On Generative Anesthetics: Interview with Kevin Esherick

WTBS convenes a special year-end episode with a variety of special guests. Thanks to everyone who took the time to record with us, hope you all enjoy. Episode Art: Sano #27 by Jeres Check out NFT_XBT, the AI Agent experiment managed by Paul and Cosi of fx(hash) Connect to the fx(hash) beta site to see your estimated token allocation 0:00 - Will & Trinity catch up and recap 2024 1:27:17 - Danielle King! 1:53:50 - Nat Emodi! 2:26:29 - KenConsumer! 3:00:43 - Adam Berninger! 3:34:42 - Lonliboy! 4:13:40 - Paul Schmidt, COO of fx(hash)! Intro & Outro & Outro & Outro & Outro & Outro tracks by PixelWank

In this posthumous episode of 'Waiting To Be Signed,' hosts Trinity & Will finally get their crack at interviewing Zancan, a pivotal figure in generative art and fx(hash). Zancan discusses his journey from a self-taught coder at age eight to becoming an engineer and eventually transitioning to a full-time artist. The episode covers his experiences with plotters, the transformative impact of blockchain and NFTs on generative art, and the development of Grass.js. Zancan reflects on his success with NFTs, the challenges of navigating the crypto art market, and the administrative tax hurdles that continue to plague him. The discussion also delves into personal growth, balancing professional and personal life, and the future of the NFT space. 01:59 Zancan's histort in art and coding 06:17 Becoming obsesses with plotters and how that led to creating generative algorithms 08:19 Finding the blockchain and fx(hash) as a means to release his work 09:42 The creation of Grass.js and the Impact of Garden, Monoliths on his career 19:45 Navigating success and challenges of crypto taxation 26:15 Struggling with feeling overwhelmed, burnout, and planning for the future 33:02 The evolution of Grass.js over time and the challenges of code optimization 39:38 The connection between digital and physical and becoming infatuated with embroidery 46:40 The freedom that comes with being uncommitted as an artist and find new opportunities to be creative 52:12 Hopes for the Future of NFTs 54:10 Gratitude and Final Thoughts Episode Art: Monoliths #000 by Zancan (sold at auction for $111,265.95, December 2021 Intro & Outro tracks by Pixelwank

This episode we welcome collector, content creator and long-time listener NukCZ onto the show to talk to us about his journey into collecting generative art and his new Art Focused project. In this episode we discuss: Nuk's journey from traditional collectibles to NFTs and generative art. The origins of Nuk's 'walk and talk' series and connecting to his grandfather's art. How Nuk creates the digital galleries that are toured in the Walk and Talks Rodeo and other ways to explore and discover new artists The future of generative art and the impact of technology on art collecting. The community aspects enriching the NFT space and our personal experiences running WTBS. Reflecting on 2.5 years of WTBS, our ongoing projects, and potential future plans. Connecting physical goods to generative art as a way to expand the collector base Thanks the Nuk for coming on the show! You can follow him on twitter @nukCZ_ and @artfocused_art Check out Nuk's Art Focused youtube channel to catch up on his Walk and Talk series and artfocused.art for more of his writing and future projects. Episode Art: Smolskull #311 by Mark Knol (owned by Nuk) Intro & Outro tracks by Pixelwank

In this interview episode of Waiting to be Signed, hosts chat with artist Steve Pikelny, also known as Stevie P. They delve into his interactive web projects like FinSexy and his time as an Artblocks artist, balancing artistic expression with financialization. Steve also touches on the potential and perils of AI, the complexities of online dating, and his thoughts on the future of digital interactions in the art world. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:12 Steve's Journey to NFTs 02:27 Skepticism and Optimism in NFTs 08:13 Artistic Expression and User Manipulation 18:59 Balancing Art and Revenue 23:28 Interactive Projects and Community Engagement 27:28 Exploring Game Design 31:40 Exploring Alternative Platforms 33:09 The NFT Journey Begins 34:15 Success and Community in Artblocks 35:48 Shifting Focus and New Projects 38:18 Reflections on the Crypto Space 41:05 The Role of Financialization in Art 45:33 Medium and Themes in Art 49:38 Rapid Fire Questions Follow Steve on Twitter @steviepxyz and learn more about his work at steviep.xyz Follow us on twitter @waitingtosign and on Farcaster @wtbs Episode art: Dopamine Machines #32 by Steve Pikelny Intro & Outro tracks by PixelWank

