Beautiful Utopias: Interview with Zancan

Waiting To Be Signed

In this posthumous episode of 'Waiting To Be Signed,' hosts Trinity & Will finally get their crack at interviewing Zancan, a pivotal figure in generative art and fx(hash). Zancan discusses his journey from a self-taught coder at age eight to becoming an engineer and eventually transitioning to a full-time artist. The episode covers his experiences with plotters, the transformative impact of blockchain and NFTs on generative art, and the development of Grass.js. Zancan reflects on his success with NFTs, the challenges of navigating the crypto art market, and the administrative tax hurdles that continue to plague him. The discussion also delves into personal growth, balancing professional and personal life, and the future of the NFT space.

01:59 Zancan's histort in art and coding

06:17 Becoming obsesses with plotters and how that led to creating generative algorithms

08:19 Finding the blockchain and fx(hash) as a means to release his work

09:42 The creation of Grass.js and the Impact of Garden, Monoliths on his career

19:45 Navigating success and challenges of crypto taxation

26:15 Struggling with feeling overwhelmed, burnout, and planning for the future

33:02 The evolution of Grass.js over time and the challenges of code optimization

39:38 The connection between digital and physical and becoming infatuated with embroidery

46:40 The freedom that comes with being uncommitted as an artist and find new opportunities to be creative

52:12 Hopes for the Future of NFTs

54:10 Gratitude and Final Thoughts

Episode Art: Monoliths #000 by Zancan (sold at auction for $111,265.95, December 2021

Intro & Outro tracks by Pixelwank