Interview with Nicole Ruggiero

Nicole Ruggiero in her New York home studio.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Nicole Ruggiero, a 3D artist based in New York. Nicole's work, inspired by video games and the internet, explores the intersection of technology and culture. During our conversation, Nicole discusses her journey into digital art, emphasizing the role of online forums in shaping her early experiences. We also explore her recent projects, including an animated series called Wish ‘N Wash, set in a late/post-capitalist society. Nicole shares her insights on the evolving role of digital and 3D art, noting a shift towards exploring nostalgia in various forms.

Click on this image for more information and to register.

Nicole and I are teaming up for the "Mixing Digital and Physical Worlds Workshop" on Dec 16, 2023, at 9 am PST / Noon ET. Join us for a 1.5-hour exploration of tools for 3D and 2D art, NFTs, and bridging the digital-physical gap. Engage in a discourse on web3, blockchain, and NFTs. This donation-based workshop ($11 - $33) ensures accessibility for all and nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.

You can learn more and register for it here.

My Interview with Nicole

1. Would you mind introducing yourself and letting us know a little bit about you and your work?

Hi I'm Nicole! I make 3D art about the internet and technology. I've always loved connecting with people through tech and I love adding a bit of warmth to something that can typically feel pretty cold.

2. Is there a reason you started to work digitally? What has that journey been like for you?
That's a good question. I actually started making digital art when I was about 12.  Before that I didn't really have anyone to show my work to, but being on online art forums made me feel pretty excited to share my work and get critique.

3. Is there a recent project you’ve done that you’re particularly proud of? If so, why?
Recently I've been working on this animated series with my partner, PLANTTDADDII, called the Wish ‘N Wash.  It's about a late/post-capitalist society, in a world where soap is scarce so people go to the local Wish N Wash laundromat and casino to win soap and wash their clothes.

I also have another WindowsXP themed piece that I’m coming out with sometime in January that I’m pretty excited about.

Collaboration with PLANTTDADDII, 2022, sold on SuperRare & 2/2 editioned prints.

4. Could you share your perspective on the role of digital and 3D art in the contemporary art world and how it has evolved over the years?
Originally I think 3D art was somewhat of a novelty. Now I'm seeing a lot of people making work with different forms of 3D nostalgia whether that be for video games or for previous digital eras. And, of course, 3D technology is heavily used in the metaverse or in digital worlds.

5. What advice would you give to emerging artists who are looking to make their mark in the world of 3D and digital art, considering your own journey and success in this field?
Right now, I feel like there are two pathways. The first pathway is to play into social media algorithms. The second pathway is getting into NFTs and related communities. The former is more client-focused, and the latter is more artwork-focused. I think a mixture of both is a good balance if you can manage it.

6. As a 3D visual artist, your work often blurs the line between the virtual and physical worlds. How do you see the future of art evolving in the context of emerging technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality?
I was just talking to my partner about this and we were talking about how one day we're going to have to explain to younger generations what a mouse cursor was LOL. I mean we're already seeing this, for example, with Meta and Ray-Ban’s collaboration on the smart glasses.

7. Collaboration and curation are part of your creative portfolio. Could you share an experience or project that challenged your artistic boundaries and pushed you to explore new creative territories?
I think the Wish ‘N Wash is something that has really pushed me. For the onset of this project I decided to sculpt and rig all of my characters from scratch and that's been a huge creative journey. First, I had to learn all the tools to do this and then I had to execute it. I'm still learning how to do all this. Sometimes it's discouraging but it’s also rewarding. I'm always getting better and trying my best.

8. What are some of the things that inspire you and/or your art?
I'm really inspired by computer user interfaces, video game characters, cities and neon lights, sci-fi, and good storytelling.

9. What do you hope people take away from connecting with your artwork?
I think ultimately I really want people to emotionally connect with my work.

