A Summer of Community, Crypto, and Creative Experimentation
The ALLSHIPS Creator House residency program, in collaboration with LENS Protocol, successfully wrapped up its inaugural three-month summer season in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Serving as a physical hub for artists, this initiative was an ambitious experiment, merging creativity with blockchain technology. The program was designed to generate fresh ideas and real-world bonds within the creative and crypto communities, aiming to explore how Web3 tools could empower artists.
Rooted in the belief that blockchain unlocked abundance for artists, the residency program brought together collaboration, innovation, and a sense of shared purpose. Participants were given the space to connect, work, and present ideas. The ALLSHIPS Creator House became a gathering place for dinners, workshops, talks, and shows; a dynamic incubator for artists to consider how to merge art and tech Whether painters, photographers, or designers, the residency challenged them to rethink their creative processes by integrating decentralized tools. Rather than simply adapting their work to fit a technological mold, the space prompted deeper reflections on how blockchain’s permanence, transparency, and evolving platforms could fundamentally reshape the way art is conceived, distributed, and preserved in the new internet age.
To gain a deeper understanding of the residency's impact, we spoke with three creators from the cohort #1: Gabriela Gabrielaa, Efdot, and Roya Ghassemi. Their reflections provide insight into the ALLSHIPS Creator House and explore whether the program fulfilled its promise of offering new opportunities, highlighting any challenges or breakthroughs that emerged.
What motivated you to join the ALLSHIPS Creator House, and how has the experience influenced your creative process?
Efdot: First off, I want to say a big thank you for inviting me to be part of this beautiful initiative. Since 2020, ALLSHIPS has been one of the key communities where I’ve felt at home. Their regular events have really immersed me in the world of art and blockchain. The ALLSHIPS Creator House already had this unique pull: a mix of warm vibes, inspiring artists, cutting-edge tech, and the chance to work in a different type of Brooklyn studio. Being around other creators and showcasing my work with their WhiteWalls system brought fresh ideas that directly influenced my creative process.
Gabriella: I was craving a fresh, energetic space to kick off a new creative project. Having just wrapped up an artist residency in Soho, I was eager to dive into something new. The vibrant atmosphere of the ALLSHIPS Creator House was exactly what I needed to refocus and give myself time to explore my next endeavor.
Roya: Being surrounded by creative individuals always inspires me on my artistic journey. The environment and energy at ALLSHIPS were exceptionally positive and motivating. After spending time there and attending various events, I realized how the conversations and interactions fueled my creativity and brought new ideas.
How has your specific artistic practice evolved or been challenged through the residency, and were there any unexpected discoveries?
Efdot: During the residency, I focused on my long-term project, Cities, while leaving room for experimentation. Surprisingly, the most valuable inspiration came not from the physical space but from conversations with fellow artists passing through the house. Their perspectives encouraged me to pick up the camera and explore photography in new ways, leading to unexpected techniques like merging polaroids with digital photos.
Gabriella: I experimented with various materials, including watercolors, acrylics, and different paper textures, which was a departure from my usual practice. The biggest revelation was my newfound appreciation for the slower, more intentional process that mixed media offers. It truly enhanced my creativity and opened new avenues for expression.
Roya: Before my residency at ALLSHIPS, I was immersed in a vibrant community of creative people, which was incredibly inspiring. However, on the first day of my residency, I found myself alone, and the energy felt completely different. I realized that I thrived in the lively atmosphere when the house was full, but waking up to an empty space was initially challenging. I didn’t know where to start. Then it dawned on me that this solitude was an opportunity to connect with myself. I used this time to work on a self-portrait, channeling all the emotions I was experiencing into the piece.
As established artists, what unique opportunities or value did the ALLSHIPS Creator House offer that contributed to your next steps?
Efdot: The feedback from other artists and collectors was invaluable. Having that extra space to think and create felt transformative, and the warm, welcoming environment—filled with neon lights and art—helped clarify my ideas. The residency inspired me to consider the importance of preserving art alongside social moments, both online and offline.
Gabriella: The energy in the space reignited my excitement to pursue long-term projects. This shorter residency at the ALLSHIPS Creator House helped me gain clarity on my ideas and establish a plan for future works, including grant applications and residency programs in 2025.
Roya: The residency provided me with a unique opportunity to connect with key figures in the Web3 community, particularly the builders who usually operate behind the scenes and are not easily accessible.
