Artists seek inspiration from Bitcoin

Author: Geneva

When it comes to Bitcoin’s use as a currency, word of mouth is its greatest strength.

The journey from the dot-com shadows to the interest of financial incumbents was long, but users were enthusiastic and eager to discuss the benefits with friends, who in turn began to explore and use the currency.

Bitcoin, based on its peer-to-peer design, thrives on connectivity.

As the conversation becomes more important and the topic of digital currency becomes more popular around the world, one group that has been attracted to Bitcoin (and blockchain) is artists. So far, this includes big names such as Imogen Heap and rappers-turned-venture capitalists such as Nas and 50 Cent.

This is perhaps unsurprising. Artists are often seen as thinking differently, as is the case with fringe and emerging ideas, and Bitcoin is certainly different. Beyond that, there is also the economic incentive factor. As the Etay website demonstrates, many artists are small merchants who suffer from traditional transaction fees, and Bitcoin offers a way to separate their products from their profits.

But what brings artists into this discourse? And what makes this group an active part of the crypto-currency user population?

In interviews with artists around the world, we learned that they are currently motivated by the emergence and mystery of Bitcoin, but so far, interest has not equated to usage or action.

Lindsay Noble, Liang Shi and Karen Zary are three artists who all learned about Bitcoin the same way: through good word of mouth.

Geographically, the three artists span the globe, from Los Angeles to Malaysia to New York, and stylistically, their artworks vary widely. Yet each of them believes in the future of Bitcoin.

“I was visiting one of my art collectors on Wall Street, and he told me about Bitcoin,” Noble, a multimedia artist from California, recalled when she first heard about Bitcoin.

For Nobel, her work and technology play a big role in keeping her connected to the world. She said: "I think the world is one, not divided. Even if we have divisions, (humanity) moves forward as one."

Nobel creates work that explores the many connections that humans go through throughout their lives, both within the body and with the outside world. In her work, she creates a series of neurographs, using dots and lines as well as water droplets to represent the nervous system and the transmission of signals within the body.

“These connections represent the way things work,” she commented.

She said the network is as active as the human body, as ideas and money are quickly transferred from one place to another, similar to the nervous system. In the context of Bitcoin, she was attracted by how easily electronic money can be transferred from one party to another.

“Artists have always been interested in trade,” she said. “I think it’s a fantastic way to transfer money. It’s faster and more fun than banks. And, as an international currency, Bitcoin brings our global society closer.”

Liang's specialties range from jewelry and fashion design to writing, but she also stressed the importance of relationships in her initial exploration of Bitcoin. "A lot of the people around me were founders and heads of new startups. They talked about Bitcoin, so I started to pay attention to it," Liang said.

Liang’s work can be purchased with Bitcoin, and isn’t limited to one size or style. Her cat paintings are cute and colorful, but her explorations of Chinese calligraphy are professional with a traditional approach.

“Looking back at all the things I’ve done, they all add up to one big piece,” she said.

JPM compiled from

Coindesk, Artists Turn to Bitcoin for Inspiration, Not Personal Finance, by Emily Faber.