‍RalenArc, a multidisciplinary artist based in the U.S., has spent over 16 years honing her craft across multiple mediums, from murals to digital art. Her work incorporates texture and organic shapes found in nature, now translated into code with a precision that gives her work both intrigue and depth.

After starting with traditional forms like canvas and clay, RalenArc transitioned to generative art, where she quickly found her voice. This shift allowed her to create complex designs that reflected her interest in the intersection of technology and nature.

She has released her generative work on Sotheby’s, Feral File, ArtBlocks, and much more. Her work has been featured in high-profile exhibitions during Art Basel Miami and Bitcoin Conference 2024 and at galleries in Singapore, Amsterdam, Venice, Berlin, New York, London, and more. She was also part of a 2023 group show entitled “On Water,” held in New York City’s Seaport’s 0x.17 Gallery to spotlight 26 artists making waves in the digital space.

In this conversation, OpenSea sits down with RalenArc to discuss the evolution of her art, her process, and her take on the future of generative art. She also shares insights on her community-based projects and upcoming collaborations.

‍‍Note: This transcript has been edited for length and clarity.

OpenSea: Could you start by telling us your name and sharing a brief bio about yourself?

‍RalenArc: I'm RalenArc and I've been making art for more than 16 years. I started my art journey with physical art and I love exploring different art mediums like canvas paintings, murals, and clay. Then I discovered generative art and the idea that we could make art with code really fascinated me. I started enhancing my skills and practicing new techniques on a daily basis, and my physical art experience helped me a lot as I created different types of textures, organic shapes, and patterns.

‍OpenSea: You've been creating art for a long time, but only made your way to generative art in recent years. When did you first begin exploring the world of NFTs and web3?

‍RalenArc: I first discovered NFTs through social media. From there, I started exploring how to sell and mint my work. In 2021, I released my first 1/1 generative art NFT followed by collections on OpenSea, and I liked the idea that people from all over the world could collect and resonate with my art.

‍OpenSea: Can you walk us through your creative process?

‍RalenArc: My inspiration comes from my surroundings, the places I visit, and my experiences. I always start with sketches for reference. Whenever I start an art project, I go through my sketches and see what elements I can choose to create a pleasing composition. Then, I refer to these sketches and start creating my artwork with code.. 

Sometimes when I start a project, so many ideas come up. And other times I visit a new place and see something amazing that I can implement into my artwork. I also use a lot of textures. My work is definitely inspired by textures, organic forms, and organic shapes. 

‍OpenSea: What tools and platforms do you use for generative art?

‍RalenArc: I use p5.js, which is a JavaScript library . I started exploring new techniques in generative art using p5.js. I think it’s an excellent tool for creating.

‍OpenSea: Once you’ve made a piece, do you often go back and tweak it, or do you feel it’s done?

‍RalenArc: It depends on the piece. Sometimes I can feel when it’s complete and ready to put on-chain or mint. Other times, I feel something is missing, and I’ll keep adding elements and adjusting it until it feels right and I’m satisfied with the final composition. Many of my pieces go through several iterations before they’re finished.

‍OpenSea: You did a community painting at Saint George Hall in Marfa. How did that go? What was your inspiration?

‍RalenArc: I wanted to try something different, so I came up with the idea of letting everyone contribute, since Marfa is such a community-focused event and people love coming here. I discussed the idea with the Art Blocks team, and they thought it was great and supported it.

I then thought, "What can I do to make this painting stand out?" So, I created a clay border and added texture to the canvas. Attendees could choose a block and fill it with their own colors and patterns. It was amazing to see people so excited to create their own art pieces, and I'm really happy with how everyone contributed.

‍OpenSea: Do you have any plans on where the painting will go? 

‍RalenArc: I just talked to the Art Blocks team, and they can decide what they want to do with the canvas. It's up to them because I feel like it's a community canvas, and it should go to the Art Blocks community. 

‍OpenSea: That’s awesome. When you first entered the web3 space, was there a project or artist that inspired you?

‍RalenArc: There are many, I cannot say just one name. When I got started, I saw so many different types of artists putting out their work and it was so amazing. It's really inspiring me to see how this community is growing and the different styles of art.

‍OpenSea: Where do you see the web3 community or even generative art going in the future? 

‍RalenArc: The future looks promising. More collectors and artists are embracing generative art, and we’re seeing an increasing interest from companies. It’s an exciting time, and the future of generative art is bright.

‍OpenSea:  Do you have any upcoming projects you are able to speak about?

‍RalenArc: For my future project, I would like to combine my physical and generative artwork. I’m working on it, but I haven’t decided when I’ll release it yet.

‍OpenSea: Will it be in 2025? 

‍RalenArc: Yes. I’ve started working on it and it’s still an ongoing process.

‍OpenSea: I'll keep a lookout for that! Where can people find you and your artwork? 

‍RalenArc: I'm on X and also Instagram under the username RalenArc. My website is ralenarc.com, where you can go and explore my work. Also, I’m starting a newsletter where I’ll be sharing my creative process, early access for my upcoming drops, collector benefits, and much more.