Can you share a specific moment or collaboration during the program that impacted your work or perspective on community-building?
Efdot: My favorite moment was a late-night jam session with my friend Fernando Samalot, where we blended sounds and visuals, losing ourselves in the process. It reminded me that sometimes the best moments are unplanned and collaborative, showcasing the power of spontaneity in creativity.
Gabriella: Connecting with the new communities ALLSHIPS is establishing on X, Orb, and Lens Protocol was a highlight for me. I had the opportunity to share a film about my artistic career in front of an audience of innovators and artists who had never seen my work before. Their reactions and the meaningful discussions that followed were incredibly rewarding.
Roya: During the program, I invited my talented friend Molly McCutcheon to collaborate with me, which was truly transformative. One standout moment was when we began sketching together in her sketchbook. This experience deepened my understanding of collaborative creativity and shifted my perspective on how powerful collective effort can be in fostering meaningful connections and driving innovative ideas. It reminded me that community-building is not just about networking; it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels valued and inspired.
What role did the ALLSHIPS Creator House play in helping you explore onchain tech or mediums?
Eric: The residency encouraged me to experiment with onchain social media as a form of expression. Minting posts on Orb was a new experience, and seeing my work come to life on the big screens with the WhiteWalls app provided deeper insights into my practice.
Gabriella: It was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with various onchain platforms and explore new technologies. This exposure opened doors for upcoming projects and enriched my understanding of the potential these mediums offer.
Roya: The collaborative atmosphere at ALLSHIPS allowed me to exchange ideas with peers and mentors exploring innovative tech, inspiring me to think about my art in fresh, groundbreaking ways.
In what ways did being part of this first cohort expand your understanding of the intersection between art, tech, and the crypto space?
Efdot: This residency reinforced my love for the local NYC community and deepened my appreciation for how intertwined art, tech, and crypto really are. Discussions often drifted into the potential futures of digital art and how the data recorded today might shape our societies.
Gabriella: Being part of this cohort opened my eyes to the diverse forms of art welcomed in this space. I’m eager to start incorporating more exciting technologies and AI into my work and NFT drops, further exploring this intersection.
Roya: Being part of the first cohort was an immersive experience that opened my eyes to the transformative potential at the intersection of art and tech. Collaborating with artists and tech innovators broadened my understanding of how technology can extend the reach of creative expression. This can allow us to convey ideas in ways that traditional mediums cannot.
You have already been active in the space, but how do you see blockchain, Web3, and the onchain space shaping your artistic practice further?
Efdot: Blockchain is becoming the root layer where I can publish my ideas more permanently. As we witness disruptions and rebirths of art movements in real-time, I see blockchain as an essential tool for experimentation, allowing my art to evolve beyond a single moment.
Gabriella: The constant creativity encouraged by this space excites me. Engaging with other artists’ successes and navigating the challenges of the shifting market positively impacts my work, filling it with new energy and discoveries.
Roya: Blockchain and the onchain space introduce a new dimension to my artistic practice, particularly regarding provenance and ownership. It ensures that my digital works have a lasting legacy. Web3 enables me to connect directly with collectors and fans and create a more engaged community around my art. I’m excited about the potential to experiment with interactive and generative formats that respond to blockchain data. This decentralized framework aligns with my vision of art as a shared and evolving experience. This has definitely shaped my practice toward more inclusive and dynamic artistic interactions.
What’s the most important takeaway from your time at the Creator House, and how do you plan to apply it to your future projects?
Efdot: The Creator House reminded me to leave space for collaboration and let things unfold naturally. I want to create work that evolves in real-time with the people who interact with it, making art a shared experience.
Gabriella: My biggest takeaway is the importance of using my time wisely. I’ve learned to plan each day effectively, covering everything from brainstorming to social sharing. Staying productive in new spaces is incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited for my next residency.
Roya: My time at the Creator House taught me the value of embracing experimentation without fear of failure. Being in an environment where innovation and exploration were encouraged, I learned to let go of perfectionism and focus on pushing boundaries. Moving forward, I plan to integrate this mindset into my work by experimenting more boldly with new mediums and technologies, even if the outcome is uncertain. I believe this openness will allow me to create more authentic, groundbreaking work that truly reflects my evolving vision as an artist.