10. How can people work with you? What’s the best way to learn more about your art?
I’m open for commissions and freelance starting in December! I have done a lot of album covers, music videos, character design, motion design, & 3D generalist work. People can find more about me on my website: https://www.nicoleruggiero.com or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleruggiero or Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/_nicoleruggiero.

The best way to contact me is my email: nicole@nicoleruggiero.com

Interview with Hermés

I am so excited to share this wonderful interview I just had with Hermés who is a FEMME ICON and an incredibly talented artist, advocate, activist, and so much more. You can learn more about her and all of the amazing things she does by clicking here.

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E: Hi, can you share a little bit about yourself! How did you come to be the incredible artist, shapeshifter, sorceress, and monstress that you are? What is important to you at this moment? 

H: Thank you, Edgar! Including being an artist and all the things, I also claim and embrace being a trailblazer. As an Aries, being the first has been a recurring theme in my life. The first to be born in the states, the first born of 3 siblings, and the first to graduate from college. The first to move out from my hometown and move to the Bay Area. 

My familial roots come from México, El Salvador, and Spain. What is important to me at this moment is the process of deconditioning and divesting from patriarchal capitalist colonial programming, which includes reclaiming ancestral wisdom and practices.

E: I am obsessed with the art you’ve shared on the tezos blockchain on objkt and would love to hear more about it! 

H: Yes, how I would describe the art that I put out there is FFF – Fantastical, FEMME, and Fun!

E: What is your relationship like with art practice, performance, and digital art? Does it intersect with other mediums/practices and, if so, how? 

H: What comes to mind is the performativity of gender. As philosopher Simone de Beauvoir said: “one is not born, but rather becomes, a woman”. Performance can also be ritualistic, ceremonial, and ancestral. I think performance can be elevating and seductive.

I’m inspired by femme, feminist, and surreal visual art, which in college I took a women’s studies class called, feminist-art-power. My favorite visual artists that are  coming up for me are Leonora Carrington, Leonor Fini, and Remedios Varo. I love that these artists incorporate their mysticism into their art. For example, Leonara Carrington created her own version of the Major Arcana cards.

 To me, art, creativity, magical praxis are all interconnected. Art intersects with my astrology and tarot studies and practices. Overall, my art/work is devotional.

E: Do you have any advice you’d like to share with any baby witches or aspiring artists? 

H: Take risks and experiment! How I personally learn and grow is through trial and error. I’m also a big book nerd, so I love to read! 

E: What are your favorite forms of ritual or magic that you incorporate into your daily life? 

H: Good question! I like to keep it simple and cute. I pull tarot cards everyday. I give little offerings to my guides, such as offering incense,water, and leaving sweets, flowers, and adornments to my altar spaces. 

E: Are there any people, practices, or artworks you’d like to uplift and share? Why does it feel important to share them? 

H: I love my star poets and artists. With my own astrology practice and study, I’m tremendously indebted to astrology/tarot reader/educator/writer Diana Rose Harper and her mentorship, workshops, and readings she offers and her Patreon. I definitely recommend checking her work for those wanting to dive deeper and learn about astrology. Her wonderful workshops that I want to highlight include, Fundamental Needs, Required Resources: The Collaboration of the 1st and 2nd Houses and Fierce Compassion: Natal Astrology as Radical Self-Care.

E: This is a very intense time astrologically (or so I’ve been told by a few friends) do you have any astrological insights that you feel are important to share? 

H: Based on what’s happening, I think discernment is crucial and seeing beyond the veil. At this time, cultivating community care is crucial. Despite the challenges, we have to remind ourselves that we have agency and autonomy.  

In addition to Diana Rose Harper and her work, I love tuning in to astrologer Jessica Lanyadoo’s Ghost of a Podcast. Each week she goes over weekly transits. She also does episodes on what to expect for the year ahead. Aside from the astro data, she also provides valuable solid advice. For example in an episode she mentioned that an antidote to fear can be by taking action, and that taking small incremental steps can create a big impact. 

