you pursue NFT art?
I found a real connection with other artists and collectors that aren’t really present in the traditional art world (that I’m familiar with). Not to mention, a collection’s DAO funded a real dream of mine to paint a mural in another state. The mural I completed in Jersey City for Cryptoskullz honestly wouldn’t have happened without the connections I made in the community. I pursue NFT art because it makes me feel truly connected to my holders, and vice versa for the other NFTs I have.
What is the one NFT you wish you had bought but missed out on
Anything Claire Silver always gives me FOMO.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why this location?
Australia. Before my grandmother unexpectedly passed away, this was the last trip she took, and she beautifully and meticulously documented where she ate/lived/did, and I want to recreate this adventure.
What are your other passions besides art? Why?
I have a BS in Chemistry with a concentration in Fermentation Science, I am an avid brewer, winemaker, and I do craft distilled spirits with the copper still I made with my dad. I absolutely love skiing, rock climbing and volunteering for the committees I lead.
Do you make other forms of art?
I do street art/murals, canvas art, digital art, epoxy art and interior design.
Are you self-taught or trained?
self taught
How did you arrive at your specific style?
Because I am a surrealist artist, I love to put two or more subjects together on a canvas. This has always driven my art in the direction it goes today.
How has your style evolved over the years?
Gosh, I’ve been painting since I was in 1st grade, so it’s evolved quite a bit. I started doing only commissions for YEARS before I could afford to do my own art, so not only has it evolved, but I imagine it will change drastically in my lifetime.
What is coming in the near future?
Due to the interest in my cryptoskullz mural (which was the first NFT native AR mural), I’ve now got projects (Doodles, Meebits, Loserclub) interested and we’re submitting proposals to their DAOs and communities to get murals up before Art Basel.
If you could collaborate with one artist, who would it be? (and why)
THIS is so hard. If it was someone famous, I think I’d have a panic attack and it would hinder my ability to produce a quality piece, but kidding aside, I’d say Shepard Fairey. I’ve always looked up to him as a street artist and I think our styles would be amazing together.
What was your biggest failure and what did you learn from it?
My biggest failure was not believing in myself. I would give my art away because I didn’t think it had value. I have learned that I am my biggest cheerleader and if I don’t believe in myself – who will?
What is your biggest piece sold
“It Only Matters What’s Inside” canvas or my “Tree of Appalachia” mural
How much was it sold for
Canvas: $8,400 Mural: $11,600
Do you have any upcoming drops?
I do! Should have a piece this week that I’m collaborating on with Rust, and then I have a new collection I’m working on for OpenSea that should be available in December.
