Shared Visions: We are the Elves.
Unity Through Transcendence: Collective Journeys into the Beyond
The Story: We Are The Elves
Inspiration
Inspired by research documenting true shared human experiences with DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine), "Shared Visions: We are the Elves." is a captivating art collection, on Fractal Bitcoin, that delves into the collective and unifying nature of DMT-induced encounters. The story is woven from the shared experiences of individuals who, through the lens of DMT, have transcended their isolated realities to connect with otherworldly entities and each other in profound and transformative ways.
These entities, often described as guides, spirits, or cosmic beings, communicate through vivid visual and extrasensory perceptions, imparting messages of love, unity, and profound understanding. While individual experiences vary, the overarching theme is a deep sense of interconnectedness and shared humanity that transcends personal boundaries.
"Shared Visions: We are the Elves." art collection captures the essence of these surreal and unifying experiences, translating the ineffable into visual masterpieces. Each piece in the collection symbolizes a unique encounter, yet collectively, they reflect a larger narrative of interconnectedness and shared consciousness. This narrative-driven collection invites viewers to explore the profound connections that lie beyond our ordinary perceptions, fostering a sense of unity and collective awakening.
Introduction to the Collection:
"Shared Visions: We are the Elves." explores the mystical and unifying experiences documented in scientific studies on DMT. Inspired by encounters with otherworldly entities and the profound sense of interconnectedness they evoke, this collection seeks to visually narrate the shared journey into these alternate dimensions. Each artwork acts as a portal, offering a glimpse into the transcendent realms where individual experiences converge into a collective tapestry of unity and understanding.
By bridging scientific research with artistic expression, "Shared Visions: We are the Elves." aims to engage viewers in a dialogue about the nature of reality, consciousness, and the transformative power of shared experiences. Join us on this collective odyssey, where art and science converge to illuminate the depths of the human psyche and the boundless possibilities of unity and interconnectedness.
Artist Perspective: "We Are the Elves"
Collection Creating the visuals for the "We Are the Elves" collection was an exhilarating challenge. Delving into the stories of encounters and studies about these entities revealed the many layers of these journeys. Different shapes, beings, emotions, connections, intentions, and knowledge are unveiled in this altered state, each uniquely experienced by every individual
To capture the complexity and uniqueness of these experiences, I deconstructed and illustrated separate assets for as many aspects as possible. These elements come together to form the different parts of these entities, layer by layer, resulting in surrealistic, hypnotic, and richly detailed portraits. I crafted bespoke digital brushes for this collection, incorporating soft gradients, parallel lines, dots, and modifications to ensure each brushstroke resulted in a vibrant spectrum of colours.
One of the most significant challenges was to fulfil expectations despite never having used DMT or other substances myself. Initially, I thought this would make it harder to represent such a defining journey. However, I realised it was actually an advantage. Instead of recreating my personal experiences, I could create something more universally understandable, bridging different perspectives and making the artwork accessible to a wider audience.
Concept and Inspiration
The concept behind "We Are the Elves" is deeply rooted in the mystical and transformative realms encountered during DMT psychedelic experiences. These encounters often involve autonomous, intelligent entities—commonly referred to as 'machine elves.' Believed to inhabit a parallel dimension, these entities communicate through intricate geometric patterns, vibrant colors, and a presence that transcends ordinary perception.
Artistic Approach
Each piece in this collection is a vibrant tapestry of bold colours, complex patterns, and surreal forms. The artworks use a palette of neon and iridescent hues to reflect the intense sensory experiences associated with DMT trips. The intricate, fractal-like designs symbolise the deep, often overwhelming complexity of these visions. The collection collectively showcases the ethereal world of the DMT entities. The combination of flowing lines, radiant colours, and symmetrical patterns represent their dynamic and ever-changing nature. By focusing on the intricate and symmetrical designs that characterise these visions, the artworks symbolise the otherworldly intelligence and harmony of the entities. Each piece delves into the surreal and abstract aspects of the experience, with an intense interplay of colours and forms to convey the profound and sometimes unsettling encounters with these beings.
