devon dejardin on guardians + spirituality ahead of his NFT drop

guardians: a metaphysical fusion of technology and tradition

Rising multimedia artist Devon DeJardin entered the art scene with high acclaim in 2018 with his Guardians paintings which made waves with international private collectors. Now, as the creative industry continues to evolve alongside emerging technologies, and more and more artists are exploring the potential of NFTs, he revisits his original series for his first foray into the Web3 sphere. In a continuation of his journey of healing and introspection, he takes on digital tools of the day to traverse the boundaries of both technology and traditional thinking. At the end of March 2023, DeJardin is set to debut 998 unique NFTs inspired by his long time study of global spiritual traditions, generated from an experimental, synchronous fusion of hand-built oil on canvas and computer coded assembly. On screen, ‘the controlled and the randomly generated combine to form a unique work of art that goes beyond ‘meta’ and into the metaphysical,’ DeJardin tells designboom ahead of the collection’s launch.

On canvas and screen alike, the LA-based spiritual creative explores the concept of guardians — ‘entities that protect, guide, and challenge us to grow’, as he puts it — rendered in his characteristic cubist-influenced voluminous geometric figures. At once architectural, organic, and introspective, the new digital works sit at a bold intersection of narrative and pictorial complexity, as he experiments with the boundless, unifying nuances of the digital medium. ‘The integration of digital tools has amplified my fascination with the convergence of intricate visuals and compelling storytelling, prompting me to venture deeper into art historical concepts of background and context,’ he reflects.

With his debut NFT collection, the artist seeks to transport his body of work beyond the scope of an exhibition hall and showcase his highly sought-after physical paintings in a more accessible digital format for the art and Web3 communities, allowing a wider audience to reflect upon his message. To find out more about the collection, its processes and influences, and the artist’s reflections of fusing innovative technology and spiritual endeavors, read our full interview with Devon DeJardin below.

all images courtesy of Devon DeJardin

interview with Devon DeJardin

designboom (DB): Can you introduce us to the themes, forms, and symbolism behind your original Guardians paintings?

Devon DeJardin (DD): I have a background studying spiritual traditions from around the world, and a deep appreciation for the emotional, muscular abstraction of Picasso, Nevelson, Duchamp, Krasner. My paintings, drawings, and sculptures reference the body, forces of nature, and the application of philosophy to lived experience. With a sense of geometry that is both architectural and organic, and a refined palette, my main body of work muses on strength, fragility, control, and surrender.

Ultimately, my work focuses on guardians — on entities and forces that protect us, guide us, and challenge us to grow. But often, our real life guardians come in forms we don’t recognize: challenges that force us to learn new skills, losses that teach us emotional resilience, crises that show us our inner strength.

Atlantis NFT

DB: Revisiting this series after several years for your first venture into the Web3 sphere, how has your viewpoint on its symbolism evolved between then and now, and how is that translated on canvas vs screen?

DD: My re-exploration of this Guardian series highlights the significance of spiritual protection in our lives, as it symbolizes the guardians that watch over us and guide us through life’s journey. Each piece is a reminder of the nurturing and protective aspects of the human spirit that help us navigate through life with grace and courage. With both canvas and digital, the worlds around these figures have expanded along with the symbolism within them.

DB: What new dimensions has this integration of digital tools unravelled for you?

DD: The integration of digital tools has amplified my fascination with the convergence of intricate visuals and compelling storytelling, prompting me to venture deeper into art historical concepts of background and context. Digital tools have also revealed complex designs that can be integrated and referenced for my IRL studio process. It feels like multiple extended consciousness, working and aiding me in my next steps of creation.

Jungle NFT

DB: Do you think it is possible for audiences to relate to such a heavy concept as ‘spirituality’ when digitally experiencing the art, which is partially created through code?

DD: Yes, I think it is possible. While code is often associated with technology and science, it can also be used to create art that can evoke deep emotional and spiritual experiences.

Art created through code can be designed to convey a range of emotions, ideas, and concepts. For example, an artist can use code to create a virtual environment that evokes a sense of peace, harmony, or transcendence. They may also use code to create interactive experiences that allow the viewer to explore and engage with the artwork in a more profound way.

Additionally, many people have already experienced spiritual and emotional connections through digital art. This can be seen in the popularity of meditation apps, virtual reality experiences, and interactive installations that aim to evoke deep emotional and spiritual experiences. Therefore, while digital art created through code may seem disconnected from the spiritual realm at first glance, it can still be a powerful tool for evoking deep emotional and spiritual experiences in viewers.

Devon DeJardin revisits his pivotal Guardians series for his first foray into the Web3 sphere

DB: Can you talk us through your creative process of building the NFT collection, your experience of co-creating with AI, and other technologies?

DD: This digital collection is a ‘perfect’ experiment. It is a combination of hand-built oil on canvas and computer coded assembly. Underpainting and sketched studies in communion with stable diffusion and quantum probability. Sable brush strokes mingle with digital brushes. Art studio space and photoshop. The known and the unknown. The controlled and the randomly generated combine to form a unique work of art that goes beyond ‘meta’ and into the metaphysical. The Javascript that completes the creation destroys itself after generating nine hundred and ninety-nine massive canvases.

DB: Going forward, will you continue to expand your Web3 explorations? Where will Guardians lead you next?

DD: I see myself continuing to push the boundaries in all facets of art. NFTs and Web3 will be an extension of my current IRL practice and will be used to create more immersive experiences… worlds around my work. This is an extension of my painting and sculpture practice and an avenue that I firmly believe will continue to expand. I feel that it is important for artists to continue to touch and interact with current world technologies while maintaining the path in real life they set out to create.

Original NFT