Joanne Holling’s NFT artist interview | NFT CULTURE | NFT News | Web3 culture

In this interview we had the pleasure of speaking with Joanne Hollings, an NFT artist, photographer and model. Originally from New Zealand, Joanne moved to the US to study engineering and play tennis, but soon discovered her passion for the creative arts. She started creating wonderful, emotional pieces, often with self-portraits in natural settings, and in 2021 she immersed herself in the world of NFT. In our conversation, Joanne shares her creative process, her upcoming NFT release, and her hopes for the future of the art world. Read on to learn more about Joanne Hazel and her unique perspective on NFT art.

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Can you tell us about your background and how you came to create NFT art?

So just a little about myself. I grew up in New Zealand but took a leap of faith and moved to the US to study engineering and play tennis. I always had a creative side growing up. I started modeling while in college and I realized how much I love the whole creative process, so in 2019 I picked up a camera and started documenting moments. When the pandemic hit in 2020 I ended up going back to New Zealand and I lost my potential engineering job, I felt so lost and ended up completing my degree online in New Zealand while doing photography and tennis coaching on the side . I discovered NFTS in August 2021 when New Zealand was in lockdown, I met so many cool creatives and after a couple of months figuring out the space I decided to make my first nft collection.

Who are your favorite artists, both in the traditional and NFT space?

It’s hard because there’s so much talent. I will say that I really look up to artists like Cath Simard, Reuben Wu, Summer Wagner, Jason Charles Hill and Chelsea Kauai

What themes or subjects are you drawn to in your artwork?

I really like to provoke emotion in my work, I think that’s why I’ve found myself drawn to taking more self-portraits in nature where I can tell more of a story. Being outdoors makes me happy, so I will always be drawn to landscapes and how I can create a scene out of my surroundings.

Can you talk about a specific piece of NFT art you’ve made that you’re particularly proud of?

Warrior is a standout favorite of mine because of the amount of emotional energy it took to pull off. It’s a story about a woman who overcomes shame and insecurity to embrace all that she is.

How do you stay inspired and keep coming up with new ideas for your art?

I never allow myself to stand still and let my creativity sit in a box. Always trying to expand and find ways to challenge my mind. I find that writing notes really helps me bring ideas and visions to life.

Can you tell us about your creative process and how you go about bringing your ideas to life?

my creative process is pretty simple for the most part, i start with an idea or a feeling i want to bring to life. From there I come up with ideas by writing in my diary and creating a mood board. Then I’ll come up with the look I want, how I want to shoot it and a location. Some shots are very improvised and in the moment, and some I have methodical steps in place to achieve an idea.

How do you think NFTs have changed the art world and what effect do you think it will have in the long term?

NFTS has given artists a voice and the opportunity to really showcase who they are. The NFTS eliminates the middleman for artists and allows artists to sell their art on their terms rather than through an art dealer or agent. I hope in the long term that this will allow artists to really make a living from their own art.

Where do you see yourself and your work going in the future, and what goals do you have for your NFT art career?

As a full-time photographer, I just want to keep building towards working with my dream clients, like tourism companies and outdoor brands. I also want to start making small short films during my travels and take my self portraits to the next level. I think where I can stand out is my ability to both model in my images and photograph them. Not enough credit is given to models as there is such an art to it.

Can you give us a sneak peek at your upcoming NFT drop?

Currently working on building on my current series “Beauty in pain”. “Beauty in pain” is a phrase that can refer to the idea that there is beauty to be found even in difficult or painful experiences. The term suggests that there can be a certain allure or aesthetic to the scars, struggles, and hardships that people face in life, and that these experiences can shape and strengthen a person in ways that ultimately increase their overall beauty and worth. The next piece following on from Warrior will be a piece quite fiery and dramatic, I can’t say too much yet, but it’s incredible.

What was the inspiration behind the concept for this drop?

This series was born from my own experience of struggling to meet societal standards of beauty and struggling with the effects of being an athlete. But I have come to realize that my body is a work of art, a testament to my strength and resilience, and a source of pride. This series is not just about me, but also for all the women out there who have been made to feel inadequate in their own skin. It’s time for me to embrace who I am and celebrate my body, scars and all. Through this series, I hope to inspire and encourage others to do the same.

How do you think this decline differs from your previous work or other NFT declines in the market?

It’s really unique in that I combine my love of conceptual art with landscape photography. Previously, I mainly focused on landscapes, but soon realized that there is so much more to me than just landscape photography. My ability to create thought-provoking images through my modeling is where I think I will stand out going forward.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Joanne Hazel for taking the time to share her insights and creative process with us. Her ability to combine landscape photography with conceptual art and modeling is truly unique and inspiring, and we can’t wait to see where her NFT art career takes her next. Thank you, Joanne, for your generosity and for sharing your passion for creating thought-provoking and emotional art.