Magazine
January 3, 2024

Getting to know Digital Artist Nygilia McClain

"The immersive sphere of my work connects the dots as my journey unfolds, and the meaning of my pieces connects together, making my audience understand my world better."

Getting to know Digital Artist Nygilia McClain

Darkweb v2.0 public release is here

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What has changed in our latest release?

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All new features available for all public channel users

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Coding collaboration with over 200 users at once

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Real-time code save every 0.1 seconds

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Creative Journey and Inspirations

Artistic Background
Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your artistic background, and your experiences?

I was born and raised in upstate New York, and my early years were shaped by my passion for basketball. Playing the sport instilled in me a strong sense of teamwork and the value of fighting to achieve something greater. As I reached a certain age, I realized that my time as a professional athlete had a limited lifespan. The fast-paced rhythm of basketball left me craving a new, stimulating challenge. This mindset shift led me to pursue a career in the arts.

I decided to go overseas to pursue a master's degree, but funding was a significant concern. To support my education, I began editing and designing pieces of old films, which I sent out to various schools. Fortunately, one of these efforts paid off, and I received a scholarship offer from a school in the UK and to keep playing basketball too. This marked a significant turning point in my journey, as I now had the opportunity to combine my artistic pursuits with my international experiences.

There was a stark contrast between the worlds of sports and art, which often carried a bit of taboo. The intense rhythms of both spheres, albeit in different ways, forced me to adapt and thrive. I learned the importance of criticism, which was a strength in the sports world, and I brought that ability to analyze and improve into my art career. It helped me navigate the challenges of the art world and approach my work with a logical mindset, all while weaving a unique narrative through my creations.

Would you identify one or two milestones that shaped your creative journey?

My journey in England has been a fascinating one. The NFT space marked my second venture to the UK, and my first visit revolved around projects in communication design. However, my primary aim at the time was more about discovering the place. When I returned, I had a new goal in mind: I wanted to learn about animations and tech to tell stories. Simultaneously, I had the incredible opportunity to play in the North of England, in Newcastle.

During my stay, I delved into the world of frame animations, primarily working with PC computers. This journey began in 2018/2019 when my roommate, Rob, introduced me to the concept with his massive PC and an unused VR headset. I started experimenting with tools like Open Brush for 3D painting and recording GIFs. The pinnacle of this phase was when I painted an entire film experience, which served as my final year project for my master's degree. It was a multidimensional creation involving 2D, 3D, and VR elements, and it earned me a shortlisting in the British Animation Awards, though I didn't win due to stiff competition from established companies. This recognition was a turning point for me as I began to see myself truly blossoming as an artist.

Another significant recognition came in March 2021 when my NFT works gained attention, starting with the SuperRare platform for Africa Day. The response was overwhelming, and word of mouth played a significant role in spreading the word about my art. This experience taught me the value of patience and the realization that someone is always watching and listening, ready to connect with you. The art community, I discovered, is vast but remarkably interconnected, and I've been steadily growing within the NFT scene ever since.

Sources of Inspiration and Techniques
Oftentimes, there is more than one story behind a frame. What drives your art?

My inspiration for my creative work is a fusion of two essential components: my personal experiences and cultural background, influenced by my German-Italian heritage and my father's Caribbean West Indies roots. I draw from these diverse influences and weave them into my visual creations. My upbringing was marked by the presence of my uncle and a love for video games, particularly those with rich, narrative-driven experiences like Final Fantasy and The Legend of Zelda. These games, with their diverse characters united for a greater purpose, left a lasting impact on me. The complex strategies and interconnected narratives within them provide a wellspring of energy and inspiration for my own creative endeavors, shaping my focus on storytelling and visual narratives.

How do you usually transform an idea into a finished piece?

My creative process revolves around generating concepts and drafts, combining various imagery to bring my ideas to life. Lately, I've been particularly captivated by Generative AI, and I enjoy building systems that incorporate a wide array of tools and techniques, gradually refining them into a coherent and meaningful mixture. This exploration has led me to delve deeper into animations and create surreal environments as a natural consequence. I find joy in the playful nature of testing and experimenting, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Over the past two to three months, my focus has been on learning new tools because I recognize that this knowledge will be the key to unlocking the next phase of my creative journey.

