Journal #001
I'm going to use t2world to document a bit of my process building Metaversité. I've talked about why education is a core value of mine before and I've also shared why the world's innovation Stockholm was our choice for the next edition of this creative/tech series.
Part of education is access and while there is an undeniable power in IRL learning, the internet allows us to provide access to those who might not have it. My first computer changed my childhood unlocking a new knowledge layer. Artificial intelligence is constantly referred to as the most disruptive technology of our lifetime. So how can we provide access to this knowledge layer to inspire disruptive ideas?
This is the point of Metaversité. Creatives often feel trapped when it comes to executing technical ideas. Tech teams are constantly innovating on digital technology but often fail to meet the needs of manual technologists with their products. What if they shared the same table, learned new skills, and found ways to overcome these challenges?
Most of what I write will be a stream of consciousness, sharing frameworks, methods, and concepts I think can be helpful when providing a space for a hybrid workshop like this. We were calling it a creative hackathon, and I think this still stands, but in truth, it is something much more.
One of the components I am thinking a lot about is the online experience. How can we create a virtual "Go" space that educates, empowers, and engages curious and determined creatives? How can we provide art resources, and interactive experiences that help the technical-minded learn about artistic processes, challenges, and roadblocks?
Based on my last three years in the blockchain and 16 months in AI some things I've learned and think are valuable to share in both the online and IRL sessions.
Manual Technology - Technical artists are manual technologists. A technical actor can recite a monologue or expert from memory, a technical dancer can easily land a double pirouette. Technical painters can replicate complex scenes with accurate perspectives. Technical expertise is required in filmmaking, architecture, design...the list goes on. Will AI eat these industries? How will creatives use the technology? How can digital technologists discover and appreciate the nuance of creative excellence?
Schools of Thought - The diversity of perspectives has always been a cornerstone of intellectual and artistic progress. The concept of 'schools of thought' has been influential since ancient times, notably in Ancient Greece, where philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle established foundational principles that have shaped Western philosophy. In the realm of art, traditional schools such as the Renaissance, led by figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, and later movements like Impressionism, pioneered by artists such as Monet and Renoir, have each contributed unique visions and techniques. This diversity is also evident in modern artistic movements, such as Expressionism and Cubism, led by artists like Matisse and Picasso, respectively. These varied approaches have resulted in rich, multifaceted perspectives that enhance our understanding and appreciation of art and thought. Leveraging this diversity, we can foster a collective yet diverse ecosystem that follows the evolution of the collective consciousness of culture. By embracing varied schools of thought, we encourage a dynamic interplay of ideas and creativity, enriching our cultural landscape and promoting a deeper understanding of the world around us. (This paragraph was co-generated with Chat GPT).
Blockchain Layers - Emerging tech is complex and it's coming fast. There's AI, AR, VR, XR. But there's also Blockchain, DeFi, ReFi, and Crypto. What are the true benefits of these technologies when paired with creative industries? How do we experiment with use cases and design solutions that uphold the values and goals of decentralization, an abundant creator economy, and an "updated version" of the web? How can these things solve some of the gaps, "the black box of data" that Verité refers to, the inability to find and retain an audience, and the need for sustainable revenue streams?
Understanding Assets - a song, a Crypto Punk, and a digital painting walk into a marketplace. When everything is presented on a two-dimensional device how can people understand the value of an asset? Fashion is something you can feel when you look at an image, A song is something you can hear and feel and with visuals see, a digital collectible you can see but it's the community you can't see that helps drive its value. Unpacking the relationship between technology and tokenized assets, and thoroughly examining the difference between - visuals, memberships, perks, and experiences (which IMO includes music) could help artists and creatives understand how to use the tech for their goals.
IP & Regulation - Intellectual property must be discussed when talking about new technologies. How can people get a good overview of these restrictions and also start to think outside of the box when it comes to the creation of "new things."?
When working in markets like Sweden it's important to be transparent to legal so that those who participate can feel confident with the information presented as a whole. How can this be presented in an informative but light way where people feel like they have a good understanding of where we are and where we are going?
So Where Do I Begin? With What I Know
Museums are great at constructing content for children. But these concepts about art are incredibly valuable to anyone curious about art. What does a re-imagined version of this sketchbook look like? Could you get one when you enter a virtual space and collect things on your journey? Could you be rewarded for learning?
Methodology is a core of technical arts and many of these principles appear in different forms depending on the discipline or industry. A method I like is the Walt Disney Method, for creating different sizes of the same core concept.
The next focus is on our online spaces. We've just started our Console which will be our resource and community portal. We will also be experimenting next with the concepts for the virtual space in Mona. Stay tuned.
If you'd like to support this project we are part of this season's Artizen Fund. We are also open to partners who are interested in us onboarding and creative resources around their project, and incorporating them in the series.
