Antonio Werli: Curiosity, Style & Persistence (Interview)

Who is Antonio Werli?

Antonio Werli is a French visual artist based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He also worked as a literary translator and publisher for two decades.

Self-taught, he has worked with traditional techniques and digital tools, which led him to forge a personal style and a syncretic universe of different inspirations. His work is characterized by patient meticulosity, surreal atmospheres, minimalist abstraction, and expressionist gestures.

He joined the NFT space in January 2022 seduced by the effervescence of the art scene on Tezos. Since then he also learned coding technics and created several generative artworks.

What does your creating process look like?

It's kind of a spontaneous deal for me – I don't really have a set routine (I'm not the most disciplined, to be honest). The kick-off is all about sensing a moment that'll start something. It's this mix of timing, inspiration, and that burning desire that leads me to throw a sheet of paper on the table and start sketching (seriously, every time it begins like this for me – dots, lines, playing with shadows and forms, going all in with spontaneity and chance). And then, well, it's a "let's see what happens" kinda deal.

After these sketching sessions (could be a couple of hours in one go or scattered over several days), I always take a beat to reflect or meditate on what I've whipped up. Not just to figure out if the piece is heading in a satisfying direction (visually or emotionally), but also to figure out if it's trying to tell me something. This is when I start grasping what's going on – is it a one-off creation, a part of a series, a preliminary concept that needs a whole different technique, or maybe something that's got a narrative or a concept of its own? Could also be an aesthetic statement or even something that's better left in the creative dustbin.

From this point on, it's like a map with endless routes. Sometimes, what I initially dashed out on that "first impulse" sticks around as a finished artwork. But more often, it's just the spark of an "idea." And that's when the real journey begins. I’ll take days, months, or even years to work on an idea, and I might approach it from different angles and techniques. These "ideas" are like the heart of my art, even if they don't always play out in words or concepts.

Who are 2-3 artists you admire or respect that you think deserve (even) more recognition?

Ever since I hopped onto the NFT scene, I've crossed paths with heaps of artists from every corner of the globe. And let me tell you, it's been an absolute blast for almost two years now. There's this whole bunch of them that I seriously look up to and hold in high regard. They're not just amazing at what they do, but they're also just really good souls. But singling out a couple of names? That just wouldn't do justice to them.

However, I can definitely throw some love towards one artist who's been a massive influence on me (regardless of the creative realm). It's none other than the American legend – musician, composer, producer, and filmmaker Frank Zappa. His artistic journey is like the gold standard of integrity, honesty, passion, and top-notch excellence. Zappa (who is not just a weirdo who has played rock all his career) is the ultimate embodiment of a total artist package. Overflowing with inspiration, talent, and an insatiable curiosity, he was constantly experimenting and pioneering in all sorts of realms, working against all trends, and struggling all the time to accomplish the idea of the best music he could offer.

***Study for the Cabinet of Dr Caligari I*** *by Antonio Werli*

What is something you wish someone had told you before becoming an artist?

When I was a teenager and an aspiring artist, I was fortunate to have the understanding and encouragement of my parents. Despite lacking the means to pursue a professional career in the arts, I took it upon myself to secure a job and engage in other paid activities. This gave me the freedom to create in the manner and pace I wanted to.

However, there was a longer period in my life during which I didn't give due credence to the encouragement I received from people outside the art world. In retrospect, I recognize their value in fortifying one's aspirations and dreams, even if they appear symbolic. While I am content with my creative output since that time (and proud of my achievements in other realms), I also sense that I fell short artistically. I invested a significant amount of time doing things other than art.

After twenty-five years, I can offer two pieces of advice for anyone aspiring to become a professional artist (these are the things I wish someone had advised me in the past):

Firstly, persist in creating art, regardless of your current state of mind. Dedicate time to drawing, playing, building, and generating ideas every single day.

Secondly, seek out mentors. Reach out to artists you admire or feel an affinity with. Frequent galleries, museums, and studios. Connect with people, overcome shyness, and banish the notion that these opportunities are beyond your grasp. This is especially crucial if you're young and not located in a big city in a wealthy nation. Unfortunately, I wasn't consistently committed to this when I was young, and I wish I had someone by my side to emphasize its importance.

