devon dejardin on guardians + spirituality ahead of his NFT release

by James · March 23, 2023

guardians: a metaphysical fusion of technology and tradition

Rising multimedia artist Devon DeJardin entered the art scene to great acclaim in 2018 with his Guardians paintings making waves with international private collectors. Now, as the creative industry continues to evolve alongside new technologies, 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 today’s digital tools to cross the boundaries of both technology and traditional thinking. In late March 2023, DeJardin will debut 998 unique NFTs inspired by his long-term study of global spiritual traditions, generated from an experimental, synchronous fusion of hand-built oil on canvas and computer-encoded assemblage. On the 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 both screen and screen, 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 works sit at a bold intersection of narrative and pictorial complexity, as he delves deeper into art historical contextual concepts while experimenting with the boundless, unifying nuances of the digital medium. ‘The integration of digital tools has heightened my fascination with the convergence of intricate imagery and compelling storytelling, and has led me to delve deeper into art historical concepts of background and context,’ he reflects.

With his debut NFT collection, the artist seeks to transport his works beyond the confines 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 on his message. To learn more about the collection, its processes and influences, and the artist’s reflections on combining innovative technology and spiritual endeavors, read our full interview with Devon DeJardin below.

all photos courtesy of Devon DeJardin

interview with Devon DeJardin

designboom (DB): Can you introduce us to the themes, shapes 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 refer to the body, the 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 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 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 foray into the Web3 sphere, how has your view of the symbolism evolved between then and now, and how does that translate onto canvas vs. screen?

DD: My re-exploration of this Guardian series highlights the importance of spiritual protection in our lives as it symbolizes the guardians who 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 revealed for you?

DD: The integration of digital tools has heightened my fascination with the convergence of intricate imagery and compelling storytelling, and has led me to delve 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 expanded consciousness, working and helping me in my next steps of creation.

Jungle NFT

DB: Do you think it is possible for the public to relate to such a heavy concept as ‘spirituality’ when they digitally experience the art, which is partly 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 variety of emotions, ideas and concepts. For example, an artist might use code to create a virtual environment that evokes a sense of peace, harmony, or transcendence. They can also use code to create interactive experiences that allow the viewer to explore and engage with the artwork in a more immersive 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 at first glance seem disconnected from the spiritual realm, it can still be a powerful tool for evoking deep emotional and spiritual experiences in viewers.

DB: Can you walk us through your creative process of building the NFT collection, your experience 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 Outlined Studies in Stable Diffusion and Quantum Probability Communion. Sable brush strokes are mixed with digital brushes. Art studio 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 the 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 a path that I am convinced will continue to expand. I feel it is important for artists to continue to touch and interact with today’s technologies in the world while maintaining the path in real life they set out to create.

Original NFT