Mistadobalina: Collector to Artist
It’s no doubt Solana has proven to be a blockchain where community and the interactions we have with others are important.
The connections we make with others can have a lasting effect.
Some last merely a moment and others a lifetime.
Remember, the most unlikely acquaintances can become the best of friends and your actions can impact someone more than you think.
The Collector
We’ve all come to know and hear/read the name Mistadobalina or Mista - BOB - dobalina as some might refer to him.
He’s been around for a couple of years now and was introduced to Web 3 by one of his friends who had an NFT project.
According to him,
“ He basically kidnapped me, set me up with my first NFT, and said ‘Welcome to the dark side, my friend’ ”
Sounds like him right?
When you hear Mistadobalina in a Twitter space, he has a way with words and connecting with others.
He has a contagious laugh too and I can’t help but smile every time I hear it.
The biggest thing though, is no matter what, he is a big supporter of the arts and community.
You’ll find him usually on Rise Before Grind with Sol City Radio speaking and interacting with the artists and hosts.
He’s made his way supporting other spaces like, Collector Stories Aychhe (listen to Episode 4: featuring Mistadobalina), The Lyric Lounge with Sentient Shapes and Photography on Solana as well.
Learning From others
It was during his interactions with the photographers on Photography on Solana that he embarked on a new passion.
In case you are unaware, during this space, artists are welcome to share their work and receive feedback on critique day.
Mistadobalina has been regularly showing up and taking advice from others to advance his skills and use the feedback on his next adventures with a camera.
“When I’m out shooting photography, it’s more of a meditation practice.
Shut your mind off, reconnect with nature, and if something breaks that meditation, its probably worth taking a photo”
Helping Others Through Art
However, as frequently as he has been a collector, he has yet to mint his own piece of art, that is until now.
“Beauty in a Storm” will be his Genesis piece that will drop on Exchange this Friday, May 19th, 2023.
“This photo represents that even in a storm, you will find the beauty if you are looking hard enough”
Such a wise and deep thought behind an even more meaningful reason behind the drop, but what convinced him to finally take the plunge?
“ The amount of inspiring people I met in Web 3.
The people that told me I was good at art, the people that said my poetry was good.
The people that said you have an eye for photography.
The community around me kept saying you may collect but you are an artist and don’t forget it!”
Community and friends he’s made in the space.
But why now?
You may or may not know, Mistadoblina’s full-time job is being a great Dad.
His second job is owning a ticketing company and web 3 is a hobby.
Recently he lost a dear friend and colleague who was the CTO of his company.
His friend passed away on 5/9/23 from his battle with cancer and is remembered through his wife and four kids.
“Beauty in a Storm” is dedicated to his friend where he will donate 100% of the proceeds for his Genesis piece to a Cancer Foundation in the family’s name.
Not only that, but he will also be matching the number.
Listen to more of the story behind the piece and about Mistadobalina during the Drop Party with Brick Astly on 5/19/23 at 2 PM CST (listen here).
What’s Next?
The intent behind his photography is to donate all proceeds to a charity of choice behind the meaning of his photographs.
“I’m really excited about the future of this opportunity that was put in front of me.
Being able to help others through the power of art… the sky’s the limit so I’ll see you in Outerspace!”
No doubt whatever it may be, Mistadobalina will be helping others as a collector or as an artist, he will be there making connections.
