Reflecting on Digital Identity & Community in the Art World

Five Insights: in Collaboration with .ART

Over on Instagram – in collaboration with .ART domains – I’m in the process of sharing five insights into my artwork, use of found objects, working processes, and into this very website.

As you may know, my work is not bound to any one place. My materials come from various locations (mostly around Europe) and recently my subject matter has been almost completely imagined. So, location-specific domain names never suited this website. I came across .ART around seven years ago and have used it proudly ever since, incorporating the domain into my email address and even my Instagram handle. This fits well with my ethos of simple yet effective brand alignment. Less digital clutter keeps the artwork in the foreground.

As someone involved in various artistic disciplines, I’m glad to be part of a growing community. Friends use the domain, institutions, and renowned artists like El Anatsui, known for his colossal found object creations. Anatsui talks about the transformative power of working with found objects; how it allows the public to mix their own memories of a particular object with the experience of viewing an artwork. His inspirational bottle-top installations were on view recently in the Tate Turbine Hall. Other .ART adopters include Sharon Stone, the Institute of Contemporary Arts, and the Marina Abramovic Institute.

Another aspect that drew me to .ART is their commitment to supporting the arts in meaningful ways. Funded by domain sales, their Art Therapy Initiative promotes the healing powers of art, which resonates with my belief in art’s profound impact on mental wellness. Their community is vibrant and active, offering resources like Meet the .ARTists, where artists share their creative processes, experiences with art residencies, and insights into art promotion and therapy. These sessions have been incredibly valuable, allowing me to connect with a broader audience and learn from other artists’ stories.

For artists looking to align their digital presence with their creative identity, I highly recommend considering a .ART domain. It’s been an integral part of my branding, helping me bring my diverse artistic expressions under one cohesive umbrella.