Next Up: Eva Eller Brings Neo-Renaissance Iconography to the Blockchain

Eva Eller is a Tallinn-born digital artist known for her captivating Neo-Renaissance-inspired works that blend theology, spirituality, and science. Starting as a book illustrator at 15, she has developed a unique style that explores themes of knowledge and personal growth. Eller’s education at the Estonian Academy of Arts and Florence Academy of Fine Arts influences her classical approach, which she masterfully merges with modern digital techniques.

Eller’s artistic career took a significant leap with her entry into the NFT space in 2022, where her passion for web3 and blockchain art flourished. Her work, often therapeutic and deeply personal, delves into complex concepts like redemption and inner peace, drawing from both spiritual texts and her own life experiences.

Every week, nft now’s Next Up showcases a new artist from our curated list of ascendant talents who have been making significant waves throughout web3. This week, our spotlight turns to Eva Eller.

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

Eva Eller: My passion for digital painting began when I started working as a book illustrator at the age of 15. What began as a necessity for my craft soon blossomed into a deep love for the endless creative possibilities that digital art provides.
I transitioned my traditional art skills into the digital realm. Over time, I developed my own unique methods, allowing me to infuse my work with the depth, texture, and precision I had honed through years of classical training. This fusion of traditional and digital elements has become the cornerstone of my artistic style, enabling me to explore a wide range of visual themes and narratives. Today, I continue to contribute to book illustration, it brings a lot of joy. Each project is a new adventure, where I get to visually interpret a story, bringing characters and worlds to life.

“I am dedicated to reviving the Renaissance aesthetic through digital and traditional tools, merging the timeless beauty of historical art with the possibilities of modern technology.”

EVA ELLER

How would you describe your art?

My digital paintings are crafted in a Neo-Renaissance style, rich in religious and alchemical symbolism. I am dedicated to reviving the Renaissance aesthetic through digital and traditional tools, merging the timeless beauty of historical art with the possibilities of modern technology. My artistic vision is heavily influenced by the masters of the Italian and Nordic Renaissance, intertwined with the ethereal beauty of Pre-Raphaelite art.

At the heart of my work is a philosophical inquiry into the human condition, where I seek to examine my relationship with God, the cosmos, and the eternal questions that have shaped human existence for centuries. My paintings often delve into themes, such as the presence of evil in a divinely created world, where I contemplate the paradox of suffering and the possibility of redemption. One of the ideas I am interested in as an artist is Christian universalism, a theological concept that posits the eventual reconciliation and forgiveness of all beings, including the damned and even the Devil himself—a belief known as Apokatastasis (Greek, apokatastasis; Latin, restitutio in pristinum statum, restoration to the original condition). This notion of unconditional grace and universal salvation fascinates me, and it permeates much of my symbolic language.

Lately, I have also been fascinated with Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism. These mystical schools of thought have captivated my imagination, offering a wealth of symbolic material that I am currently exploring in a new series of paintings.

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

You can explore some of my artistic process on my website, particularly in the work/process section. I employ two primary approaches in my work: the first is the traditional method of painting from scratch, meticulously building each piece layer by layer, allowing the image to emerge organically from a blank canvas. The second approach, which is more experimental, involves the use of AI-generated imagery as a foundation for overpainting. In this technique, I rely exclusively on CC0 (Creative Commons Zero) art for AI prompts, ensuring that the sources I incorporate are ethically sourced and free of copyright restrictions.

This combination of human craftsmanship and AI technology allows me to push the boundaries of my creative practice. By using AI as a tool for overpainting, I engage in a dynamic dialogue between technology and tradition. It serves as a form of experimentation that not only helps me explore new visual possibilities but also enhances my understanding of painting techniques. Each AI-generated prompt challenges me to think differently about composition, form, and color, ultimately making me a more skilled and adaptable artist.