E: What’s something you are hoping to accomplish in the next year or two? 

H: Alongside the visual art that I create, I want to dedicate more time to my writing and grow my girl blog! 

E: Please let us know about anything exciting going on in your life right now! 

H: Ah there’s always so much going on! What comes to mind is how energizing living by the water can be and being immersed with the Bay Area magic and connecting with other Bay Area artists and witches! 

 E: How can folks connect with you and your work? 

H: I’m always open to collaboration! (I’m a libra rising.) You can find me on instagram (@hermes_hermit). I also have my linktree posted there. You can also check out my blog and podcast!

Embracing the Freedom of Art: Reclaiming Our Mark-Making

When I was in second grade, an incident occurred that left a lasting impact on my artistic journey. My teacher called my parents into school to discuss the messiness of my art and expressed concern about my abilities. That experience instilled within me a deep fear of making marks, planting the idea that my artistic expression was flawed and that there were strict rules dictating right and wrong ways to create art. However, as I grew older and pursued art as a passion and even as an educator, I came to realize that many people carry similar burdens—self-imposed restrictions and boundaries when it comes to art-making. In recent times, I had a profound experience that reminded me of the true essence of art and the freedom it offers. It became clear to me that there are no right or wrong marks in art; instead, there are marks, and they hold profound meaning. Art is a powerful tool for healing, nourishment, and self-expression—a mirror that reflects our hearts, spirits, and unique creative process.

Breaking Free from Self-Imposed Boundaries:

For years, I carried the weight of my teacher's words, believing that my mark-making wasn't acceptable and that there were predetermined standards I needed to adhere to. These constrictions limited my artistic exploration, stifled my creativity, and hindered my ability to embrace the full potential of art. It wasn't until I embarked on my journey as an artist and educator that I witnessed countless individuals grappling with similar self-imposed limitations. I realized that societal expectations, comparisons to others, and fear of judgment often play a significant role in shaping our views of what art should or shouldn't be.

The Liberation of Art:

However, a recent artistic encounter shattered these preconceived notions. In this transformative experience, I felt a profound sense of freedom, liberation, and connectedness. I discovered the true essence of art—its ability to heal, nourish, and embrace. I understood that art is not confined to a set of rules or aesthetics; it transcends such limitations. Art is a language that speaks to our souls, allowing us to communicate in ways that words alone cannot capture. Each mark we make carries personal significance and meaning, making it inherently valuable, regardless of how it may align with external standards.

Subjectivity and Interchangeable Meaning:

Art is a realm where subjectivity reigns supreme. The beauty of artistic expression lies in its interpretive nature. What may resonate deeply with one person may evoke a completely different response in another. Our art becomes a reflection of our inner selves, a testament to our unique perspectives and experiences. It is a celebration of the diverse tapestry of human existence. The meaning we imbue into our art is entirely personal, fluid, and ever-changing. It is this flexibility that makes art such a powerful means of self-discovery and self-expression.

Reclaiming Art and Embracing Freedom:

In the process of creating art, we reclaim our autonomy and redefine what it means to be an artist. We reject the notion of right or wrong, and instead, we revel in the boundless possibilities that art offers. We embrace the truth that art is not limited to a select few, but rather, it is a birthright bestowed upon all of us. Art becomes an avenue for liberation, an escape from the confines of self-doubt and societal expectations. It is through art that we find solace, joy, and the courage to be unapologetically ourselves.

My journey as an artist and educator has led me to the realization that art is a powerful force capable of breaking down barriers, both internal and external. The experience of overcoming my fear and embracing the freedom of art has been transformative. It has allowed me to shed the constrictions that once held me back and recognize the limitless potential that resides within each of us. Let us reclaim art as a mirror—a reflection of our hearts, spirits, and unique creative processes. Let us revel in the freedom it brings, and through our mark-making, shape a world where artistic expression knows no boundaries. Art is freedom, and we, the artists, are the embodiment of that freedom.