“I don't believe we shall ever have a good money again before we take the thing out of the hands of government, that is, we can't take them violently out of the hands of government, all we can do is by some sly roundabout way introduce something that they can't stop.” - F. A. Hayek

Less than a month till Vegas! I’m excited to finally exhibit these pieces for the world to see in person. If you’re attending the @Bitcoin Magazine conference make sure to visit the art gallery and check out the @npub1rujw...00fg auction. Check out the auctions even if you’re not attending. The art this year is going to be great, and I’m proud to exhibit alongside so many talented artists.

This is one of my favorite photos so far from the photoshoot the other day. I feel like this composition should be called “Sly Roundabout Way.” What do you think?

If your wealth is meant to last for generations, why not your art?

Progress continues… ⚒️🏃🏻‍♂️ So many little details in the face to get right still, but it’s coming along. Carving from photos rather than a physical model has been a challenge, particularly in relief where the subject is positioned at an angle like Hal is here. Getting the perspective right is key. For example, carving a nose is difficult. At least for me I fend them very difficult. But now imagine carving that same nose not 1:1 but angled and having to create the illusion of real depth. I feel like relief carving is almost like painting with stone in that sense. It’s both sculpture and two dimensional illusion all in one. I’ve done relief before but never something this complex. It’s definitely been a learning experience and I have a lot left to learn before I’m comfortable working in this style.

It’s out of my hands… Picked up for professional crating and then shipping off to its new home. Always a bittersweet moment.

I always underestimate how much resin I’ll need… just ordered some more on top of the order that’s already on the way… Once it all arrives I should have more than enough for what I’m planning to do. And the leak plugged itself when the first layer cured so now we’re all good. I just poured a translucent blue layer over the first layer of opaque blue. After this will be a whole lot more clear resin up to the top of the mold. Once everything cures I’ll sand down the top surface until everything is at the same level, including the blocks protruding over the top of the mold. At least that’s the plan for now.

One of a few pieces I’m excited to be auctioning off at @The Bitcoin Conference via @npub1rujw...00fg . “Reborn” is a self portrait of sorts, using my own hand as a model, and carved from a single block of Carrara marble. "Reborn" is inspired by my Bitcoin journey and the many other people whose lives have been changed by Bitcoin. I carved the hand in the “Gyan Mudra” or the “Mudra of Wisdom or Knowledge,” with an Opendime between thumb and index finger alluding to the pursuit of Bitcoin knowledge. The hand emerges from rough, choppy water, and I've set the hand against an archway, through which, the copper leaf hints at the bright orange future made possible by Bitcoin.

Oh no! It sprung a leak! Luckily it looks worse than it is. The resin is starting to harden and the leak is tiny. Once this layer cures I should be good. Following this layer will be a translucent blue followed by clear. Already feels like I’m swimming in the mempool…

Photoshoot ✅ This sculpture ships out to its new owner later this week, but I’ll be sharing more media in the coming days. Would anyone be interested in limited edition photo prints?