Do you have specific techniques and methods you like to use in your art?

My process is a diverse blend of techniques and methods. I create immersive art through a mix of illustrations, collage, and glitch animations, bringing a unique visual narrative to life. To craft time-rendered systems, I turn to Touch Designer, and a note-based system allows for dynamic creations that captivate the audience.

For coding and interactive art, I employ P5Gs and Processing, offering a code-driven approach that enriches the viewer's experience. Exploring the metaverse has also opened new possibilities, especially through Unreal Engine, where I continue to push the boundaries of immersion and storytelling.

I've incorporated Vroid Studio avatars to stream in the web3 sphere, capitalizing on the emerging trend of immersion, branding, and storytelling. My work often involves connecting art archives and narratives, exploring the emotional interplay between nostalgia from childhood and the experiences of adulthood. The recurring character Alzena serves as a compelling focal point in my art, symbolizing this dynamic relationship and enriching the narrative depth of my creations. 

The immersive sphere of my work connects the dots as my journey unfolds, and the meaning of my pieces connects together, making my audience understand my world better.

What is your outlook on creative blocks or other difficulties you may encounter in your creative process?

When it comes to creative blocks or challenges within my creative process, I have a specific approach. A few weeks ago, I found myself in a situation where I had a lot on my plate and felt quite drained. It was during this time that the latest Legend of Zelda game was released, and I needed a quick escape from the pressures of daily life. I decided to immerse myself in the game and step away from my creative work for a while. Surprisingly, this temporary break from my usual routine proved to be highly inspiring. It was during my time playing the game that I gained the clarity and motivation I needed to move forward with my creative endeavors.

As I continued my creative journey, I also pushed the evolution of Alzena. She transitioned even more into the 3D realm, marking a significant transformation in her character.

It's a testament to the dynamic nature of creativity, where even challenges and creative blocks can lead to unexpected and inspiring breakthroughs.

Artistic Style and Evolution
What makes their style unique, and how has it evolved over time?

My creative focus revolves around the realm of post-humanism developed in a fantasy context, where I focus on the creation of characters who play central roles in my narratives. 

Among these characters, Alzena stands out as a prominent figure in my artistic world. What's particularly fascinating is the transformation some of these characters undergo, transitioning from 2D representations to dynamic 3D forms. This evolution lends them a sense of vitality and tangibility, whether achieved through AI or code-driven processes. 

My artistic exploration is deeply rooted in pushing these elements into the afrocentric space, where I aim to weave tales that are otherworldly and presented in a positive light. 

This approach results in a more immersive and engaging form of storytelling, drawing the audience into a realm of limitless imagination and possibilities.

Timeline of Emotional Resonance
How do you engage with your audience?

Engaging with my audience is a dynamic process, and I've adapted to the evolving landscape of the metaverse and 3D tools. These platforms have become spaces where people naturally gather to exchange value and share common interests. 

They break down barriers and foster a sense of community, where my vision is communicated through various platforms and traditionally with email subscriptions. 

The reach of these platforms often dictates sales, and it's a challenge when potential buyers are unaware of my upcoming releases. 

To address this, I'm currently developing my own website with a subscription-based model to keep my audience informed and engaged. Additionally, I've found that 3D characters and streaming offer a more direct and interactive way to connect with my audience, especially in the gaming realm, allowing for real-time engagement and communication.

How does feedback from your viewers impact the emotional connection through your art? Is there a specific or recurring mood evoked by your audience and attached to some of your pieces?

Feedback from my viewers plays a profound role in shaping the emotional connection within my art. The responses I receive often leave viewers in awe, as they describe my work as cool, otherworldly, and capable of inducing an almost out-of-body experience. 

Many have voiced the spiritual and immersive qualities of my art, evoking a sense of being transported to a space that exists beyond the ordinary. 

This connection between my art and the audience is particularly evident in the trend toward immersive 3D animated work, reflecting the power of my creations to deeply resonate with viewers. 

These emotional testimonies make me feel the impact my art has on those who engage with it, both emotionally and spiritually, and they have also contributed to the confidence I developed in my work.

