Nostalgia is feeling that always drives my interest in art. Even this very website is rooted in my memories of 90's internet and messaging boards, so its no surprise that I fell in love with the work of Nicole Ruggiero. Let's have a chat with this compelling artist.

First off can you introduce yourself to our readers? Your name, where you are based, and the mediums you work in?

Helllllooooo my name is Nicole Ruggiero! I'm based in NYC and I work in 3D (but like the computer-kind, not the irl-kind lol).

1: Creepy Callies, collab with 5rob_renders

2: Caught in the Black Mirror, commission for brzraps

I love your point of reference in the works you create. I grew up in the hey day of AOL / AIM and early internet, you seem to be so tapped into this incredible sense of nostalgia, with an added layer of modernity. What was your early internet and creative experience like and how does that inform the work you create?

I had a pretty bad childhood growing up and I also wasn't really allowed to hang out with people that often, so I used the internet as a way to make connections to other people who I could relate to. I met one of my late best friends via AIM chatrooms and had the pleasure of meeting her in person later in life.

I also got really into art forums like Gaia Online and Deviantart. This is when I started getting some proper feedback on how to improve my art. I started with digital painting in Photoshop and Flash animations when I was about 12. So it was all really intertwined for me.

1: Escapism Room

2: Limewire Virus -- currently up for bid on Foundation

Online communities have really played such a huge role in the evolution of digital art- the internet has created a layer that can connect artists through space and time in ways that were impossible before. Can you speak to your own experience with the community aspect of digital spaces?

I think online communities are sooo important. It's the same reason why I was able to come out in middle school too. Being able to find my own queer community online was really important. Being an "internet person" -- I feel like I thrive within web-oriented communities because they serve more niche interests and I'm a pretty weird person lmfao. I also think it's really interesting the kind of cultures the internet facilitates that wouldn't exist so strongly, or without a certain locale, otherwise.

Silly example, but fingerboarding (you know, like Tech Decks?) is something that is cool to see gaining traction right now. There are so many different niche subcultures that are so interesting. I'm going to be making more art about this in the next few months, after I finish with my exhibition opening in May.

Below: How The Internet Changed My Life - Collab with Daniel Sabio (thegladscientist) and Dylan Banks

Tech decks! I literally had a whole mini skatepark for them growing up. I couldn't agree with you more about niches- the more we democratize distribution, the more niches can emerge. Can you tell us more about this upcoming exhibition?

Yeah sure! So it's called "How The Internet Changed My Life" and it's a portrait and VR project that I've been working on the past few years with a couple of friends. It's all about different individuals in different locations who have a strong identification with the internet and what that looks like to them.

It will be opening in May at Kunsthalle Dusseldorf in Germany, and then again in September at HeK Basel in Switzerland. I'm very excited! It has been a very long and complex project that I am sooo happy for people to finally be able to experience!!

Above, left: What If We Kissed At The Intersection of Art and NFTs

Above, right: I Think There's Something Wrong With My Phone - audio version in collaboration with Dillon Francis

That sounds so amazing. Let's make sure to do another article once that is out in the world. You've had some success in the NFT space lately, it's been really fun to watch. What are your experiences and thoughts so far and what are your hopes for the future of the space?

It's been wild! I have been really enjoying it, tbh. I think the space is going to grow with more opportunities as NFTs continue to develop. It kind of reminds me of the early days of Instagram when 3D started trending and a lot of 3D artists were getting featured, chatting with each other, and forming connections and communities. It feels like it's happening again except this time backed by actual money and not just clout.

It's sooo nice to finally be able to be rewarded for the hard work I've been doing as a digital artist for years. It feels more sustainable for my practice, as well. I think the space is going to continue to grow and I hope that I am able to continue to make connections with such sweet people, collectors and artists alike, for a long time.

1: Powerful, bidding open on Foundation

2: www.izard - Collab with Andy Rolfes

I agree. I feel like we are reclaiming the value that big tech has been siphoning off us for years. Without our art, our community building, and our attention, social media would just be an empty framework. It's interesting to see this all unfolding in real time.

Lastly, what advice would you have for an artist who is earlier on their creative journey?

I would say to just keep making work. Keep putting yourself out there. Be yourself, that's how you will find your style. Not everything is going to work but keep going. Take smart risks. Talk to people. Not everyone will connect with you, but the people who do will be important. Produce art as often as you can, let it consume you. Take care of yourself, your mind and your body so that you can do that.

Lastly, never give up. This is your journey, and there will be peaks and valleys. Sometimes it might feel impossible, but for all those impossible-feeling times, there will be spectacular ones too. Just keep going.

Wonderful advice. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us today. To the reader, you can find Nicole's ecosystem of creativity via her LinkTree.