Selin Çınar on Nostalgia, Innovation, and Fantastical Creatures

Selin Çınar, renowned under her moniker “Axstone,” is a standout Turkish illustrator who masterfully melds the old with the new. With a career spanning over 15 years, Çınar has not just left her mark within the traditional art world but has also embraced the ever-evolving digital realm, the world of NFTs.

Selin Çınar (Axtsone)

Selin’s art is an intricate dance of innovation, fun, and nostalgia. One is instantly reminded of vintage computer games and MS-DOS icons upon viewing her pieces – a testament to her early encounters with gaming that incited a unique brand of excitement in her. This love for retro elements, coupled with her penchant for detailing, characterizes her work. Her style encapsulates the essence of her childhood, allowing viewers a glimpse into the early memories and passions that shaped her.

Moreover, Çınar doesn’t bind herself with a strict creative procedure. The artist who once meticulously sketched before crafting her illustrations now leans into spontaneity. Bizarre animals, quirky human expressions, and, of course, retro computer graphics are the usual suspects in her inspiration lineup.

It’s no surprise that Çınar’s unique style has garnered attention from prestigious brands and artists alike. With collaborations boasting names like Apple, Nike, and Mercedes Benz, Selin’s footprint is evident across various industry spectrums. Furthermore, her synergy with the music world has led to noteworthy album cover designs for artists such as The Upbeats and Kazi, underscoring her long-held passion for music.

Her achievements aren’t limited to collaborations. The international art community has spotlighted Selin’s works in elite publications like Vogue and Hifructose. Not to mention, her illustration credits include the cover art for Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “One Hundred Years Of Solitude,” published by Can Publishing.

Embracing the Digital Era

Selin’s venture into NFTs is a testament to her adaptability and curiosity as an artist. After her introduction to the concept on Clubhouse and witnessing Beeple’s involvement, she took the plunge in June 2021. It’s a natural evolution for an artist who enjoys diversifying her art across platforms.

With dreams of settling in Japan and an unwavering commitment to her craft, Selin Çınar continues to intrigue and inspire. In a world where art constantly evolves, Çınar stands as a beacon of nostalgia, detail, and innovation, offering us a ticket to travel through her unique artistic universe.

We had the opportunity to ask Selin Çınar a few questions about NFTs and her artistic journey of 15+ years.

nft now: How did you first become interested/involved in NFTs?

Selin Çınar: I uploaded my first NFT work in June 2021. I stumbled upon NFTs for the first time in a Clubhouse space where people were discussing them. I became curious and started researching. I saw some news regarding Beeple’s work, which i was already a fan of, on his IG stories about Web3 and decided to give it a shot. I’ve been creating works as an illustrator for about 15 years. As an artist, I enjoy integrating my art across various platforms, and Web 3 is one of them.

nft now: How would you describe your art? 

Selin Çınar: I would describe my art as innovative, fun, and rich in detail with old-school elements. I enjoyed spending time with video games from a young age. My first ever computer ran on the MS-DOS system. Every time I saw its icons and games I felt a great sense of excitement. That kind of experience influenced me. I take immense pleasure in incorporating anything from my early years into my work. I can define myself as an artist who draws inspiration from her childhood.

nft now: What’s your process like? And where do you usually find inspiration?

Selin Çınar: I’m not the kind of person who thinks excessively before starting a piece. It’s hard to say anything clear about my process. In the past, I usually made sketches before starting my illustrations, I don’t do that anymore. Now I tend to be spontaneous and sometimes I take the opposite approach. I’m usually inspired by bizarre animals and nature. Retro elements such as old computer graphics and video games, weird human expressions, and their distinct styles also play a huge part in my creative process.