Johnny Depp’s NFT art collection raises $800k for four children’s hospitals
Johnny Depp’s talents seemingly know no bounds. Many, obviously, are aware of his Bafta and Golden Globe award-winning acting skills.
Fewer might be aware of him being a pro guitarist who’s played with Iggy Pop, Aerosmith, and recently recorded an album with the legendary Jeff Beck.
And while he can now publicly add artist and philanthropist to his impressive CV (I’m sure he’s updating his LinkedIn profile as I type #not!) the fact of the matter is… his relationship with art is not new.
Far from it. In fact, he’s been a rather talented artist for many many years. He’s just decided not to share said fact with the world… as his website confirms:
“Until recently, Johnny kept his art to himself, his family, and his closest friends. Not allowing anyone beyond his immediate circle to see what he had painted. He has huge respect for art and was reluctant to push himself into the art world, particularly by appearing to exploit his success as an actor to promote his work.”
So why the sudden change of heart? Well, as Johnny says;
“I’ve always used art to express my feelings and to reflect on those who matter most to me, like my family, friends and people I admire. My paintings surround my life, but I kept them to myself and limited myself. No one should ever limit themselves.”
Frankly, there are eight hundred thousand reasons to be glad that he’s decided not to ‘limit’ himself. Because as this article’s headline states, that’s how much of the proceeds (generated from his NFT collection ‘Never Fear Truth’) Johnny donated to four children’s hospitals.
As the Never Fear Truth website states, the donation was an integral driver of the project from the beginning:
“Johnny Depp’s Never Fear Truth NFT sale was always intended to benefit charities and we are pleased to be able to confirm that nearly $800,000 in total donations have been contributed to the following organizations:
• Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (via CAF America)
• Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (via CAF America)
• The Footprint Coalition
• The Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA)”
Apart from saying “…it [the NFT collection] allows me to support a couple of very important organisations who have been very very special and important to me and my family over the years” Johnny doesn’t go into detail about his motivation behind the donations in the project videos.
Although it is widely reported that in 2008 he made a $2m donation to London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital after they treated his then seven-year-old daughter, Lily-Rose, who’d contracted E. coli poisoning resulting in her kidneys starting to shut down.
Alongside Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor, Heath Ledger, Tim Burton, and River Phoenix, Depp’s Daughter Lily-Rose, now 23, is one of the friends, heroes, and family the generative 3850 asset collection features. Each one “an intimate reflection of their character in Johnny’s eyes; a portrayal of how they have revealed themselves to him.”
Source: www.NeverFearTruth.com
Heavily influenced by his love of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work, the NFT base image faces are screen-printed by Johnny, and then a background is added through a number of techniques (foil, acrylic, screen print). Multiple variations including special features and personalised quotes by each ‘friend and hero’ are then added in acrylics over the top. And if that wasn’t enough, each layer is then animated bringing a whole new dynamic to each of the final NFTs.
As a proud NFT holder (#1203), we can confirm the Discord is positively buzzing thanks to the project’s roadmap and utility that asks “Where will this project take you. or rather. where will you take this project?”
As well as the digital & physical works of Johnny Depp’s art, the key for the long term is holding a social token for a collaborative community. Holders will get the chance to create art with Johnny around 5 mediums; art chat, literature, music-vision, film, and a vague but intriguing ‘blank canvas’.
For us, this is yet another purpose-filled NFT project with philanthropy at its heart. To wrap up we’ll hand over to an official statement from the project’s website – because we really couldn’t say it any better:
“We are grateful and very thankful to the Never Fear Truth community for this tremendous accomplishment – making this project one of the most philanthropic NFT sales to date – and we are excited to build on this success and making an even greater impact going forward.”
Source: www.NeverFearTruth.com