Could you mention one or two specific artworks that illustrate this emotional resonance. Which are the prevalent emotions you would say your art conveys?

Two specific artworks that exemplify the emotional resonance in my art are Nova Crystallis and Fireflies in the Cabana, each with its own unique narrative and occasion.

Nova Crystallis was born for one edition of Africa Day. It challenges the perception of faith, portraying it as a continuous journey rather than a final destination. This piece encourages an active role for individuals within society, emphasizing the importance of keeping actions in reality and the world. Creating Nova Crystallis provided me with a newfound sense of confidence as an artist, marking an enriching step forward in my creative process.

Nova Crystallis

Fireflies in the Cabana emerged through my nonprofit work, and it was selected for the next cohort by renowned collectors. This recognition was a significant achievement for me, getting a bid four months after the release of this work. The piece is deeply tied to the emotions of teenagehood, as it encapsulates the warm, close memories I shared with my coach, his wife, and my grandparents during surreal summer experiences. These moments of nostalgia were etched in the setting of a cabana, where two summers of beautiful timeless memories eventually faded away, making it a poignant representation of the transient nature of life and time.

Closing Thoughts: The Future of Digital Art
Would you share your vision for the Future of Digital Art and how do you envision artists like yourself evolving in it?

The future of digital art is filled with promise. Immersive art is making its way into physical spaces, gaining recognition in offices and real-world environments. Larger institutions are embracing the art community, opening new horizons for artists like myself.

E-commerce and the integration of digital art in public spaces are growing, complemented by the popularity of RFKTs (Real-World Finance Tokens), which bridge the physical and digital realms. We're also seeing more everyday items, being tokenized through NFTs.

The functionality of NFTs will continue to play a crucial role, offering easy access through mobile devices and utilizing cryptocurrencies. 

It appears crucial to protect artists, to improve smart contracts ensuring authenticity and fair rewards. 

While there are challenges, the fine arts sector is actually most likely to suffer frauds, and replication than digital art in my opinion. 

Metadata serves as a reassurance, guarding against unauthorized replication and preserving the authenticity of digital art in a rapidly evolving landscape.

This conclude our Artist Interview, if you are curious to know more about Nygilia, find her on here.

See how Muro benefits Artists

Creative Journey and Inspirations

Artistic Background
Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your artistic background, and your experiences?

I was born and raised in upstate New York, and my early years were shaped by my passion for basketball. Playing the sport instilled in me a strong sense of teamwork and the value of fighting to achieve something greater. As I reached a certain age, I realized that my time as a professional athlete had a limited lifespan. The fast-paced rhythm of basketball left me craving a new, stimulating challenge. This mindset shift led me to pursue a career in the arts.

I decided to go overseas to pursue a master's degree, but funding was a significant concern. To support my education, I began editing and designing pieces of old films, which I sent out to various schools. Fortunately, one of these efforts paid off, and I received a scholarship offer from a school in the UK and to keep playing basketball too. This marked a significant turning point in my journey, as I now had the opportunity to combine my artistic pursuits with my international experiences.

There was a stark contrast between the worlds of sports and art, which often carried a bit of taboo. The intense rhythms of both spheres, albeit in different ways, forced me to adapt and thrive. I learned the importance of criticism, which was a strength in the sports world, and I brought that ability to analyze and improve into my art career. It helped me navigate the challenges of the art world and approach my work with a logical mindset, all while weaving a unique narrative through my creations.

Would you identify one or two milestones that shaped your creative journey?

My journey in England has been a fascinating one. The NFT space marked my second venture to the UK, and my first visit revolved around projects in communication design. However, my primary aim at the time was more about discovering the place. When I returned, I had a new goal in mind: I wanted to learn about animations and tech to tell stories. Simultaneously, I had the incredible opportunity to play in the North of England, in Newcastle.

