We recently connected with Vandalyst and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Vandalyst thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

From my earliest memories, I have been drawn to a creative career. Spending countless hours at the kitchen table as a child, I would immerse myself in drawing, reveling in the freedom to create anything my imagination could conjure. The boundless nature of imagination is a truly empowering tool.

Vandalyst, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

After someone saw a piece I did in college and thought it was a political statement, I began exploring political art and discovered Banksy in early 2006. Inspired by his work, I started creating my own pieces, starting with small ones and eventually moving on to larger ones. By 2016, a friend suggested I join a small exhibition to showcase my work after discussing painting and digital techniques.

My clients appreciate how my paintings capture the struggles of social unrest and the marginalized. Some pieces highlight unfair advantages through the use of iconic and pop cultural references. The piece I’m most proud of is titled “Control.” It features a game controller that appears to be melting, symbolizing the loss of control and creativity. While some may not immediately grasp the message behind my paintings, each one carries a thought-provoking message.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Amidst the struggles of self-doubt and financial hardship, I faced numerous rejections and setbacks. Undeterred, I honed my craft tirelessly, experimenting with different mediums and styles. Battling societal expectations, I transformed criticism into motivation, pushing boundaries to redefine my artistic voice. Despite facing moments of despair, I found solace in the cathartic nature of creation, using each setback as a stepping stone towards self-discovery. In the end, my resilience and unwavering commitment to my passion allowed me to emerge stronger, creating a body of work that reflected not only my artistic growth but also the triumph of my resilience, never give up on your dreams for one never knows where you may end up.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

Oh boy where to start.. I think NFTs are a revolutionary shift in the art world, embracing the potential for decentralization & direct engagement with the audience. NFTs can offer a unique opportunity to redefine the value and ownership of digital art, empowering creators in ways traditional systems couldn’t. However, I do have concerns about the environmental impact, the blockchain technology behind NFTs are catalyst for transparency and authenticity. NFTs can democratize access to art, allowing a global audience to support and connect with creators on an unprecedented scale. Overall, I see NFTs as a transformative force, challenging the established norms and fostering a new era of artistic expression, it’s a revolution that many have waited.

Contact Info:

• Website: vandalyst.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/vandalyst
• Twitter: twitter.com/Vandalyst
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@Vandalyst
• Other: https://vandalyst.threadless.com

Image Credits
Credit: Vandalyst