# How to create fun with Yu Cai, Varkito, and Olivia Pedigo

- Speakers: [Manny Palou](https://streameth.org/speakers/manny-palou), [Olivia Pedigo](https://streameth.org/speakers/olivia-pedigo), [Varkito Garcia](https://streameth.org/speakers/varkito-garcia), [Yu Cai](https://streameth.org/speakers/yu-cai)
- Event: [Base House](https://streameth.org/base/base_house), Miami
- Channel: [Base](https://streameth.org/base)
- Date: 2023-12-08
- Duration: 31:41
- Topics: cryptocurrency, NFT, art, artists, ethereum
- Watch: https://streameth.org/watch/65b8f60ba5b2d09b88ec0c80
- Download: https://vod-cdn.lp-playback.studio/raw/jxf4iblf6wlsyor6526t4tcmtmqa/catalyst-vod-com/hls/d8c7i3sfnwhly2q7/1080p0.mp4

## Description

mint.fun’s Manny is joined by artists Yu Cai, Varkito, and Olivia Pedigo, who are each dropping an Edition using create.fun for Base at Basel.  The video features Manny, an engineer from Mint.fun, hosting a discussion with three artists who have created NFT collections on the platform. Barquito Garcia is a transdisciplinary artist from New York who creates digital work with vibrant colors and aims to bring healing through art. Olivia Pedigo, a 3D artist from Miami, focuses on soft, dreamy interior scenes and explores the relationship between people and their possessions. Yu Kai, an illustrator and animator from China, creates pieces that explore the calmness in the fast-paced urban life.

The artists discuss their journey into creating NFTs and how it has allowed them to transition from physical to digital art, expand their collector base, and find new ways of expressing their creativity. They also touch upon the challenges they face in explaining NFTs to those unfamiliar with the concept and dealing with misconceptions about the digital art market.

Manny also talks about Mint.fun's focus on making NFT creation accessible and enjoyable for artists. He highlights how L2 solutions like Base are changing the scene by making it cheaper and easier to mint and sell NFTs.

In conclusion, the panelists share their positive experiences with Mint.fun's creation platform create.fun and discuss how NFTs have provided them with a supportive community that fosters artistic

## About the speakers

### Manny Palou

manny404 is an NYC based engineer and software artist who’s been involved in crypto art since 2018. In 2021 he launched his own NFT collection and community called “mannys.game”. Currently he works on mint.fun as an engineer specializing in the client experience.

### Olivia Pedigo

Olivia Pedigo (b. 2000) is a Miami native 3D artist, animator, and graphic designer. Before graduating from the University of Florida in 2022 with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Digital Arts and Sciences, Olivia gained experience as a gallery assistant at the Gainesville Fine Arts Association and as a merchandise designer for the on-campus publication Rowdy Magazine during her time in school.

Over the past four years, Olivia's work has evolved to reflect a dreamscape where comfort and isolation intersect, notably seen in her 'bedroom pieces.' These scenes, devoid of human presence yet filled with character, explore the relationship between individuals and their possessions, with a focus on technology. She draws inspiration from childhood influences like Dr. Seuss and contemporary artists such as Jiayi Li, Nathalie Nguyen, and Hilma af Klint.

In early 2022, Olivia entered the web3 space, venturing into the world of NFTs. Since then, her work has found a home in hundreds of collections. Notable collectors include Terrell Jones, Vincent Van Dough, and Bongdoe. Her journey was highlighted in a feature by "It's Nice That," a globally recognized platform for the creative community.

Olivia has exhibited her creations at Lume Studios in New York City, NFTNYC 2023, and SHILLR's mobile gallery.

### Varkito Garcia

From Dominican Republic and the web. Their work includes computer drawings, installations and audiovisuals. Founder of the experimental creators community El Cuarto Elástico.

### Yu Cai

Yu Cai is a Chinese animator/illustrator based in Italy, and an artist in the NFT space. Yu creates works that serve as mirrors of contemporary urban existence, vividly illustrating alternative modes of inhabiting the modern landscape. Her imaginative vision offers glimpses into uncharted territories of living, challenging conventional notions and inviting viewers to explore fresh perspectives on our relationship with the urban environment.

With over a decade of professional experience, her art has been showcased internationally in numerous galleries and museums. Yu previously pursued a career as a painter and printmaker and was affiliated with the Italy National Association of Contemporary Engravers. However, in 2020, she discovered a deep passion for digital art and has since fully embraced it as her primary medium of expression.