During my stay, I delved into the world of frame animations, primarily working with PC computers. This journey began in 2018/2019 when my roommate, Rob, introduced me to the concept with his massive PC and an unused VR headset. I started experimenting with tools like Open Brush for 3D painting and recording GIFs. The pinnacle of this phase was when I painted an entire film experience, which served as my final year project for my master's degree. It was a multidimensional creation involving 2D, 3D, and VR elements, and it earned me a shortlisting in the British Animation Awards, though I didn't win due to stiff competition from established companies. This recognition was a turning point for me as I began to see myself truly blossoming as an artist.

Another significant recognition came in March 2021 when my NFT works gained attention, starting with the SuperRare platform for Africa Day. The response was overwhelming, and word of mouth played a significant role in spreading the word about my art. This experience taught me the value of patience and the realization that someone is always watching and listening, ready to connect with you. The art community, I discovered, is vast but remarkably interconnected, and I've been steadily growing within the NFT scene ever since.

Sources of Inspiration and Techniques
Oftentimes, there is more than one story behind a frame. What drives your art?

My inspiration for my creative work is a fusion of two essential components: my personal experiences and cultural background, influenced by my German-Italian heritage and my father's Caribbean West Indies roots. I draw from these diverse influences and weave them into my visual creations. My upbringing was marked by the presence of my uncle and a love for video games, particularly those with rich, narrative-driven experiences like Final Fantasy and The Legend of Zelda. These games, with their diverse characters united for a greater purpose, left a lasting impact on me. The complex strategies and interconnected narratives within them provide a wellspring of energy and inspiration for my own creative endeavors, shaping my focus on storytelling and visual narratives.

How do you usually transform an idea into a finished piece?

My creative process revolves around generating concepts and drafts, combining various imagery to bring my ideas to life. Lately, I've been particularly captivated by Generative AI, and I enjoy building systems that incorporate a wide array of tools and techniques, gradually refining them into a coherent and meaningful mixture. This exploration has led me to delve deeper into animations and create surreal environments as a natural consequence. I find joy in the playful nature of testing and experimenting, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Over the past two to three months, my focus has been on learning new tools because I recognize that this knowledge will be the key to unlocking the next phase of my creative journey.

Do you have specific techniques and methods you like to use in your art?

My process is a diverse blend of techniques and methods. I create immersive art through a mix of illustrations, collage, and glitch animations, bringing a unique visual narrative to life. To craft time-rendered systems, I turn to Touch Designer, and a note-based system allows for dynamic creations that captivate the audience.

For coding and interactive art, I employ P5Gs and Processing, offering a code-driven approach that enriches the viewer's experience. Exploring the metaverse has also opened new possibilities, especially through Unreal Engine, where I continue to push the boundaries of immersion and storytelling.

I've incorporated Vroid Studio avatars to stream in the web3 sphere, capitalizing on the emerging trend of immersion, branding, and storytelling. My work often involves connecting art archives and narratives, exploring the emotional interplay between nostalgia from childhood and the experiences of adulthood. The recurring character Alzena serves as a compelling focal point in my art, symbolizing this dynamic relationship and enriching the narrative depth of my creations. 

The immersive sphere of my work connects the dots as my journey unfolds, and the meaning of my pieces connects together, making my audience understand my world better.

What is your outlook on creative blocks or other difficulties you may encounter in your creative process?

When it comes to creative blocks or challenges within my creative process, I have a specific approach. A few weeks ago, I found myself in a situation where I had a lot on my plate and felt quite drained. It was during this time that the latest Legend of Zelda game was released, and I needed a quick escape from the pressures of daily life. I decided to immerse myself in the game and step away from my creative work for a while. Surprisingly, this temporary break from my usual routine proved to be highly inspiring. It was during my time playing the game that I gained the clarity and motivation I needed to move forward with my creative endeavors.

As I continued my creative journey, I also pushed the evolution of Alzena. She transitioned even more into the 3D realm, marking a significant transformation in her character.

It's a testament to the dynamic nature of creativity, where even challenges and creative blocks can lead to unexpected and inspiring breakthroughs.

Artistic Style and Evolution
What makes their style unique, and how has it evolved over time?

My creative focus revolves around the realm of post-humanism developed in a fantasy context, where I focus on the creation of characters who play central roles in my narratives. 

