Arts Interview: 50mm Co-Founders Raven + Chelsea | NFT Culture | NFT and Crypto Art Interviews and more
50 mm joint BIPOC is an NFT art collective dedicated to providing resources and opportunities to historically underrepresented artists with a focus on highlighting LGBTQIA artists. As early pioneers in the space, they feel a direct responsibility to ensure diverse representation at the forefront of Web3. Their current exhibit is “Visibility Gallery” which is a touring VR gallery with a plethora of artists that have made their way around NYCNft and soon Oakland.
When I first became a contributor to NFTCulture, I immediately reached out to founders Raven + Chelsea to do a feature, because not only is my art visible in galleries as an LGBTQ artist, but I feel strongly that the work they’re doing is for all people. For is critical to cultivating an inclusive Web3. I am very honored and grateful that they agreed to this interview.
Can you give us a quick introduction about yourself?
My name is Raven Trammell aka Raven50mm. I am an Afro Latinx, trans mask photographer and founder of the 50mm Collective. I am also the Events Manager for Quantum and the Community Curator for PASS NFT.
Hi my name is Chelsea Quintella co-founder of 50mm Collective I am an NFT aesthetic artist. Studied and trained in painting in various mediums along with Fashion Design BFA.
What was your inspiration for starting the 50mm Collective and what is its mission?
At the time, there were many polarizing groups that didn’t quite resonate with how I identified and represented myself… trans and biracial. At the same time as Chelsea onboarded, we wanted to create a community for artists who were feeling the way we were. We believe making a living as an artist shouldn’t be some unattainable dream. We want to use web3 and IRL experience tools to bring both communities together
As the 50mm collective Twitter grew and artists with similar experiences started showing up for each other in the space, we decided to make the first Meta Masquerade and 50MM Collectives first virtual gallery to bring this energy IRL featuring over 100 artists from around the world. Seeing first-hand exposure to these artists and collecting their work from our curated gallery makes us realize that vision is bigger than we can imagine.
Curating outstanding artwork into stunning virtual galleries, 50mm Collective creates an enhanced IRL experience for the art community. As an early pioneer and leader in the NFT space, we feel a direct responsibility to ensure diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of Web3. Our vision is to fuse curation, culture and community in a way that enriches the art world.
How/why did you get into crypto/NFTS? Overall experience so far?
Crow: I was in the clubhouse trying to learn more about investing in crypto and they started talking about NFTs and digital artwork. I started going to more rooms to learn and did a lot of research on my own to begin with. I’ve been active on Twitter where most of the NFT convos are happening. I got my first shard on Ghost Market (Phantasma Blockchain).
Chelsea: Raven introduced me to NFT and encouraged me to put my art and creations there. NFTs became real to me when I built my first collection on Opensea and got my first sale.
The overall experience has been a rollercoaster to say the least, but even with the ups and downs of the crypto market, the FOMO on all the amazing projects and events, and sometimes burnout; It’s still worth it. We continue to see artist connections and the web3 space as a whole grow.
Finding the balance is the key… something we are still learning.
What is your funniest/favorite NFT related story?
Crow: When we met NFTGirl and she said we were the cutest Web3 couple and when both of our artworks were featured on the Godzilla screen in Times Square! Note: I’d like to point out that they didn’t just get to see their artwork in Times Square – that moment when Raven proposed to Chelsea is one of the most iconic NYCNft moments to me. Love is love.
After seeing our artwork in Times Square – I asked @Chelsea Quintella If he wants to spend the rest of this life together and he blessed me yes
My queen, my heart, my light — I’m so excited to be on this journey with you. I love you to the moon and back and then there again
pic.twitter.com/z6hwJD2nUS
— Raven he/him (@raven50mm) June 23, 2022
Chelsea: Gabe was going to an NFT gallery show for Weis and wore a hat painted by Picasso that also has Raven’s tattoo. The pure joy of that connection was definitely the peak moment of the experience.
3 of your favorite projects in the crypto industry and why?
1. mutual – They are building an NFT marketplace and web3 ecosystem and celebrating trans and queer creators and culture-makers. A portion of the mutual’s platform fees direct action mutual funds.
2. pass – They are an artist first initiative with utility packed into their PASS NFT.
3. WOE Joint – Women of Excellence is a women of color led NFT collection building community, content and curation. Minting soon!
Where do you see the future of the crypto industry?
Become a lifestyle and touch all aspects of daily life. From clothing to coffee brands. There are so many limitless possibilities!
Advice for beginners in NFT from what you have learned.
Go at your own pace and start building your community first. Visit Twitter Spaces and other live conversations to gain awareness of the space. Be aware of your web3 safety and security. YouTube is also an incredible resource, subscribe to the 50MM Collective ;).
50mm Links to explore more
Visibility Gallery: https://ift.tt/Uhx6LB2
Twitter: https://twitter.com/50mmCollective
Raven’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/raven50mm
Chelsea’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/chelseaquintela
https://ift.tt/5adDbeL
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