Selin Çınar, known by her name “Axstone”, is a striking Turkish illustrator who masterfully fuses the old with the new. With a career spanning more than 15 years, Çınar has not only made her mark in the traditional art world, but has also embraced the ever-evolving digital world, the world of NFTs.
Selin Çınar (Axtsone)
Selin’s art is an intricate dance of innovation, fun and nostalgia. You are instantly reminded of vintage computer games and MS-DOS icons when viewing her pieces – a testament to her early encounters with gaming that instilled in her a unique brand of excitement. This love for retro elements, coupled with her predilection for detailing, characterizes her work. Her style encapsulates the essence of her childhood, giving viewers a glimpse into the early memories and passions that shaped her.
Moreover, Çınar is not committed to a strict creative procedure. The artist who once sketched meticulously before making her illustrations now tends to spontaneity. Bizarre animals, quirky human expressions and, of course, retro computer graphics are the usual suspects in her inspiration lineup.
It’s no surprise that Çınar’s unique style has caught the attention of prestigious brands and artists alike. With collaborations with names like Apple, Nike and Mercedes Benz, Selin’s footprint is evident across industries. In addition, her synergy with the music world has led to remarkable album cover designs for artists such as The Upbeats and Kazi, underlining her long-held passion for music.
Her achievements are not limited to collaborations. The international art community has featured Selin’s works in elite publications such as Vogue and Hifructose. Not to mention, her illustration credits include the album cover for “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, published by Can Publishing.
Embracing the digital age
Selin’s venture into NFTs is a testament to her adaptability and curiosity as an artist. After her introduction to the concept at Clubhouse and witnessing Beeple’s involvement, she took the plunge in June 2021. It’s a natural evolution for an artist who enjoys diversifying her art across different platforms.
“As an artist, I like integrating my art across platforms, and Web 3 is one of them.”
Selin Çınar
With dreams of settling in Japan and an unwavering dedication to her craft, Selin Çınar continues to intrigue and inspire. In a world where art is constantly evolving, Çınar stands as a beacon of nostalgia, detail and innovation, offering us a ticket to travel through her unique artistic universe.
We had the opportunity to ask Selin Çınar a few questions about NFTs and her artistic journey of more than 15 years.
NFT Now: How did you first become interested/involved in NFTs?
Selin Çınar: I uploaded my first NFT work in June 2021. I first came across NFTs in a clubhouse space where people were discussing them. I got curious and went to investigate. I saw some news about Beeple’s work, which I was already a fan of, on his IG stories on Web3 and decided to give it a shot. I have been making works as an illustrator for about 15 years. As an artist, I like to integrate my art across platforms, and Web 3 is one of them.
nft now: How would you describe your art?
Selin Çınar: I would describe my art as innovative, fun, and rich in detail with old-school elements. I enjoyed spending time with video games from a young age. My very first computer ran on the MS-DOS system. Every time I saw the icons and games I felt a great sense of excitement. That kind of experience influenced me. I take great pleasure in incorporating something from my early years into my work. I can describe myself as an artist who draws inspiration from her youth.
nft now: what does your process look like? And where do you usually find inspiration?
Selin Çınar: I’m not the kind of person who overthinks before starting a piece. It is difficult to say something clearly about my process. I used to usually make sketches before I started my illustrations, I don’t do that anymore. Now I tend to be spontaneous and sometimes I take the opposite approach. Usually I am inspired by bizarre animals and nature. Retro elements such as old computer graphics and video games, weird human expressions and their distinct styles also play a big role in my creative process.