NFT-ARTIST: NftPortaL
Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the artist Ozlem Okuyan - a Turkish artist with a passion for dark art - better known as "NftPortaL" to talk about her current exhibition at CREO Gallery. In our conversation, we explored 16 different topics, from her artistic development to her passion for NFT art. Throughout our conversation, it became clear that NftPortaL's art not only reflects her own experiences, but is also a commentary on the world around us. Join me as we delve deeper into the mind of this talented artist and explore the inspiration behind her thought-provoking creations.
ARTISTIC CAREER
Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I ended
up moving to art ever since I could remember.
However, I wasn't only focused on being an artist. I
actually focused on moving up the career ladder.
My art adventure started with the drawings I made
in painting classes in primary school. After trying
all kinds of painting techniques, when I realized
that oil paint gives me more pleasure, I started to
progress in this technique. I decided to switch to
digital art when I started learning the photoshop
program at the beginning of last year.
What started as a hooby opened me up to a real
love of Nft Art, something up until that point I
really had no interest in. I’m glad it did, because
every NFT effort I’ve done has always been a real
high point in my personal record of things. Also, I
think the idea of being in a communal learning
environment has really helped in creating, as well
as keeping my head on the ground.
ART STYLE
I was doing oil painting style of portrait and
abstract art before I got into Nft community. I
decided that, if I was going to go into an art
setting, I would attempt to do abstract and dark
art together, as I felt one begets the other. Dark art
was a self-defined pursuit, and I am truly
appreciative for the amazing dark art community
in helping me along the way.
SPECIAL PROJECT
Eyes of Darkness Collection
They are the ones who possess the souls of the
black spot that has lost their light and has fallen
like a veil over the dark souls. They are the third
eye of darkness and the servants.
OVERCOME CHALLENGES
Committing to an idea is difficult and so it’s best to
try and move to finish a few at a time,
understanding that usually you’ll end up fully
finishing only one.
PROCESS OF CREATING
For me, it’s really important to not become
stagnant in art. Because of this, I try and create
something every day. I do maybe two or three
sketches until I get one I really like. I save them all
because it’s important to remind yourself of your
thought process. You can always go back and
sample ideas from one concept into another.
TECHNOLOGY INFLUENCE
There are things that I felt were very limiting about
being in only digital art. There are parts of me that
I thought could be better expressed in a realm
where those limitations are removed. I’ve always
been attracted to AI and so I began looking
towards programs that helped me to create what
it was that I thought to be AI art.
CHALLENGING PROJECT
The Inktober event, which consisted of daily theme
drawings, which I attended for the first time this
year, was a really challenging process for me. I
worked with the theme of halloween, which was
the agenda of that month. Currently on sale in my
OhMyGouth collection.
CULTURAL INFLUENCE
Art; It is the projection of our life. Art has always
carried the beliefs of peoples in its bosom…
I try get out to the exhibitions and theaters now
and again, same for museums. It’s good to get
away from it a bit and reconnect with the world. It
also helps to reconnect to other forms of art. The
ideas you find in the other realms of art really do
aid you when you get back and are ready to create.
FINDING ART COLLECTORS
Just get your artwork out there! There’s really no
secret here. Post as much of your work in as many
places as you can. You’ll eventually get noticed.
The real skill is figuring out how to do this and not
be annoying about it!
BOLD MOVE
Of course, it was my decision to move dark art. I
have very successful friends in the dark art
community. All of them inspired me to walk this
path. First of all, I tried to create my own style.
Then I presented my first collection, Dark Country,
to the community. The feedbacks made me happy
and motivated.
NFT COMMUNITY
Trust the community. The world of NFT has some
of the most amazing members in it. With free
tutorials and low-cost, complete courses, as well as
the wealth of spaces and members willing to give
you a hand figuring out a concept or model, it’s the
only industry where a legendary veteran and a
novice could be on the same forum thread
critiquing the same piece. You have a direct line to
all the artists you find stellar. Never be afraid to ask
for help, or to show off your work. Just make sure
you’re polite about it.
COLLABORATION
I think collaborating in general has an amazing
trusting quality to it. It truly shows you what you
don’t actually know. It also forces you to
understand how to genuinely trust others and how
to communicate ideas in a concise way.
As of now, we are running the Witches Club
Project with my dear friend AvaceRestore. In the
pipeline I am the creator. I give life to the concept.
But the modeler creates life – the ideas from which
it all comes from.
MAINTAIN AUTHENTICITY
As far as artistically, beyond what I’ve already said,
I’ve learned to trust another set of eyes even if
those eyes aren’t nearly as experienced as mine.
I’ve also learned to never underestimate myself or
anyone else, because I’ve seen greatness come out
of my friends. The community had me working
along side my friends, and showed me that you
can always learn another way of doing something.
FUTURE OF NFTS
The artist creates his work not for the financial
benefits, but for the excitement of the society.
That's why art never ends, enjoying art never ends,
so NFT, the digital form of art, never ends.
GOAL
For my NFTs to hopefully be enjoyed and
recognised by others for it's unique content, I want
my art to light a candle in the dark. I think it's
important for me to realise that growth in itself, is
an great artistic goal we don't often recognise, as
we are just wanting to arrive somewhere, but
growth is really my goal and something I
continually strive for. If I am reaching that goal on
a daily basis, I believe that all else will follow.
ADVICE TO NEWCOMERS
Communication really grounds all the ideas you’ve
learned up until that point. I can’t even tell you
how much I’ve actually learned from the
community . It also helps that I’ve connected
multiple levels and ages, which tests your ability to
shrink ideas into bite-size pieces.
"My name is Ozlem Okuyan and I’m the artist behind NftPortaL, an account where you can find my darkarts. I am artist who get lost in shades of dark art, try to capture a certain mood or feeling. I am interested in the story than its characters."
Website: linktr.ee/Nft_PortaL
Twitter: @Nft__PortaL