// PLEASE COULD YOU GIVE US A LITTLE INTRODUCTION TO OUR READERS?
Hi, I’m Schoony, a London based sculptural artist exploring 3D technologies such as 3D scanning, digital modelling and 3D printing to create my works physically and digitally. My work currently relates to commercialism, anti-violence, and contemporary Western society’s detached relationship to warfare. I have also dove into the NFT world, Magic Moons.
// HOW DID YOU BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY WITH SPECIAL EFFECTS AND PROSTHETICS?
My father would always take me on sets with him whilst working on special effects for films when I was growing up. He would take my brother and I on set and we would be blown away. By 15, I began working with my dad on films in the special effects prosthetics and speciality props departments. This led me to venture on fantastic adventures globally, working on films like Harry Potter, Star Wars, Back Hawk Down and Rambo.
// WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
I find inspiration in the realities of life, odd as that may sound. Being an artist means I have a platform that can carry a powerful message. So I have created art that addresses real-life issues, like domestic abuse. Bruiser, for example, was to address the often unrecognised or unspoken issue of domestic abuse in Britain. But also other issues such as the harsh realities of war (Boy Soldier), and love and beauty (Butterfly kiss).
// WHAT INFLUENCED THE CREATIVE DESIGN BEHIND BOY SOLDIER AND BOXING GIRL?
Boy Soldier was made through the eyes of mothers that saw their young children go off to war. Even when they are grown up, mothers will always see their little boy. I used a life cast of my nephew Kai for the piece. It represented a future I do not want for my nephew. I believe that’s the reason why this piece was so relatable to many people. It was a way of highlighting the injustice of sending young children to war.
Bruiser (Boxing Girl) was modelled on my daughter. I was looking at her growing up and at the same time, seeing the injustice that is happening in the world to females. So the girl wears boxing gloves to show defiance, as a way of standing up to challenges. I know my daughter has to be a strong fighter to survive and thrive in this world.
// TELL US ABOUT A PROJECT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF AND WHY?
I would say Boy Soldier because it resonated with real people and the real world.
In terms of movies, I would say ‘Rambo’. We travelled to Thailand for the 2008 film. I remember it was a very luxurious time – the hotel was brilliant. I also really enjoyed working on the special effects, we had so many explosives going off everywhere in the prosthetics for the movie. I also got to meet Sylvester Stallone who was directing at the time.
// WHAT ROLE DO YOU THINK PROSTHETICS DESIGN AND SPECIAL EFFECTS COULD PLAY IN THE METAVERSE?
I bought a bit of land from Sandbox. In the future, I see myself having a gallery in the metaverse where all my art is and people from all over the world can come and visit it.
// WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE ARTIST?
My favourite artist is James Jean, whose work inspires me. Every time I see his new work I think, ‘how did he come up with that?’ I really enjoy his creativity. I got a few of his old books that I really enjoy.
// WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM YOUR COLLABORATIONS WITH ARTISTS?
The collaboration I did with Chemical X was really fun – this created The Spirit Of Ecstasy. I 3D scanned model Cara Delevigne and recreated her in a hyper-realistic silicone finish. She was then mounted into an acrylic pane which had around 9000 ecstasy tablets laminated within it.
I also worked with Iris Van Herpen on another large project. We were briefed to make a hyper-realistic oversized head of model Iekeliene Stange. The final sculpture, Lucid Dreams, was several metres in length and transported to Austria where Swarovski portrayed it in their Biomorphism exhibition, in celebration of Iris Van Herpen’s works.
‘Burnished Gold Edition’ was completed alongside Wrang Man Rugman, embodied by the hotrod period.
This caricature version of everybody’s favourite cartoon rodent draws inspiration from Big Daddy Roth, the master himself. Biker Skull encapsulates both artists’ historical love of art, toys, Americana, motorbikes, tattoo culture and horror movies. It is the first prototype in their very limited edition series.
Working with David Walker on ‘Imagination Head’ was also a highlight.
// HOW DO YOU TAKE A BREAK AND RECHARGE?
I find it hard to switch off my brain, but I would try by taking my daughter to the park, and we would also take our scooters and go on some good adventures – which is quality time spent with her. At night I listen to audiobooks and podcasts to help me sleep. I’m currently listening to ‘Top Flight Time Machine.
During the pandemic, I had a lot of free time. My wife showed me an online movement of 3D print face shields to help during the shortage. I thought to myself this would be an amazing way for me to help the hospitals during the crisis that was happening. I started using 3D printers to produce face shields, we worked night and day for months and produced thousands of masks which were sent to hospitals for the NHS staff.
// WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN THE WORLD OF NFT’S THAT MADE YOU WANT TO PURSUE IT?
I’m always wanting to push new boundaries and pursue 3D technologies. It seemed like a logical transition since I have a library of digital work. I like exploring new technologies and how I can use them which is initially how I began investing in cryptocurrencies a while back.
To then see utilising technologies associated with minting digital art was a very exciting thing. This is especially because it provides another platform to share and distribute my work globally as I’m always wanting to reach as many people as possible with my art. It’s an amazing opportunity for people to now own a unique Schoony piece of art.
The art world can be intimidating as the point of entry is not really accessible to everyone. The beauty of the Magic Moons NFTs is that they are available to a larger market, most likely people passionate about unique and creative art work. This provides them with an entry point and so makes it less intimidating too.
// TELL US MORE ABOUT THE NFT PROJECT YOU ARE PLANNING TO LAUNCH, THE STORY BEHIND IT AND WHY?
We have chosen to launch unique Schoony Magic Moons NFTs in 3 drops, the 1st taking place on 16 April 2022 (See www.magicmoons.io).
Following our successful blast off into the NFT universe, 50% of our mint proceeds are going into our new bitcoin mining operations, providing regular real utility rewards for our holders and so regular financial returns on your investment. This is a distinctive market offering, it’s almost longer term art for free.
// WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO REMEMBER YOU BY, AT THE END OF YOUR CAREER?
A good human being – who loves creating unique pieces of art that address prominent issues, and change the way people think about key issues.
I want my work to have made a difference in the world even if it’s simply starting up a conversation on the issues, or at least, opening people’s eyes to many of the issues that are happening in the world.
// WHEN IS THE MAGIC MOONS NFT PROJECT GOING TO BE RELEASED?
On the 16 April 2022. You can find all the information needed at Magic Moons
// CAN YOU GIVE US A SNEAK PEEK OF UPCOMING FUTURE PROJECTS?
Currently, I am focusing on my NFT launch which will drop soon. Any further information you would like to know about me can always be found on my website and social media.
https://www.instagram.com/magicmoonsnft/
https://discord.com/invite/magicmoonsnft
