POW with CECHK

CECHK, also known as “cechk_art” is a Brazillian visual artist and NFT artist. Her works can be deeply personal and universal at the same time, exploring themes about our neo-cyberpunk society, mental illness, trauma, substance abuse, and existentialism.

What were you doing before Web3?

Hello! I am CECHK, a visual artist from Brazil. I’m interested in many things, most of which are in the realm of the arts or language. Before Web3 I was a Literature student and a graphic designer. Yes, they are very different things, but they make sense together.

How did you get into Web3?

Honestly, I don’t even remember much, I think I was scrolling through Twitter at the end of 2019 and saw something about cryptoart. That caught my attention immediately because I really liked the concept of it. Then I just did my research and started minting some of my works.

What was your first crypto or NFT project?

My first project was an art series on the EOS blockchain on Piexeos (R.I.P). It was very cheap to mint. That first experience taught me a lot of things, mainly how to choose a good chain and how to make sure your work is minted in a good contract.

How would you explain what you do to someone outside of Web3?

That’s a difficult thing, I usually say I’m an artist working with technology if it is someone really outside of it. If it is someone chronically online like me I just say I make NFTs and work with crypto in general, then they laugh at me. Ha!

Which creator or thought leader do you enjoy learning from?

I am a big fan of Josie, since I started I learn a lot from her Twitter and projects in general. Also, her art is amazing, so it’s always a win-win!

I also like to stay updated on the Ethereum foundation people. There is always great content to learn there. Topics on security in general interest me a lot, from various people in the space.

What is the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Probably having my art shown internationally. I never thought people would like my work before, so it is always the highlight when someone comes to me and says they connect with it.

What tech or crypto trend are you watching this year?

I really like bitcoin so the Ordinals hype has been fun to watch! I am very interested in the movements the digital art market is doing this year.

This shift to editions has been an interesting ride. For the tech, I am researching and interested in on-chain, like every crypto nerd out there. Otherwise, I don’t like trends very much.

What advice would you give someone starting out in Web3?

Buckle up, and make sure that your heart is in a good condition. Don’t listen to the noise, carve your own path.

If you could do a TEDtalk on any topic, what would it be?

I probably would never do a TED talk, only if a robot could do it in my place. But an interesting topic that I love would be about how art and language are related.

I had this hypothesis when I was in Uni that art was the universal non-verbal language. My professor had been interested, so it would be a fascinating topic to talk about.

What is the one thing you would bring if you were stuck on a deserted Island?

Something to listen to music, read or watch my favorite tv show.

POW stands for “Proof of Work.” It is a new feature article series in The Mega Maxi to highlight the savviest builders in the Web3 space.