July 15, 2024

Before starting his studies in Edinburgh, Jones traveled the world for three years, trying his hand at music, painting, reading, and exploring different cultures. He graduated with honors in 2008 and began, among other things, conducting art workshops for people with disabilities at the Art in Healthcare foundation. As someone who struggled with depression, he knew that art was a salvation. He painted a lot, and his works were well-received, but when he began discovering the potential of combining new technologies with traditional art creation, it completely absorbed him.

In 2012, Trevor Jones began experimenting with large QR codes, painted in oil on canvas, which could be scanned with a smartphone. This led him to create a website and an online art gallery featuring works and contact information of hundreds of artists from around the world. He then began researching the use of augmented reality (AR) to bring paintings to life and used tools such as video, music, and animation in works that commented on topics important to him, such as digital space ownership, contemporary politics, and groundbreaking world events. Many well-known personalities posed for a portrait for him at that time, including writer Ian Rankin and actor Brian Cox.

In 2017, Jones became interested in digital currencies. He invested in Bitcoin and Ethereum and created several series of paintings on topics related to digital currency, as well as works depicting prominent figures in blockchain technology. One of these people was the genius Vitalik Buterin, the creator of Ethereum. 2019 is already the moment when Jones discovers the rapidly developing world of NFTs. He creates his works, enhancing them with augmented reality—animations, video, and music—and collaborates with leading NFT creators such as Pak, Alotta Money, and the famous comic book artist José Delbo. In 2021, Jones sold the NFT „The Bitcoin Angel”, mentioned above, and then „Angel's Whisky” for nearly $2.5 million (along with a rare vintage of whisky from a brand he had a commercial partnership with). He is also known for recreating and interpreting Picasso's works in his digital creations.

By combining traditional art with blockchain technology, Trevor Jones consistently creates works and NFT collections, often using them to comment on reality. My creative idea and themes connect the past, present, and future. Drawing inspiration from old masters, from the Renaissance to the 20th century, I design their worlds through the contemporary prism of topics related to digital currency, innovation, technology, culture, spirituality, and politics, Jones declares. A great example of his art's engagement is the collection that combines oil painting and NFT: #FreeAlexey from 2022. Currently, Jones is working on several projects, including a sculpture „The Bitcoin Angel” (there are to be over 20 copies of the work). The most exciting aspect of my artistic practice is the awareness that I am just beginning to explore the infinite possibilities that exist at the intersection of art and technology, the artist declares.

It is worth knowing that Trevor Jones is also known for his charitable activities. From auctions where he sells his works, he often donates a significant percentage of the proceeds to support those in need. He also organizes regular events, such as the Castle Party, aimed at promoting the Web3 community and raising money for charitable organizations supporting people fighting against cancer. Everything he does has deep meaning, is innovative, and bold. And he is constantly seeking new opportunities for contemporary art!