In this special episode of 'Waiting To Be Signed,' the hosts interview Kevin Esherick. They discuss his journey into coding and art, his innovative 'Material' jeans project, and his notable critique on generative art titled 'Generative Anesthetics.' Kevin also shares insights into the current and future landscape of art influenced by blockchain and AI, including his latest project to train an AI to autonomously produce art in his style. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:55 Kevin's Background and Journey into Coding 05:27 Kevin's Collaborative Jeans Project, Material and Introduction to NFTs 16:44 Generative Art Critique and Writing Process 23:13 Community Reactions to 'Generative Anesthetics' and Market Dynamics 37:14 Exploring the Spiritual and Abstract in Art 38:45 Balancing Retinal and Conceptual Art 39:43 Evaluating Art: Historical References and Originality 43:55 AI Art and the Concept of MangleCore 55:23 The Future of AI in Art and Society Follow Kevin on Twitter @kev_esh and learn more about his work at esherick.studio Follow us on Twitter @waitingtosign and Farcaster @wtbs Episode Art: Icarus by Kevin Esherick Intro & Outro tracks by PixelWank

Courtesy of Descript: In this reflective podcast episode, the hosts discuss the potential conclusion of their weekly show, considering an extended or possibly permanent hiatus. They explore the complexities of continuing the show amidst declining listenership and personal challenges. Conversations include updates on recent episodes, Trinity's return from a challenging work trip to Texas, and the frustrations of home repairs without interior doors. The hosts delve into the state of the generative art community, market trends, and their feelings about tackling diminishing energy and engagement. They also express their gratitude to supporters, announce potential merchandise, and contemplate future plans for the show's legacy. The episode concludes with personal reflections and addressing accountability, with both hosts expressing mutual understanding and appreciation. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Context 00:48 Trinity's Apartment and Work Trip 02:32 Upcoming Interviews and Show Hiatus 03:24 Reflections on Show's Journey and Challenges 05:42 Generative Art and Community Dynamics 22:08 Mental Health and Future Plans 29:24 Reflecting on Recent NFT Sales 30:16 Cool Drops and Art Projects 30:57 The Decline of Discord Conversations 32:42 Crypto Influencers and Politics 36:44 The Value of Crypto and Digital Ownership 39:48 Future Plans and Gratitude 42:01 Hearthstone and Personal Grievances 46:42 Final Reflections and Apologies Episode Art: Ode to GM #414 by artplusbrad Intro & Outro tracks by PixelWank Omitted segment music by Nor44

WTBS adds another PhD to their esteemed list of guests! In this episode we discuss: Mimi's journey into art and tech How Mimi discovered NFT's and came to join Verse Launching the Nguyen Wahed gallery Mimi's thesis on on NFTs and the future of digital art How the [aside] protocol works and how artists are using smart contracts to incorporate data into their work How to curate and set up a group show The challenges of displaying digital art Opening a physical gallery in NYC and Mimi's hopes for their first show Rapid Fire! Thanks to Mimi for joining us, hope you all enjoyed this one. Follow Mimi on Twitter @miminguyenmimi and her gallery @nguyenwahed Learn more about Mimi and the Nguyen Wahed gallery at nguyenwahed.com Follow us on Twitter @waitingtosign and on Farcaster @wtbs Episode Art: Ray Marching to the Full Moon September, 17 2024 by Jared Tarbell Intro & Outro tracks by PixelWank

