marine

NFTs – My next move and why

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This is an invitation to be involved with a very exciting project – a fundraising Non Fungible Token NFT event!

As the world adjusts to VOID-19 the rest of us “planet and art” makers are adjusting to NFTs, Blockchains and how to create art for this space.

My preferences for “art mediums” have been oils due to their vibrant colours, acrylics for their dancing like qualities and fast drying and pastels for their stunning simplicity and complexity. And now as I daydream out to sea I want to add digital art as my next challenge and medium.

I mean… why not?

My street chalks are very much along the lines of Banksy and Lushsux works.

I get the sense of “living on the edge” when I draw them.

I love the depth and forgiving nature that chalks offer me.

I love the access to foot traffic and being able to make a big impact in the media.

So sliding into NFTs for my street chalks makes sense.

Gold Coast Bulletin 2019

Many of the projects I have done have been community minded, raising awareness and engagement from passer-bys and those seeing my art in the media and on the news.

I have a few ideas brewing in my soul at the moment. One centred around two organisations that I have volunteered for involving the hump back whale and koala.

If you have any interest in this space, I invite you to join in my journey as I discover more about NFTs, blockchains and tokens.

If you are interested in investing in my first NFT please reach out now. Send me an email.

Otherwise join my insta page and I will post my progress there.

Sam 🙂

The 12 Days of Endangered Australian Species

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Recently I heard Riley Elliott, Shark Scientist, talking about sharks and the bad rap they get but they are starting to become endangered!

It got me thinking, maybe it’s time for another street chalk and to see if I could get people to fall in love with sharks!

I started off with one shark, then decided to do the 12 Days of Australian Endangered Species.

The piece took 3 days all up and so far has gathered lots of interest. Cars stopping, cars driving past honking, people walking past stopping to say hello. I even had two boys today stop in and join in.

These are a few of Australia’s endangered species and their stories.

Mako Shark

This large fish is so graceful yet it’s dark eyes look almost blank. It’s a super fast fish.

They consume about 3% of their body weight a day and considering they are a large shark that’s a lot. They eat big fish tuna, swordfish etc and sometimes other sharks, porpoises, sea turtles and seabirds. They hunt by swimming below their prey then lunge upwards!

More on the Mako here. To see an incredible photo with Riley Elliott Shark Scientist click here.

 

The Derwent River Starfish

I grew up with these star fish being scattered along the beach, thick in numbers and quite tenacious. We would often throw them back and most would survive. Unfortunately other star fish have been introduced and now The Derwent River Starfish is endangered.

More on them here.

 

Hawksbill Turtle

Turtles are so ancient and majestic. I have always loved the way they swim and roam. I sometimes wonder if I am more turtle or mermaid! This lovely turtle is found mostly in shallow lagoons. It’s shell will change colour with different temperatures and unfortunately these beauties are on the “critically endangered” list!

More on them here. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/h/hawksbill-sea-turtle/

 

Orange Bellied Parrot

These beauties are native to South Australia but predominately breed in Tasmania. They are also on the critical endangered list. More here http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Neophema-chrysogaster

 

Spotted Handfish

This incredible fish is critically endangered. There is less than 100 left. Living in Tasmania you can read more about them here. It has been reduced in numbers due to invading species, habitat changes and heavy metals!

https://australianmuseum.net.au/learn/animals/fishes/spotted-handfish-brachionichthys-hirsutus-lacepede-1804/

 

Grey Nurse Shark

This shark used to rule the seas but commercial fishing and hunting of the animal has left numbers dwindling around only 1000! This has major ramifications on the other animals in the sea. Read more here

 

Murray River Cod

This huge, elegant cod has lived in the Murray River Basin way before Australian settlement. Unfortunately fishing of this beast lead to decreased numbers and lately the drying up of the Murray River Basin due to negligent political policy has lead to this fish now being on the endangered list!

People can act and more information is here.

Black Throated Finch

This darling creature was suggested by a follower on face book. Well I can say I have found this dear little bird delightful and of course worthy of us saving. It’s greatest threat is deforestation and planet warming. More information here.

 

Bramble Cay Melomys

Unfortunately this beautiful Queensland based marsupial is now extinct. This is why we need to act! Humans can never regenerate an animal once it is gone.

More on this lovely animal here.

 

Margaret River Burrowing Crayfish

This bright chirpy crayfish is only found in Margaret River and only 5cm in length. Find out more here

Southern Snapping Turtle

This little guy is found mainly in Queensland is on the critically endangered list. Whilst not as good looking as other endangered animals, this one is being decimated due to cows trampling on nests and foxes seeking out eggs. More information found here. 

This shy little Aussie critter is nocturnal (only comes out at night) and is found all around Australian. They can climb trees and live in little dens. Unfortunately numbers are dwindling and they need urgent intervention. More information here.

The Full Piece

Organisations To Support

Barcelona Art Scene

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Last week I spent 3 days in Barcelona. There really is no other city in the world like it. This was my second trip to Barcelona and the beat has changed a bit. I didn’t feel it was as safe as it was 11 years ago it felt more “edgy”. But with that comes a vibrant art scene.

These are some “must go to places” if you love your art!

1. Visit Port de Barcelona

The main marina area is uplifting. Lots of people, lots of things to see and some really cool statue/bouys in the water. This precinct was probably my favourite area in Barcelona and every day I went down to smell the sea air and grab a quick catamaran ride, or swim in the ocean.

2. Sagrada Familia

This church is stunning. It is more an religious playground and architectual phenomena. Gaudi was the second architect to work on the building and his vision for the completed building (it is still being constructed) is mind blowing.

When you enter the building through the “forest doors” the structural columns are shaped like tree trunks. The stain glass is like a fantasy and to really appreciate all the subtlities, I recommend a tour. You can book them through their website Sagrada Familia or do “jump the queue” options with other sites like trip advisor.

3. Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art

Well, this is definitely one museum I would recommend missing. It is sparce, not cutting edge and expensive for what it offers. Unless you like modern history, film and random stuff, there is plenty more on offer in Barcelona.

4. Random Art Exhibitions

Must say I feel very fortunate to have seen the last few hours of this exhibition/fund raiser called Kronos Art.http://kronos-art.com/

One of the organisers Sara and I had a quick catch up at the end and the whole idea of the exhibition (with contributions from artists to sell their work) is to raise money for an orphanage in Peru (I think)…

I am all into using art to promote artists, promote causes and add joy.

 

 

Fetish for Turtles

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I have always loved turtles and more so recently.

 

One of my birthdays was spent in Borneo releasing baby turtles…

Last year we visited Vanuatu and experienced grown rescue turtles.

I am keen to get involved with turtle rescue – getting the plastic out of their snouts, cleaning up our waters, making out oceans safe for our ancient sea life.

It is their territory and we have tainted it.

I’m not sure where it will all lead to but I love drawing turtles and have started drawing them overseas on chalk boards.