METAVERSE MUSES
In a new era of digital NFT (non-fungible token) art, we sat down with Melbourne-based NFT artist Mikaela Stafford to talk about the future of art and why it’s worth having – even if you can’t show it off
Tell us about your creative journey and how you found your medium...
Prior to the global pandemic, I was working as a freelance stage designer and installation artist. When lockdown kicked in, I lost most of my work and decided it was time to upskill. With the world on hold I was granted a unique opportunity to fully immerse myself in 3D motion graphics.
What was your first introduction to the NFT art scene?
I had friends in the space who invited me onto the foundation platform and I minted my first work in February 2021. Since then, the NFT market has undergone huge amounts of scepticism and uncertainty, which I think is completely warranted.
With the purchase of your collaboration with Metagolden, the buyer receives both the art and the bracelet pictured in it. Why was it important that you bridge the gap between digital and physical spaces?
A huge theme explored in my work is the idea of interstitial space: the zone between two places. So naturally it made sense to consider the relationship between blockchain technology and physical goods.
How has the NFT space created an opportunity for artists to re-establish a sense of ownership?
When people think about NFTs, the first thing that comes to mind is some variation of a dolphin in a snapback. When looking at NFTs through a traditional art lens, I understand why they question how this is art and the value that is attributed. There’s an immense amount of potential for female/gender-nonconforming artists to populate the space with meaningful and skilled works that are selfmanaged and autonomous.
What excites you most about the digital art space?
Not being limited by the realities of the physical world – by things such as gravity and space – creators are able to imagine worlds otherwise not possible. The same way we enjoy fantasy worlds created in cinema, digital art is creating worlds and pieces that are new to the human eye, which I find extremely exciting.
What’s been your career highlight?
I think the Mecca Future Beautiful campaign was another huge leap, both creatively and professionally. Knowing a brand as big as Mecca believed in my creative vision, stylistic approach and ability to deliver a campaign was an immensely validating experience.