Very excited to share out interview with Travess Smalley, famed for Pixel Rugs and just now releasing the incredible CRAWL on Feral File. Lots of notes for this one. We discuss: How Travess got into art & coding, surf clubs, & NFTs Pixel Rugs as a daily practice & the fandom surrounding them CRAWL!!!! How does it work, what are the influences, and what was it like to work with Feral File on this release Exploring organic textures in art & experimenting with printing techniques Generative Art Conference in Berlin recap Emergent play, creative software & being inspired by roguelike games Rapid Fire (music, future guests & gaming with kids) Travess also has a great set of links to things reference here that all should check out & enjoy Worldmaking: A Guide To Minecraft Music Bill Evans - From Left to Right January Mornings Travess' 2024 in review on Are.na Games Research on Are.na Creativity in Gameplay on Are.na https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlRVOziQQ7A Games that influence CRAWL Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup Caves of Qud Noita Brogue Dwarf Fortress Sim Ant Nethack FTL: Faster Than Light More Music! Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou - Souvenirs Patricia Escudero - Satie Sonneries Noviciat Des Soeurs Missionnaires De Notre-Dame D’Afrique Hans Joachim Roedelius The Durutti Column Dungeon Synth Archive on YouTube Comfy Synth Archives on YouTube Follow Travess on Twitter @travess Follow us on Twitter @waitingtosign and on Farcaster @wtbs If you like the show and want to support us you can subscribe to our Patreon or donate directly to wtbs.tez & wtbs.eth Episode Art: CRAWL by Travess Smalley Intro & outro tracks by PixelWank

Alternate Title: The Piter Pasma of it All In this episode of 'Waiting to be Signed,' hosts Trinity and Will discuss the week's events in the generative art world. They delve into recent market updates, notable platform news from Verse and FXHash, and examine Kevin Echerick's critical piece on generative art’s financialization. They also highlight new releases, successful art projects, and touch upon their personal experiences with the evolving dynamics of the digital art market. Concluding on a lighter note, the hosts share their recent adventures and strategies in Hearthstone. What's Going on in Canada? Verse Platform Updates Known Origin Shutting Down && Prohibition is in trouble Squiggle 9999 Donation to LACMA Richard Kim's Embezzlement Confession && Coindesk coverage for balance Generative Anesthetics by Kevin Esherick Art Block Studio Projects and Challenges The Space In Between by David Seven Upcoming Projects Hearthstone Battlegrounds Strategies and Observations Thanks for listening! If you like the show and want to support us you can subscribe to our Patreon or donate directly to wtbs.tez & wtbs.eth Follow us on Twitter @waitingtosign & Farcaster @wtbs Episode Art: Re_01 by Marc Maurer Intro & Outro tracks by PixelWank

In this episode we discuss: John's history in art and simulation Whitney's career in art and how she came to Feral File The story of Western Flag becoming tokenized & John's decision to make NFTs Reconciling the ecological cost of NFTs by supporting environmental initiatives & relationships with power John's first tokenized work on the Bitmark chain The two main issues that Whitney encounters when talking about NFTs to artists and collectors from the traditional world The need for galleries and art fairs to catch up with the contemporary scene as it becomes increasingly digital An overview of crystalline work (arctic) and the generative aspects of the performance How Feral File worked with John to bring this experiment to life Reconciling works that require patience against a population with a diminishing attention span Time, data, the dating system for crystalline work and billionaires turning our consciousness into light Newgrange Blockchain as an alternative to oil-backed currencies with the potential to be a globally uniting force (...and pirates!) The complicated dance between the unreal and the real Follow John Gerrard on Twitter @john__gerrard and learn more about him at johngerrard.net Follow Whitney Hart @h_artchronicles and follow Feral File @feralfile to keep up with their releases Follow us on Twitter @waitingtosign, on Farcaster @wtbs and on Instagram @waitingtobesigned If you like the show and want to support us you can subscribe to our Patreon or donate directly to wtbs.tez & wtbs.eth Episode Art: crystalline work (arctic) 24.2.1.0 by John Gerrard Intro & Outro tracks by PixelWank