Suriname Series
In collaboration with Mrs. Universe and Mrs. El Salvador, Alejandra Guajardo, we launched the El Salvador Series —a project highlighting the country's national symbols in connection with its adoption of Bitcoin.
Thriving
surf culture
El Salvador holds a special place in my heart. It's a remarkable example of how Bitcoin can drive positive change. Under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, the country has undergone a dramatic transformation—from being one of the most dangerous nations in the world to becoming one of the most inspiring economic success stories in the Western Hemisphere, all in a remarkably short period.
During my visit to El Salvador, I was captivated by the sheer number of surf spots along its stunning coastline. The ocean, with its beautiful beaches and thriving surf culture, is deeply ingrained in the nation's identity, holding a cherished place in its traditions and everyday life.
01
Sketching the Bitcoin ‘B’ into an organic form
Before I began working on the image of the maquilishuat, I experimented with numerous sketches, trying to shape the Bitcoin ‘B’ into a more organic form. The process took me back to my early days in an advertising agency, where I spent time designing logos.
I had previously designed the Bitcoin ‘B’ in another piece, titled Neptune
02
Pencil drawing
I began by sketching the image in a smaller format, then transferred it to high-quality watercolor paper for a larger version. As with all my artworks, I started with a raw pencil drawing.
03
Preparation
To achieve a clean finish, I erased the pencil lines to prepare the paper for the watercolor application.
04
Gouache colors
I began with the tree's leaves, initially unsure whether to draw each flower individually, as I had in my first sketch. Ultimately, I chose to paint the entire cluster of blossoms in cadmium orange using gouache, and later defined them with the ballpoint pen.
05
High-quality paper
I used exceptionally high-quality paper for this artwork—FABRIANO® ‘Artistico’, a natural white, handmade watercolor paper—and I absolutely love it. The gouache colors appear vibrant, with the pigments absorbing beautifully into the paper, allowing the hues to truly shine. Additionally, drawing with a ballpoint pen on this surface is a delight, as its soft, even texture offers the perfect balance of roughness and grain, making the experience incredibly smooth.
06
Black, Grey, White and Cadmium Orange
I love the interplay of black, grey, white, and the vibrant glow of cadmium orange. At this stage, I was uncertain whether to refine the tree's flowers with a ballpoint pen or to leave the upper part untouched as it is.
07
High-quality paper
I used exceptionally high-quality paper for this artwork—FABRIANO® ‘Artistico’, a natural white, handmade watercolor paper—and I absolutely love it. The gouache colors appear vibrant, with the pigments absorbing beautifully into the paper, allowing the hues to truly shine. Additionally, drawing with a ballpoint pen on this surface is a delight, as its soft, even texture offers the perfect balance of roughness and grain, making the experience incredibly smooth.
08
Black, Grey, White and Cadmium Orange
I love the interplay of black, grey, white, and the vibrant glow of cadmium orange. At this stage, I was uncertain whether to refine the tree's flowers with a ballpoint pen or to leave the upper part untouched as it is.
09
Bitcoin Day
September 7, 2021, is a landmark day for us Bitcoiners, but even more so for the people of El Salvador. The country’s adoption of Bitcoin represents a glimmer of hope for economic recovery. It also serves as a blueprint for other nations that have struggled to establish their own strong currency and remain dependent on the dollar or other fiat currencies. Bitcoin is hope.
Ballpoint pens are underestimated tools, just like Bitcoin.
In collaboration with Mrs. Universe and Mrs. El Salvador, Alejandra Guajardo, I launched the El Salvador Series —a project highlighting the country's national symbols in connection with its adoption of Bitcoin.
An overview of the entire drawing process
The Great Bitcoin Wave
Bitcoin is the wave of our time. The wave, a powerful and majestic symbol, represents Bitcoin's growing dominance over the outdated financial system. The first wave has already hit, but a much larger one is still on the horizon. As Bitcoin evolves into the global standard, its blockchain will become the foundation for all digital information. The waves of adaptation are inevitable. I am certain of this.
This artwork draws inspiration from the iconic engraving, The Great Wave off Kanagawa (神奈川沖浪裏, Kanagawa oki nami ura), by the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai.