Among these characters, Alzena stands out as a prominent figure in my artistic world. What's particularly fascinating is the transformation some of these characters undergo, transitioning from 2D representations to dynamic 3D forms. This evolution lends them a sense of vitality and tangibility, whether achieved through AI or code-driven processes. 

My artistic exploration is deeply rooted in pushing these elements into the afrocentric space, where I aim to weave tales that are otherworldly and presented in a positive light. 

This approach results in a more immersive and engaging form of storytelling, drawing the audience into a realm of limitless imagination and possibilities.

Timeline of Emotional Resonance
How do you engage with your audience?

Engaging with my audience is a dynamic process, and I've adapted to the evolving landscape of the metaverse and 3D tools. These platforms have become spaces where people naturally gather to exchange value and share common interests. 

They break down barriers and foster a sense of community, where my vision is communicated through various platforms and traditionally with email subscriptions. 

The reach of these platforms often dictates sales, and it's a challenge when potential buyers are unaware of my upcoming releases. 

To address this, I'm currently developing my own website with a subscription-based model to keep my audience informed and engaged. Additionally, I've found that 3D characters and streaming offer a more direct and interactive way to connect with my audience, especially in the gaming realm, allowing for real-time engagement and communication.

How does feedback from your viewers impact the emotional connection through your art? Is there a specific or recurring mood evoked by your audience and attached to some of your pieces?

Feedback from my viewers plays a profound role in shaping the emotional connection within my art. The responses I receive often leave viewers in awe, as they describe my work as cool, otherworldly, and capable of inducing an almost out-of-body experience. 

Many have voiced the spiritual and immersive qualities of my art, evoking a sense of being transported to a space that exists beyond the ordinary. 

This connection between my art and the audience is particularly evident in the trend toward immersive 3D animated work, reflecting the power of my creations to deeply resonate with viewers. 

These emotional testimonies make me feel the impact my art has on those who engage with it, both emotionally and spiritually, and they have also contributed to the confidence I developed in my work.

Could you mention one or two specific artworks that illustrate this emotional resonance. Which are the prevalent emotions you would say your art conveys?

Two specific artworks that exemplify the emotional resonance in my art are Nova Crystallis and Fireflies in the Cabana, each with its own unique narrative and occasion.

Nova Crystallis was born for one edition of Africa Day. It challenges the perception of faith, portraying it as a continuous journey rather than a final destination. This piece encourages an active role for individuals within society, emphasizing the importance of keeping actions in reality and the world. Creating Nova Crystallis provided me with a newfound sense of confidence as an artist, marking an enriching step forward in my creative process.

Nova Crystallis

Fireflies in the Cabana emerged through my nonprofit work, and it was selected for the next cohort by renowned collectors. This recognition was a significant achievement for me, getting a bid four months after the release of this work. The piece is deeply tied to the emotions of teenagehood, as it encapsulates the warm, close memories I shared with my coach, his wife, and my grandparents during surreal summer experiences. These moments of nostalgia were etched in the setting of a cabana, where two summers of beautiful timeless memories eventually faded away, making it a poignant representation of the transient nature of life and time.

Closing Thoughts: The Future of Digital Art
Would you share your vision for the Future of Digital Art and how do you envision artists like yourself evolving in it?

The future of digital art is filled with promise. Immersive art is making its way into physical spaces, gaining recognition in offices and real-world environments. Larger institutions are embracing the art community, opening new horizons for artists like myself.

E-commerce and the integration of digital art in public spaces are growing, complemented by the popularity of RFKTs (Real-World Finance Tokens), which bridge the physical and digital realms. We're also seeing more everyday items, being tokenized through NFTs.

The functionality of NFTs will continue to play a crucial role, offering easy access through mobile devices and utilizing cryptocurrencies. 

It appears crucial to protect artists, to improve smart contracts ensuring authenticity and fair rewards. 

While there are challenges, the fine arts sector is actually most likely to suffer frauds, and replication than digital art in my opinion. 

Metadata serves as a reassurance, guarding against unauthorized replication and preserving the authenticity of digital art in a rapidly evolving landscape.

This conclude our Artist Interview, if you are curious to know more about Nygilia, find her on here.

See how Muro benefits Artists

Fireflies in the Cabana
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