AK: You vocally support causes like Black Lives Matter, The Innocence Project, LGBTQ+ Life Center, Downtown Women’s Center, etc. Why are these specific causes such a priority for you? How would you suggest someone getting involved to help?

MS: Using my voice and platform to help fight alongside anyone who’s marginalized is and always will be a priority. I feel like having a voice is a gift that comes with responsibility – you have to use it. That’s maybe the easiest and simplest way I’d encourage everyone to get involved. Listen as much as you can, ask questions, and speak up when your gut tells you it’s time.

AK: Can you talk about your upcoming NFT series? How would you explain it to fans that are unfamiliar with this new type of digital artwork?

MS: Our first NFT sale, “The Rebirth of Venus,” on SuperRare was huge, and we donated all of the proceeds to charity. For the four remaining parts of this linear NFT series, I wanted to make something special for my community. I wanted to explore what it means to own something as a result of passion and participation and what it means to be a part of a group who controls the value. We gave away all of our NFTs for free via airdrops – we even covered gas fees. That’s maybe what’s so exciting about NFTs as a tool for creatives. For years, we’ve been telling our stories on platforms which simultaneously ask for more and show our followers less and less of us. NFTs are the start of a shift away from platforms, and a return to artists and creators having power over how their work is distributed and consumed.