Creator Spotlight | Ángel Mateo
In this series, we shine a light on the uniquely talented creators that have joined the Uptick Network. Introducing the artists, showcasing their work, and interviewing them on the thought process behind their art, their experience as a creator, and their journey into this new and exciting space. This is the first in many series to come.
Introduction | Ángel Mateo
Ángel Mateo, otherwise known as ‘Motri’ is a concept photographer, hailing from Tenerife, Spain. Through his photography, Ángel focuses on portraying the lesser talked about emotions that fill our psyches; with a strong focus on atmospheric light, mood and the narrative creation displayed through his conceptual subjects.
We caught up with Ángel to discuss his photography, influences, and the wider NFT space.
How did you get started in the world of photography?
Eight years ago I started doing surf photography, I wanted to photograph memories with my friends. Then, people started recognizing me as I started photographing greater surfers. Two years later I got into portraits and since 2020 I dedicated myself to creating concept photography.
Analog or Digital and your reasons why?
I admire analog photographers, and will always love and prefer the essence of a love memory captive inside an analog photograph, but having a style where 70% of my work comes from deep editing, analog just isn’t an option.
Could you talk about some of the gear you like to use to achieve your aesthetic?
I like to mix concepts and essences from other pieces (music, films, video games) and nourish myself from them creating a process I consider unique, and concludes in artworks which induce a mixture of confusing emotions in the viewer.
How important is composition to you in a photograph?
Composing a scene is the base of all artworks, without composition, a good concept can be ruined and a not-so-good idea can make you feel. It’s one of the most important aspects of an artwork, and I think it’s beautiful when it just appears in your mind.
What are some of your favourite subjects to shoot?
I think people demonize emotions that you must freely feel in order to grow as a human being. I like to recreate them and make you wonder: What does it make you feel. Is it new? Have you been demonizing them too?
What is your dream project/collaboration?
I’m a big fan of sculpture, 3D printing and painting. One of my future projects is to digitally sculpt my artworks, 3D print them, and paint them. I think it’d be another step into morphing my photography with other arts. I could collab with painters and 3D Sculptors but I feel I gotta learn myself! I’m already into it.
What inspires you to take a photograph?
Since I was a kid I’ve always felt the need to create, I feel art is the only thing I can make by myself which is purely mine. I do photography as a tool to get a concept out of my mind, if I got into music, I’d feel the same way about music. What inspires me is the need to feel myself, and to feel alive.
Who are some of your influences?
I’m mostly inspired by other arts. Some of my recent pieces have been influenced by Dark, Dillom and Dark Souls. I don’t really consume photography aside from Haris Nukem, which is my biggest photography influence.
How did you discover NFTs?
A friend of mine told me what they were and got fascinated by it.
What is your perception of the space so far as a creator?
I really like the idea and the space they’ve built so far. I’ve been treated very well and feel so lucky to form part of the project.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Cuanto más acorde vives a tu corazón, antes sana” The more in tune you live with your heart, the sooner it heals. The only being who will always by your side it’s yourself. Treat it like like that.
Name something you love and the reason why.
One of the things that have kept me alive during the toughest times is to imagine the joy of seeing my loved ones achieve their dreams. I love talking to others about how much they mean to me. I’ve been told, “your eyes spark as you name them”.
Be sure to follow Motri on Instagram and check out more of his NFTs on Uptick!
Uptick Network aims to build commercial-grade NFT infrastructure and NFT ecosystems with multiple chain and cross-chain interoperability. There are three major elements of Uptick Network — Uptick NFT infrastructure, Uptick NFT marketplace, and Uptick NFT ecosystem applications.
