We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Wildy Martinez . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Wildy below.
Wildy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to participate as one of the Speakers at the United Nations 78th Summit, representing Web3 Technology alongside 17 remarkable women. Specifically, I was part of a panel that delved into ‘The Evolution of Art and Fashion,’ where my focus was on highlighting the significance of diversity within crypto art and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fashion.
The backstory to this meaningful project traces back nearly two years ago when I made the decision to share my artwork with the world. My mission was to advocate for women’s empowerment and to redefine beauty by promoting inclusivity. As someone with Vitiligo, a skin condition, I chose to incorporate my own journey into my illustrations, hoping to inspire others to embrace their unique qualities – it was the art of Self-Embrace.
This artistic initiative struck a chord with numerous women, particularly those who, like me, had Vitiligo. My passion for celebrating diversity within the realms of art and technology forged connections with leaders from across the globe, eventually leading to the incredible opportunity to speak at the United Nations General Assembly’s 78th session.
Venturing into a career that seamlessly blended art, fashion, storytelling, and advocacy was profoundly transformative for me. What added immense power to this journey was the chance to share my passion for technology with an inspiring group of women from diverse backgrounds. It all began with that initial leap of faith.
In a historic moment, we became the first in UN history to discuss the pivotal role of blockchain technology across various industries. Together, we championed the cause of diversity and gender equality in fields traditionally dominated by men. Astonishingly, this dialogue was driven by a dynamic group of 17 women.
Collectively, we shattered boundaries and broke through glass ceilings, shaping a more inclusive and innovative future for all.
Wildy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am Wildy Martinez, a fashion designer, artist, and the founder of Wildflower Fields, a WEB3 platform dedicated to celebrating the diversity of women through the fusion of art, fashion, and storytelling. With over two decades of experience in the fashion industry, I proudly stand as a leading voice in the movement to normalize natural beauty and embrace imperfections as a profound path to self-acceptance and self-love.
As a WEB3 artist, I have been fortunate to receive significant recognition, including the opportunity to exhibit and speak at NFT NYC 2023, one of the most prestigious events in the realm of blockchain-based art. My artistic creations have also found their way into international exhibitions and have been featured right here in the United States, notably at the inaugural NFT Museum in Seattle, where my art was showcased alongside some of the most influential artists in the field. I also competed in the first ever AI Fashion Week in NYC in partnership with Revolve which was featured in Vogue.
My creative journey also shines a spotlight on the beauty of Vitiligo, a skin condition that affects pigmentation. Through my digital art, AI Fashion, and storytelling, I am dedicated to empowering those who share this condition to feel seen and heard, while also inspiring all women to embrace their uniqueness and explore the vast potential of WEB3 as a platform for artistic expression and social impact.
Being a Latina artist and a devoted mother, I am deeply committed to championing diversity and inclusion within the arts and using my platform to ignite positive social change. With my distinct vision and creative talents, I proudly lead the charge in the WEB3 movement, advocating for a more decentralized and expressive world where every voice matters.
At Wildflower Fields, I offer a range of artistic services that invite you to embrace the beauty of diversity. You can collect and purchase my art in various forms, including prints. I also take pride in creating custom art commissions that reflect your unique vision. Additionally, I specialize in crafting AI Fashion editorial Campaigns, fostering brand activations and partnerships that redefine creativity. Notably, I was recently honored to collaborate with a global collective of talented female artists, partnering with Peju Winery in Napa, CA. My artwork graced their wine labels and took form as two captivating physical canvases accompanied by digital NFT assets. The proceeds from our auction supported the Monarch Justice Center, a charitable organization dedicated to empowering women and families who have triumphed over domestic abuse. In every stroke of my brush and pixel of my digital creations, I celebrate the vibrant tapestry of diversity that enriches our world.
Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
I appreciate this question, especially as someone deeply involved in the world of crypto art for nearly two years. It’s essential to recognize that the media’s portrayal of NFTs often falls short of explaining their true significance. NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, represent the digitization of various assets, spanning art, music, documents, and even real estate. They serve as digital tokens of ownership within the blockchain, a decentralized and transparent network of databases.
To illustrate this, I can share a personal experience. I created a piece of art, minted it as an NFT on the blockchain, and decided to auction it off for charity. What makes this remarkable is that due to the blockchain’s transparency, every transaction related to my artwork became visible to all parties involved – from the collectors bidding on it, to the generous donors, and the charity organization itself. This transparency eliminated any chance of fraudulent activity, providing full visibility and trust in the entire process.
NFTs, in essence, democratize ownership and transactions, with the potential to revolutionize not only art but various industries like music, gaming, real-estate, to how we can even store our medical documents. While they hold enormous promise, it’s crucial to address challenges like environmental concerns related to blockchain energy consumption and the need for appropriate regulations. In sum, as a crypto artist who has witnessed the power of NFTs firsthand, I’m excited about their potential to reshape how we perceive and engage with digital assets in the future, and the growing new industry of Web3.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I believe my goal truly crystallized when I made the decision to openly share my personal journey of self-embrace, love, and acceptance. This pivotal moment was marked by the creation of an art piece I titled ‘Wildflower 38,’ in which I incorporated Vitiligo skin into the portrait. Through this artwork, I aimed to convey my own struggles with embracing my newfound skin, as well as the enduring impact of growing up amidst colorism and the relentless pressure to conform.
The response I received from this illustration far exceeded my expectations. Women began to reach out to me through direct messages, expressing how they felt seen and celebrated through my work. It was heartwarming to discover that my art had helped others feel less isolated in their own personal journeys of self-acceptance.
What drives me passionately is the prospect of altering the prevailing narrative surrounding beauty. I firmly believe that each one of us possesses unique and beautiful qualities that set us apart for a reason. The quote ‘In a field of roses, be a wildflower’ perfectly encapsulates my outlook, inspiring me to continue championing individuality and diversity in the realm of beauty.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildflowerfields.com/
- Instagram: thewildflowerfields
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wildy
- Twitter: wildy_martinez
- Other: https://linktr.ee/WildflowerFields