While the thematic inspirations I mentioned earlier remain at the core of my work, the influence of the Catholic Church holds a special place in shaping my artistic vision. The rich iconography, sacred rituals, and profound theological teachings of the Church offer a wealth of symbolic and spiritual material that deeply resonates with me. From the grandeur of ecclesiastical architecture to the evocative power of religious iconography, Catholicism provides an endless source of inspiration, encouraging me to delve into themes of faith, redemption, and the divine mysteries that govern human existence.

“The rich iconography, sacred rituals, and profound theological teachings of the Church offer a wealth of symbolic and spiritual material that deeply resonates with me.”

EVA ELLER

What was your breakthrough moment in web3?

The moment I realized the potential of blockchain, decentralized technologies, and cryptocurrency was a pivotal turning point in my artistic journey. The realisation that digital painting could finally find a proper platform and representation in this new ecosystem. I knew right then that I had found my community—people who shared my vision and understood the limitless possibilities of this medium. I felt like I truly belonged.

That energy and excitement continue to drive me to this day, fuelling my creativity and pushing me to explore new horizons. One of the most significant milestones in my career was my first NFT sale. I was putting my personal art into the world and seeing someone connect with and value it was overwhelming, and it reaffirmed that focusing on my own artistic voice was one of the best decisions of my life.

What are the biggest challenges facing rising artists in web3?

While I can’t speak for everyone, I can certainly reflect on the challenges I’ve faced personally as an artist navigating the web3 space. When I started, I had zero knowledge about crypto, DeFi, or NFTs. It felt like I was jumping into a completely unfamiliar world with no foundation, having to learn everything from scratch. On top of that, I had no established online presence—starting with zero Twitter followers, essentially a complete unknown in the space.

Understanding the technical aspects of blockchain, navigating marketplaces, and learning how to manage crypto assets can be overwhelming, especially if you’re coming from a traditional art background. However, I was incredibly fortunate to be welcomed and supported by the right people and communities from the very start. I’m deeply grateful to three communities in particular: VCA, WHALE, and GM World. Their encouragement, along with the support of my collectors and friends, helped me grow as an artist and navigate this new frontier. I’d also like to give a shout-out to @CultureOnAvax, with whom I had a fantastic experience.

Another major challenge is, of course, selling work. The market can be unpredictable, and artists often struggle with sales, particularly during downturns in the crypto space. But this is true of any art market—whether traditional or digital, fluctuations and slow periods are part of the landscape. What I’ve found essential is making the experience as smooth and accessible as possible for collectors, especially since this technology is still so new to many. Understanding the needs of your audience, making it easy for them to engage with your work, and fostering genuine connections are key to navigating the challenges of the web3 space successfully.

“What I’ve found essential is making the experience as smooth and accessible as possible for collectors, especially since this technology is still so new to many.”

EVA ELLER

What advice do you have for rising artists in this space?

I wholeheartedly recommend watching all the lectures by VCA and WHALE. These sessions have been invaluable in helping me and many others understand the various challenges that artists face in the web3 space. They offer deep insights into both the creative and technical aspects of navigating the NFT world, from marketing your work to the practicalities of blockchain technology.

In addition, I highly recommend creating a clear and user-friendly guide for your collectors. This should cover the essentials like collecting your work, setting up a crypto wallet, implementing necessary security measures, and even displaying NFTs properly. Many collectors may be new to the space, so offering them a seamless, well-informed experience will not only make them feel more comfortable but also encourage future engagement.

A well-organized Linktree and an easy-to-navigate website ensure collectors can quickly find all the relevant information they need to connect with your art.

If you’re looking for a practical example, feel free to check out my approach, which other artists are welcome to borrow from or adapt. I’m currently working on a comprehensive guide for collectors as well, as I realize how complex this topic can be and how much attention to detail it requires.

Despite the challenges, I’m optimistic for this space’s future. I’m passionate about raising awareness for Crypto Art and helping onboard new people into the ecosystem. While the learning curve for crypto and NFTs can seem daunting at first, with time, everything starts to click, and the process becomes much easier to remember and adapt to. Stay patient, stay curious, and keep pushing forward—this space has incredible potential for artists who are willing to embrace it.