This article, “Blockchain Technology Job Market and Salary Trends so Far” by Elizabeth Gail on CoinCentral, outlines the 300% increase in blockchain technology-related jobs compared to the same time in the previous year.  She goes on to point to a current shortage of blockchain talent.

The article reminded me of parallels to the general growth cycle of the 3D printing industry. I worked in that industry as it went through the cycle from a mainstream introduction to media hype to consumer disillusionment then consumer enlightenment.  And eventually, 3D printing will find stability.

Keep in mind, when I refer to the 3D printing industry here, I use it in a general sense. There are many different 3D printing technologies, specialties and closely related fields that fall within the category of 3D printing.  Some of these lie in a different phase of the cycle.

Similarly, Blockchain technology seems to currently be surrounded by a lot of hype but, like 3D printing, it is gaining mainstream acceptance with practical applications as indicated by the growing number of jobs with major institutions like Bank of America.

By looking at the parallels between theses two technologies, one can perhaps project a similar path to mainstream acceptance for blockchain technology.

As with 3D printing, a lot of the hype was just that, hype.  It's not to say that 3D printing doesn't have practical value, but a good majority of people still believe 3D printing is more than it actually is.

Until that hype is dispelled, 3D printing will not reach it's full potential as people will implement the technology under false intentions leading to disappointing results.

Do I think that blockchain technology is over hyped? Yes and no. There are real practical applications for the technology in many industries with many other areas of application to be explored.  Those who work in the blockchain field understand its real value. But, for the layman, many proceed with a fair level of misinformation and unjustified expectations good and bad.

Because it is largely without a tangible aspect, blockchain technology has a bigger uphill battle to gain acceptance than 3D printing.

As more and more people actually come into contact with the technology and grasp the reality of what it is and its true benefits and limitations, only then will the hype start to give way to real practical value.

Like 3D printing, blockchain technology has a future where it proves to be a true game changer. Although, the reality of how the game will change will probably not unfold the way many imagined it would based on the hype.

Please let me know your thoughts on the over hyping of technologies in the comments below.

As an artist, digital technology's impact on traditional fine art serves as the basis for my work with 3D printed sculpture.

As a 3D printing consultant, I'm always expanding my knowledge of new and growing technologies. I focus not only on 3D printing and its related fields but on technology in general.

Following technological trends is important. You never know when you'll find yourself at an intersection of two cutting-edge technologies or in this case, the crossroads of the cutting edge and the traditional.

Recently, this article from CoinCentral, titled “An Insider's Guide to the Best Decentralized Art Galleries” by Steven Buchko caught my eye.

The article introduces the idea of moving away from centralized brick and mortar art galleries in favor of virtual assets or financial shares of a physical art piece. Hence the term “decentralized”.  An entirely new way of interacting, collecting and investing in the fine arts all made possible by blockchain technology.

I won't delve too deeply into what blockchain is or how it works in this post.  I'll admit, I'm too much of a novice with the technology to explain it properly.  It would be like asking a white belt to teach a martial arts class.

In a nutshell, CoinCentral describes blockchain technology as, "a list of digital records (blocks) that are chained together using cryptography".

Buchko's article continues with an overview of some of the more prominent decentralized art galleries currently.

While I have heard of blockchain technology and the related cryptocurrency before, it had not occurred to me what sort of impact blockchain technology could have on the fine arts until I read this article.

I have been exploring ways in which 3D printing technology can impact and expand the fine arts world and I can see where blockchain technology can be the next step in the distribution and commodification of art.

As I expand my knowledge of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, I'll post more articles and share my thoughts here on my blog. Some will relate to the art and entertainment fields and others will be more general interest.

Beyond the financial investment front, I wasn't sure how cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies related to me. After reading this article, all that's changed. Time will tell if decentralized art galleries will be a revolution, evolution or passing trend in the art world.

Either way, time to head down this technological rabbit hole.  Stay tuned.

Please leave any thoughts or experiences you have with decentralized art galleries in the comments below.