Feature Artist - Shakti Gomez

Artist: Shakti Gomez

X Profile: @shaktigomez_

Artwork: Inevitable

Artwork: Keltse

Artwork: Nessa

Artwork: Marga & Rita

Shakti Gomez is an artist who stands out in the world of NFTs for her use of red, black, and grey tones which evoke a moody and intense atmosphere in her work. She skillfully uses the female form as a central motif, creating striking and beautiful images that capture the attention of the viewer. Her work is recognisable for its mysterious and beautiful style, which exudes an aura that is both captivating and alluring.  Shakti's  use of colour and form creates a haunting and surreal world that draws the viewer in, leaving them both mesmerized and unsettled. The attention to detail in her work is also pleasing, with every line carefully placed to create an atmosphere that celebrates sensuality and mysticism. Shakti's' work is an exploration of the occult with each piece conveying a message that goes beyond the surface, drawing inspiration from the supernatural and mystical world. Her work is truly unique, with its haunting imagery and subtle symbolism. Shakti's work is a true testament to the creativity that can be found in the NFT community and her pieces are undoubtedly worth exploring for anyone looking for a new and unique art experience.

What medium do you enjoy working in the most? 

I tend to lean towards digital, I really like the convenience of it and the accessible options you have in a little screen. It’s what I use on my current artworks. I use Procreate and Apple pencil. 

The language I am developing right now has me wanting to explore more and more, to grow more. I pay a lot of attention to composition and use of color (even if scarce), and I always do my best to convey my ideas in a way that feels right or truthful. This means that my creative process might go through several changes, and having the layer feature makes it all the easier for me to play with composition, element placements and color, so the digital medium is very convenient for that matter. It’s also very forgiving if you let artwork simmer before considering it “finished”, as there’s always last minute detail changing, which could be more nuanced in a traditional medium.

That being said, I like the unforgiving nature of a pen on paper for sketches, I prefer it rather than sketching on digital. Limiting myself for the initial spark of ideas feels right. Like I’m only leaving space for what’s essential. I always bring a little white-paged notebook and a regular pilot pen in my bag, in case I am tackled by the muses. If I make a mistake, or have to rethink, I have to sketch from scratch, and that always gives me a better result. May seem weird, but it’s what works for me.

What inspires you to create? 

Nature is a source I take lots of my creative energy from. It’s inspiring in that sense, because it fuels me. I am lucky to have plenty of nature not too far from where I live, and if the weather is right, I drive there to let myself be inspired. One time, I went to a forest with some art tools and slept there. The morning after was so special with the light, the birds sounds, the tree leaves, that I got really inspired and scribbled for a long time. I really want to do that again.

Visiting art galleries and museums also gives me that push to create. Or grabbing one of my art books from the shelf and diving into our rich art history. I like not to forget where all of us artists come from, I believe we do what we do because of the art that has existed before.

Other than that, music and certain lyrics that stick with me do a lot of helping with my concepts, like they give ideas on how to communicate. Honestly I could not draw without music.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

I draw my love for creatures from artists like William Blake, mythology and my helpless bookworm nature. Ever since I was a teen, I have loved reading fantasy genres (I could talk to you about Tolkien for hours) and they were always filled with different creatures and magic that I find so captivating. But I don’t always make creatures.

The feminine figure is almost always present in my pieces, as I see so much emotion and strength in us women, but also sheer imperfection, which I find beautiful. They are usually the starting point of all my ideas.

The art style I use I could not point a finger exactly where it comes from, the main influence would be symbolism and surrealism in art history…  it could also be tattoo art, block-printing, old-school tarot deck art…

With all this, I put effort into creating a language of my own, telling more with less, making my own recognizable style. I want to make something only Shakti can make.

How long have you been in the NFT space? 

Being a freelance artist for several years prior, I started to hang out in the NFT space in March 2022 (when I opened my Twitter account). I was curious to see what it was all about and if it was a place for me. Plot twist, it was, so I minted my first piece late June. Ever since, it’s been a rollercoaster, with its ups and downs, but the ups are more notable so far, so I am happy. I’ve found a huge amount of support towards me and my art, which I am super thankful for, and fuels me to keep going.

What is your vision for your future in NFTs?

The NFT space is so fast paced, so quick in changes and trends, that I sometimes have a hard time keeping up. But I plan to stay here long-term and so far, I have high hopes for the space and where NFT art is directed.

I see a place where I can develop my artistic career alongside a lovely supporting community, so I plan on growing and giving back to it as much as I can.

With time, I would also like to have the time to explore some traditional mediums like oil or acrylic on canvas and translate my art there, in a way that I can make it work with NFTs.

All in all, I am very excited for what’s to come and keep bringing my best game.

Written By: Jasmine Lissau

For more information: linktr.ee/jassyl