Meet Andrew
Andrew Hooker began his artistic journey through photography, a passion that emerged while embracing a life of freedom and exploration. After serving 25 years in the Royal Australian Navy and embarking on various cycling adventures, including trips around Australia and from the Arctic Ocean to Mexico, Andrew and his wife left the "rat race" to travel in their motorhome. Photography started as a hobby, but his passion deepened over time. He reflects, "As time went on and I liked the photographs that I made more and more, I began to wonder what I could do with this new skill, but nothing actually eventuated."
Years later, Andrew discovered NFTs, which opened an opportunity to share his work with the world while also monetizing it. His creative path took an exciting turn when he encountered ICM—intentional camera movement—a technique that completely consumed him. “ICM consumed me, and I began to see everything in the world through ICM viewfinder eyes,” he shares. Rarely shooting traditional landscapes anymore, ICM became Andrew’s signature approach.
The introduction of Bitcoin ordinals further expanded his artistic expression. He credits Gamma for introducing him to the possibility of inscribing his work on the Bitcoin blockchain, stating, "The more I looked at it, the more it made sense to put my work on the original, decentralized, immutable blockchain that would be around until, well, forever." Andrew praises the support he received from Gamma’s team, particularly Brett Herskope, and looks forward to shifting more of his "best" work onto the Bitcoin blockchain in the near future.
Andrew’s Approach
Andrew’s work is defined by the nature of ICM, a technique that results in a unique visual style. He describes his approach as opportunistic due to his nomadic lifestyle, explaining, "I make images along the way where I travel, or where I camp each night." He seeks out contrasts in light, color, and shape that evoke an emotional response. If something "lights his fire," he delves deeper, adjusting his camera movements and compositions until he captures the perfect shot.
The authenticity of Andrew’s work is paramount to him. He emphasizes the importance of differentiating his images from digitally manipulated ones, noting, "I do not want my work to be confused with Photoshop techniques," especially since achieving the right look with ICM often requires many attempts. Speed is crucial, as he explains, "Too slow and it's mush; too quick and it's almost a still photograph."
Photography on Bitcoin
For Andrew, inscribing his work on Bitcoin ordinals was a natural progression. The idea of putting his art on an immutable, decentralized blockchain intrigued him. He shares, "The idea of having my work on the original decentralized blockchain and cryptocurrency excites me and it just makes sense." While the cryptocurrency itself doesn’t influence his artistic expression, it provides a means to share his work with the world and pursue his goal of making a living from his art.
Although the process of inscribing art onto the Bitcoin blockchain differs from using other methods or blockchains, Andrew feels the principle remains the same. "So far, it has been a positive experience for me," he says, reflecting on the advantages of using Bitcoin ordinals.
A Special Piece: "Twisted Arbor"
One of Andrew’s most cherished pieces is Twisted Arbor, which he created while traveling a remote dirt road he had visited multiple times. The image holds special significance because it represents years of effort to capture the beauty of the eucalypt saplings along the road. Andrew recalls the moment he saw the image on the back of his camera: "I actually yelled out in glee. Good job there I was in the middle of nowhere."
Express Yourself
Andrew’s artistic journey began with digital photography; he had no background in traditional art forms like painting or drawing. However, digital photography, particularly ICM, has allowed him to express himself in ways he never thought possible. He reflects, "Digital art means I can now say I am an artist of some kind."
Life Lessons
Through his artistic journey, Andrew has gained a new perspective on the world. He shares, "It has allowed me to delve deeper into my own environment and to open my eyes to the way the world sees art." Reflecting on the lessons he’s learned, Andrew, now 65, urges others to live life on their own terms: "Do life your way, on your terms, and never regret anything. Be kind to everyone, regardless. Uplift others every chance you get."
How to Stay Original
Interestingly, Andrew does not point to specific artists or art movements as direct influences. Instead, he prefers to chart his own path, saying, "I just make art my way and just the way I like it." When his new work resembles an earlier piece, Andrew ensures the new creation is an improvement, aiming to constantly elevate his artistic output.
Adaptation and Learning
As an artist navigating the fast-paced digital space, Andrew has learned to pace himself. "The digital space and crypto move very fast, and for an older brain like mine, at times, it moves too fast," he admits. Andrew has found peace by focusing on what he understands and not letting FOMO (fear of missing out) dictate his decisions. "I don't want a job," he jokes, explaining his approach to balancing creative passion with the demands of the crypto world.
What’s Next
Andrew’s goals for the future are straightforward but meaningful. He hopes for his work to become easily recognizable, desirable, and present in collections, homes, and offices. Though he currently doesn’t have any specific projects in the pipeline, he hints at some ideas still in development.
Just Try It
For emerging digital artists, Andrew’s advice is simple yet powerful: "Believe in yourself. Believe in your art. Get onto Gamma.io and just do it." His words reflect his own journey, filled with adventure, self-discovery, and a passion for art.