What activity do you fall into when you are trying to enhance your creativity?

I draw inspiration from various sources rather than a specific one. The entirety of my daily experiences nurtures my creativity. Ideas and inspirations have the potential to manifest everywhere – a fleeting moment witnessed on the street, a piece of literature, a film, the music resonating in my ears, conversations shared with my spouse, and even from the Twitter timeline.

The key is when something catches my attention, I make a mental note of it. Later, when I'm at my desk or in the studio, I give it some thought and let my brain do its thing. It's all about letting the ideas brew.

What do you benefit the most when working with NFTs and the blockchain?

What I find really appealing about working with NFTs and blockchain is that it serves as a means of preserving my work. The blockchain acts as a kind of archive where I can keep track of my artistic output and witness how different projects interact with one another. On top of that, NFTs and the social media platforms connected to them provide an incredible global reach. It's like having my studio doors open 24/7, with a constant stream of visitors (and the potential to sell or trade my creations). Now, I'm aware that a personal website or traditional art platforms could offer a similar setup, but NFTs bring an additional layer – they function as certificates of authenticity, ensuring traceability and immutability.

One aspect of blockchain technology that resonates with me deeply is the concept of decentralization (assuming the blockchain is decentralized). This is a game-changer on a much larger scale. Through this new medium, I revel in the ability to connect with people and collectors, while maintaining an unbroken record of my artistic journey and the ongoing evolution of each work or project.

Beyond that, the blockchain and NFTs pose real technological challenges that I believe will reshape our world, extending far beyond the realm of art. For me, this has the potential to usher in a new social and cultural paradigm – much like the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, which triggered widespread education but also ignited religious conflicts. Naturally, I won't dive into the positive and negative consequences that could come with it, but it's undeniably a powerful force.

On a personal artistic level, I've explored various techniques and recently delved into coding and generative art. I see NFTs and blockchain technology as a sort of "natural" habitat for this form of creative expression. This has truly captured my interest and enthusiasm, prompting me to incorporate them into my creative toolkit. The combination of generative art and blockchain holds immense potential and has been the most exciting path I've embarked upon in my artistic journey over the past few years.

What is one thing you think artists should focus more on, and why?

I want to make it clear that I don't possess any universal solutions or advice for everyone. But when it comes to creative domains like visual arts, music, literature, and philosophy, I do have a perspective to share. It's important to recognize that the idea of creating something completely original is more of a concept than a reality. Our creative efforts are deeply rooted in what those who came before us have contributed. Even though art is all about emotions, developing a refined taste and understanding doesn't just come naturally.

So, here's my take: artists could really benefit from diving deep into their craft. I mean, really getting to know the ins and outs of what they're doing and how it's all connected to the work of other artists – both the ones doing their thing right now and those who left a mark on history. And don't forget to explore and embrace diverse cultural perspectives beyond your own. The pivotal point comes when an artist's curiosity and admiration for their fellow creators outweigh any self-doubt they might have. That's when the magic happens – creating something that's distinctly your own yet seamlessly fits into the bigger picture of creative expression. It's like finding that sweet spot where your personal touch harmoniously blends with the broader canvas of artistic creation.

What’s the hardest part of being an artist?

Honestly, I don't see any aspect of being an artist as truly difficult. To me, art is pure joy. I'm not among those who view art as a source of anguish or as an expression of suffering.

The only immensely challenging aspect of an artist's journey is transforming your art into a means of livelihood (and I haven’t reached that milestone yet). But let's be real, this isn't a secret for anyone…

What skill should anyone harvest early in their career that will pay off massively for years?

Training curiosity and knowledge. That, yes, is the secret.

Why do you create art?

It's like a perfect match for me. When it comes to music and visual art, they're like the ultimate avenues to lay bare my deepest emotions and reflections. Writing is another space I’m in; I have my fair share of conversations and truly enjoy having dialogues with people. But there's something unique about the act of creating art or writing compared to interacting with others. I'm captivated by how the visual pieces I bring to life manage to convey a more profound essence of my inspiration and contemplations. It's like I'm drawn to that realm of irrationality and instinct, even in cases like generative art where randomness plays the role of instinct or illogical thought.

