We are excited to share the next article in our series, Art Blocks Collector Spotlight. Through individual collector spotlights, we explore the connections forged between collectors, artists, and the extraordinary pieces that form the essence of Art Blocks. 

The journey of each collector unveils a facet of our community’s shared enthusiasm and the profound impact of Art Blocks in cultivating a vibrant culture around digital artistry.

We’re excited to showcase the longtime collector, SuzanneNFTs. Suzanne, a digital art enthusiast, university professor, and CryptoPunks Discord moderator from Europe, began her foray into the world of cryptocurrency in 2013 with her first Bitcoin purchase. As an academic focused on Economics and Innovation, she’s keen on exploring the impact of emerging technologies on society. In addition to founding her first internet company in the early ’90s, she has explored various technological domains like big data visualization, blockchain, and AI. Her encounter with Ethereum in 2015 marked a significant turn, captivating her with its smart contract capabilities. She also enjoys writing about digital (generative) art.

Art Blocks: What initially drew you to Art Blocks, and how has your appreciation for it evolved since your first acquisition?

‍SuzanneNFT: I entered the NFT realm relatively late in 2021 with the acquisition of a Pudgy Penguins. This experience opened my eyes to the dynamics of community and the social conventions linked to owning digital art and profile pictures. My journey then led me to the CryptoPunks community, “the ones who started it all”—they’re OGs, creators, innovators, artists, and some of the most impactful collectors around. I found them to be incredibly welcoming, humble, supportive, and genuinely passionate about the NFT world as well.

Not long after getting my Pudgy Penguins, I discovered Art Blocks, and in particular, the Chromie Squiggle, which fascinated me because of its blend of art and technology. My academic interest in the history of technology naturally drew me to a day zero Chromie Squiggle as my first Art Blocks acquisition. More recently, I acquired Chromie Squiggle #999, which is, in my (biased) opinion one of the most beautiful Chromie Squiggle in the collection. To me, a Chromie Squiggle is still the cornerstone of every serious digital art collection.

I’m particularly fascinated by long-form generative art for its unpredictability and technological sophistication. Take Fidenza, for instance—each piece is distinct yet undeniably part of the same collection, all beautiful without exception. The coherence and beauty achieved across an entire series like this are truly remarkable, a feat that’s immensely challenging to accomplish.

AB: Which Art Blocks piece in your collection holds the most sentimental value, and what’s the story behind it?

‍SN: My Fidenza #128. I am absolutely in love with that piece. It hangs on the wall in my living room, and I admire it every single day. I still cannot believe it is mine. I used all my savings to acquire the piece when it became available, almost literally having to eat only soup for several months, but it was so worth it. I don’t really care for anything physical like cars, mansions, or jewelry. Art is what makes my heart sing.

AB: How do you decide which Art Blocks pieces to add to your collection? Are there specific artists or themes you gravitate towards?

SN: I am very conservative in buying art, in the sense that I don’t FOMO into every new Art Blocks release. I have a rule: I only buy pieces that I can physically put on my wall. Lack of wall space protects me from buying too many pieces and makes me research my acquisitions very carefully. I gravitate towards early Art Blocks pieces like the Chromie Squiggle, Genesis by DCA, and Construction Token (day zero set). I’m also deeply fascinated by collections like Ringers, Archetype, Singularity, and, of course, Fidenza. It’s interesting to observe people’s initial reactions to Ringers; they often perceive them as simplistic and lacking sophistication. However, as they become more familiar with the collection, they start to uncover its depth and refinement. It’s a journey from a surface-level understanding to an appreciation of the intricate details and the artistry behind each piece.

AB: How do you envision the future of Art Blocks and the larger generative art community unfolding? Are there any trends or shifts you’re excited about?

SN: I am looking forward to more fusion of AI and classic generative art and expect to see more dynamic generative art. Gazers set the stage, but I also love Nat Sarkissian’s Life and Love and Nothing collection. This is an illustration of a wildfire burning through a cabin and the surrounding hillside. Once a year, the fire will ignite and burn until the cabin and the hillside are consumed. After burning, the cabin and the hillside will regenerate, and the cycle will start again. Fascinating!

AB: For newcomers looking to start their own Art Blocks collection, what advice or insights would you offer from your journey so far?

SN: It’s important not to succumb to FOMO with every new, shiny drop that comes out. Patience is key in these matters. Focus on acquiring pieces that you truly connect with and would be proud to display on your wall for the long term. A carefully curated, smaller collection of exceptional works often holds more value and personal significance than a larger collection filled with mediocre items. Quality over quantity is a wise approach, especially in the world of art collecting.

AB: Where can people follow you and see your Art Blocks collection?

‍SN: You can find me on Twitter at @nf_suzanne.