Themes and Symbolism
The recurring themes in "We Are the Elves" include transformation, interconnectedness, and the dissolution of boundaries between the self and the other. These artworks embody the merging of human consciousness with the otherworldly, inviting viewers to step beyond the confines of ordinary reality and explore the vast, mysterious realms of the mind.
Personal Reflection
Creating "We Are the Elves" has been an introspective journey into my fascination with the psychedelic experience and its potential to expand human consciousness. By not relying on personal substance use, I aimed to create a more universal representation of these experiences, making the collection accessible and relatable to a broader audience. Each piece is a personal interpretation of the elusive, often indescribable experiences reported by DMT users. Through this collection, I aim to share a glimpse of the extraordinary, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of reality and the boundaries of the human mind.
I hope this collection not only captivates the eyes but also sparks curiosity and introspection about the nature of consciousness and the mysterious dimensions that lie beyond our everyday experiences.
How is the science represented in the art.
Encounters with autonomous entities after inhaling N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) are profound, experiences that leave lasting impressions on those who undergo them. In a study involving over 2,500 individuals, participants described these encounters as intensely vivid, with primary sensations being both visual and extrasensory, often involving telepathic communication. The entities encountered—commonly described as beings, guides, spirits, or helpers—were overwhelmingly perceived as conscious, intelligent, and benevolent, existing in a different dimension of reality.
While initial fear was reported by 41% of participants, the prevailing emotions during these encounters were love, kindness, and joy, both felt by the individuals and attributed to the entities themselves. The experiences were deeply impactful, with 69% of participants receiving messages and 19% receiving predictions about the future. Remarkably, many who identified as atheists before their experience reported a shift in belief afterwards, reflecting the profound spiritual significance of these encounters.
For most, these DMT-induced experiences ranked among the most meaningful and spiritually insightful of their lives, leading to enduring positive changes in life satisfaction, purpose, and meaning. The encounters transcend ordinary perceptions, offering a glimpse into a reality where the boundaries between the self and the cosmos dissolve, revealing a deeper, shared consciousness.
The following tables are the experiences of the encounters by participants in the study.
We have used the real experiences of the collective in the study as the traits and rarity in the artwork.
Guide
43%
Spirit
39%
Alien
39%
Helper
34%
Angel
16%
Elf
14%
Plant spirit
10%
Fairy
8%
Chemical spirit
8%
Animal spirit
7%
Clown
6%
Demon
6%
Gnome
5%
Monster
3%
Devil
2%
Love
17%
Kindness
11%
Joy
10%
Friendship
8%
Unreactive
7%
Surprise
6%
Trust
6%
Anger
2%
Fear
1%
Distrust
1%
Disgust
1%
Sadness
<1%
Conscious (i.e. self-aware)
96%
Intelligent
96%
Benevolent
78%
Sacred
70%
Had agency in the world (e.g. it could affect outcomes, events or material objects in this reality
54%
Positively judgemental
52%
Eternal
42%
All-knowing
38%
Petition-able (e.g. in response to prayer or petition, it might change events or circumstances)
23%
Negatively judgemental
16%
Malicious
11%
Thank you.
The inspiration for the collection comes from research by Alan K Davis, John M Clifton, Eric G Weaver, Ethan S Hurwitz, Matthew W Johnson, Roland R Griffiths. Journal entry: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32345112/
As well as David Luke's book "DMT Entity Encounters: Dialogues on the Spirit Molecule with Ralph Metzner, Chris Bache, Jeffrey Kripal, Whitley Strieber, Angela Voss, and Others" Book : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56695121-dmt-entity-encounters
Thank you to all these excellent scientists who devote their time and thought to helping us understand our shared connectedness in altered states.
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