Generally, I appreciate art the most when I can’t understand it completely, like when something surprises me or when I feel something smart and sensitive somewhere in a mysterious part of the work (both for my own creations and from others). I think I create for this, to feel my own mysteries…

What’s a book or an article that has greatly influenced your life?

I could definitely rattle off a list of readings that have enlightened me, reshaped my thoughts, and made me wiser (at least, I hope so). These readings, mostly in literature and philosophy, have played a crucial role in sculpting my tastes, influencing my choices, and molding who I am. However, I'd like to share just two novels that have gone beyond mere influence – they've actually reshaped my path. Now, I want to emphasize that this is purely personal, and I don't claim that these books will have the same impact on others. For me, these novels ignited profound creative transformations, even if it wasn't always the smoothest ride.

First off, "The Savage Detective" by the Chilean wordsmith Roberto Bolaño (I got into it in 2006, via the French translation). The narrative follows a group of disillusioned young poets who yearn to reshape the world. It's a tale of friendship, their fervor for art and literature, and the paths they tread. This masterpiece urged me to create "Cyclocosmia," a literary and artistic paper magazine that echoed the characters' journey. Through this venture, I forged countless friendships, ventured into diverse domains, and amassed an array of learning experiences over the years. Naturally, I devoured nearly all of Bolaño's works; he's undoubtedly one of my favorite writers of the past three decades.

The second game-changer is "Horcynus Orca" by the Sicilian author Stefano D’Arrigo. By the time I stumbled upon this gem, I was already steeped in the world of books. This masterpiece from the 20th century spans over a thousand pages and, shockingly, remains untranslated in any language (and to me, most importantly, not yet in French!). Months later, I had a chance tête-à-tête about the book with a publisher and a fellow translator I know. One thing led to another, and we embarked on an audacious project – translating and publishing it in France. The outcome? More than a decade of labor, wrestling with the epic translation of the book, which we just recently wrapped up in July 2023 (it's set to hit the shelves in October). These years were packed with challenges, not only on the intellectual and aesthetic fronts but also in financial, material, and personal terms. But what a triumph it turned out to be!

My hope is that every individual discovers at least one book that guides them towards decisions they eventually come to treasure, regardless of the sacrifices involved.

What habit or practice has changed your life the most?

For the worst: connecting to the internet each day, smoking cigarettes, and having a smartphone. They take your time, health, money, creativity, and even libido. These are the worst habits and practices I have had in my life, and I think they are the ones that have changed my life the most through the years. And this still makes me sad because I have great difficulties to take them apart now.

For the best: when I decided to quit my job and become an independent worker, as a literary translator and publisher, artist, and some other things. Now, I can only blame myself if things go bad or be happy if something great happens. Even though I had a good gig back in the day (I spent twelve years working at a bookshop), surrounded by great colleagues and in favorable working conditions, something was missing. There was this feeling of not quite being "free" when I had to stick to a fixed schedule, tackle tasks that didn't really resonate with me, and, most importantly, deal with the limitations that come with being an employee – you know, that whole yearly drill centered around taking breaks during vacation time.

Yes, I’m been living in survival mode for a couple of years, but I feel absolutely free and I prefer the dizzying improvisation to a drowsy routine.

What is your favorite failure?

Success or failure… I think it’s the same thing, with a different point of view. It’s easy to think you are succeeding in or with something, or failing in or with one another.

I just try to keep myself and learn from all the experiences of life. If you fail better than the last time, is it a success? If you succeed less than the last time, is it a failure? I really try to avoid judgment and just take things as they come. If something makes me better or helps me to know myself better, or my creativity, I’m glad. That’s all. Just learning.

What are you willing to struggle for?

I don’t want to struggle. I want to embrace the flow and be honest with myself. These thoughts guide my creative and life decisions.

What is one strong opinion you have?

Don’t expect anything, doubt everything.

What would you say to your 25-year-old self?

I suppose there's nothing much to it. This 25-year-old guy did what he needed to, and thanks to him, I'm here today, able to tackle these questions.

***The Sallow Formula*** *by Antonio Werli*

Get in Touch with Antonio

The best way to get in touch with Antonio is via Twitter.