Icki

Artist

Hi, I’m Icki and my work is inspired by reductionist and conceptual themes but subverts the aesthetics and tropes of both traditions to provide a unique commentary on the world around us.

I Grew up in London and had the pleasure of becoming friends with some exceptional talents including the late Amy Winehouse. It was through this friendship that I was given the opportunity to contribute to her albums “Frank” and “Back to Black,” the foundation of my career.

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Please tell us about your background

I have done many things, over the last two decades, within these industries, operating between creative, art direction and later the live setting.

I always wanted to be a traditional artist but had to manage my needs. As a digital artist (primarily 3D) there was not much opportunity to take that traditional route. This was why I ended up following a typically commercial path working with major brands and at one time consulting for art funds.

Once I had caught wind of what NFTs were and how the token provided a mechanism for provenance I was sold. I saw this as an opportunity to finally be that ‘artist’ I wanted to be. My initial motivations were driven by the opportunity to make some money but that all changed very quickly as I became more engaged in the twitter NFT community.

Asymmetry – The Twin

When did you mint your first NFT?

My first mint was for Cancer Research UK. I had been providing some technical workshops and had created a small fractal animation with the group labelled Cause and cure’. The event was sponsored and affiliated with CR_UK and so I thought it would be an interesting idea to try and raise money this way. We were very happy with the outcome and all in, including direct donations, this $1 NFT generated over £80k. I think I minted that on Portion.io. I didn’t mint my own work until many months later.

Can you tell us one thing you cannot live without?

This is a loaded question! Well, my two children obviously but them aside I couldn’t live without my dearest friends and art collective ‘Bloom’. They are the foundation of constructive feedback; growth and I respect them all in differing capacities and the experience they bring both as professionals and friends. My work really wouldn’t be what it is without them. They are also quite fun.

My ‘favourite artist’ list is monolithic! I have always loved art and its history. I’ll try name a few that have influenced my own work.

The use of space and light in the work of Donald Judd and Dan Flavin has had a significant impact on my own practice. I am also influenced by conceptual artists like Joseph Kosuth and Lawrence Weiner, who use text and language as a medium which encouraged me to think more deeply about the meaning and significance of my own art and I am certainly drawn to the work of those who challenge the status quo

and push the boundaries of what is considered “art.” M.C. Escher’s intricate geometric designs, Ernst Haeckel’s detailed illustrations of the natural world, and Hiroshi Sugimoto’s minimalist seascapes as examples. Iam particularly interested in the relationship between perception and the visual arts and find myself looking to artists like Bridget Riley and Op Art movement. The use of repetition and pattern in the work of artists like Yayoi Kusama has also had a significant impact on me. I can’t forget Sol LeWitt who use shapes and forms to create simple, yet powerful work.

Honestly, I could go on for days!

Asymmetry – The Root

Who is your favourite NFT artist?

Another very difficult question! I don’t have a favourite, but I have a number I respect. Trevor Jones ‘eth boy’ was really one of the reasons I joined the space. He was the first artist I loved that demonstrated that NFTs were more than just collectibles. I continue to enjoy the work of artists like Reuben Wu among many others. My fav artists are honestly all in my art collective Bloom. I mean that sincerely but felt it was a touch biased to state.

What is the one piece of NFT art you wish you had purchased but missed out on?

I have no regrets in terms of art I missed out on, but I have certainly been priced out of a lot of work. Reuben, Trevor, XCOPY are some of those artists, but the list is increasing by the day!

I would love to own work from all my fellow Bloomie but suspect that this is only a matter of time. Jenni Pasanen too who recently joined us!

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? Why this location? What are your other passions besides art? Why?

I am grateful to have been relatively well travelled. With that said I have often dreamt of traveling off the beaten track. I look at the explorations of artists like Reuben and dream that one day I can accompany him on one of those adventures!

Symmetrical Asymmetry – Collectors Edition

Do you make other forms of art and how did you come up with your specific style?

I am not limited to 3D and use other mediums. I am always looking for new creative possibilities. In the future, I hope to incorporate AI into my process as I continue to train my own models. Ultimately, my process is always evolving. As for other art do you mean outside the visual arts? I enjoy music but this is only a private and personal expression.

My current work is the most meaningful. After two decades of creating, I finally found my own unique voice. It began as a technical study into Symmetry and Asymmetry. As my curiosity grew, I became aware of its significance.

Like life’s it reflects on how we perceive or compute challenges and the relationship of variables within them. It’s a fine balance between multiple factors inclusive of form, depth and perception to name a few.

Question like ‘can we learn more about ourselves, our divisive nature, natural evolution in thought, cognitive behaviours and more? Can we uncover improved questions around what it means to be human?’ are what drive it.

Asymmetry and symmetry can feel very different when the relationship of its parts is altered. Its comparable to how we interpret and respond to challenges in life. It is cognitive.

What is coming in the near future?

Well, I have been thinking a lot about how to reward the wonderful collectors I have. Honestly, I think as artists we can do a lot more in terms of creating demand. I want to make my work more accessible to a larger audience and so am very much focussed on innovative ways to make that happen. 2023 is already shaping up to be a great year with several exhibitions lined up among other projects. I suspect it will be an interesting one to follow!

Do you have any upcoming drops?

I really don’t like the idea of having no work being available, but I am finding this to be a continued challenge. One of my priorities in 2022 was to find more efficient ways to work to resolve my issue of prolific under minting! I have got that covered in 2023 so watch this space!

https://linktr.ee/Icki has the links to market place and I’m working on a new personal website at the moment. You should be able to find it here soon. My twitter is the best way to reach me.

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