Von Bitcoin Art
I believe Bitcoin art is a record of the times and a call to action. It is frustration with how things are, but also hope for how things can be. My artwork is inspired by Bitcoin and Bitcoiners.
I have worked in various mediums over the years, including resin and concrete with upcycled mining equipment and Opendimes from Coinkite, but recently I have taken on the challenge of carving stone. Stone carving with hammer and chisel is a long and multi-faceted process. To me, it is the highest, artistic embodiment of Bitcoin's proof-of-work and low time-preference culture.
There were a number of inspirations for my move to stone carving. First and foremost, The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous, which taught me about about many things, including the concept of time preference. Credit is also due to Citizen Bitcoin, who opens every podcast with the phrase "Welcome to the Dawn of the Bitcoin Reinaissance." Hearing this over and over again made me realize that it is up to us to make that vision a reality. If not now, then when? If not us, then who? And finally, I have to thank Alyse Killeen, who recommended a Michelangelo biography called The Agony and the Ecstasy, which gave me the courage to attempt an art form I had always thought to be out of reach.
Below is a selection of the pieces I am most proud of. Some are works in progress. Some have been sold or are currently for sale (Contact sales@vonbitcoinart.com), and some are completed pieces that will soon be for sale via Lightning auction on Scarce.city.
This is my first sculpture in white marble. At a high level, my intent was to express the idea that Bitcoin is freedom. Carved in the “non finito” style, the Bitcoin symbol appears forever in the process of freeing itself from the block in order to represent not only the freedom that Bitcoin brings, but the process all Bitcoiners go through to free themselves from financial tyranny.
“The Cryptographer’s Stone” - Sold at Auction
This piece is my first sculpture carved in stone. It is inspired by the Rai stones used for hundreds of years as money on the Yap Islands in the Pacific as well as the mythical philosopher’s stone. It is a synthesis of old money and new. It represents our progression from imperfect stores of value susceptible to corruption, to Bitcoin, the purest, most unassailable form of money we have ever seen.
“Bitcoin Lives” - For Sale
This piece was inspired by the many times I came across individuals and headlines declaring that "Bitcoin is dead." Bitcoin is not dead. Bitcoin is alive...
“Jewel of Satoshi” - For Sale
The centerpiece of this mixed media sculpture is a large resin "Jewel" featuring repurposed dollar bills, metallic pigments, and the anonymous mask that has become a symbol of Satoshi Nakamoto. It sits against a backdrop of "Bitcoin Citadels" created from upcycled Antminer S9 hashboards, and the piano black shadowbox comes pre-installed with LED lights that cause the "Jewel" to glow.
“Genesis Block #2” - Sold to Private Collector
As with many of my pieces, this interpretation of the Genesis block features an Opendime from Coinkite. By embedding an Opendime, the piece can serve not only as a work of art, but also as a literal store of value.
“Genesis Block #1” - Sold at Auction