# Sun RAEs Vol. 11 *Raising from the fire, this week we have Phoenix Ash stopping by to share her perspective the state of Black art in America* By [Blossom Network](https://paragraph.com/@blossom) · 2023-01-23 --- Welcome to Sun RAEs, a blog series dedicated to creating a learning experience for our audience via the exploration of creativity, life, technology, and gamification. **Contents** ------------ 1. **This week’s AI Drawing** 2. [**Weekly Random Acts of Evolution**](https://47balance.substack.com/i/98358910/weekly-random-acts-of-evolution) **- Moments meant to focus on personal growth** 3. [**Between Space and Time**](https://47balance.substack.com/i/98358910/between-space-and-time) **- Tech Exploration** 4. [**Aesthetics of the Week**](https://47balance.substack.com/i/98358910/aesthetics-of-the-week) **- A few creative ideas we’ve seen for the week** 5. [**Chaotic Explorations**](https://47balance.substack.com/i/98358910/chaotic-explorations) **- Useful Links of the week** 6. [**Gentei Kaijo**](https://47balance.substack.com/i/98358910/gentei-kaijou) **- Featured A.I. Author** 7. [**Clumsy King Dropping Gems**](https://47balance.substack.com/i/98358910/clumsy-king-dropping-gems) **- Tip of the week (Tweets)** 8. [**Chaotic Vibrations**](https://47balance.substack.com/i/98358910/chaotic-vibrations) **- Music of the week** #### This week’s AI Drawing ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/6dd3f905566fb8f298a9158def1fb195.png) “**_I just saw myself seeing myself how I saw myself”_** ### **Weekly Random Acts of Evolution** This week’s topic may be the last reference to **Atomic Habits** for a bit as I will be finished reading it in a couple of days. With that said, I’ll like to jump into an interesting concept known as the “**Delayed Reward Environment**” and how it has an impact on shaping one’s habits. The idea of “Delayed Rewards” speaks to the current state of how humans have become conditioned to expect a response to an action. The idea of focusing and having patience as a means to having long-term success has created a society that isn’t used to **measure immediate wins**. I’m not saying that **Patience isn’t a Virtue** but as people, like animals, we crave **immediate responses**. [40Seventh.eth (🐧, 🐅) @Sidetrackd\_](https://twitter.com/Sidetrackd_/status/1615203190110310405) [It’s crazy, society has changed us to delayed rewards.. at our core, we really want immediate response to our actions. positive or negative, it would teach us immediately what would happen…](https://twitter.com/Sidetrackd_/status/1615203190110310405) ![Image](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/cce5787d9eef4c648c447964d137784b.jpg) [4:23 AM ∙ Jan 17, 2023](https://twitter.com/Sidetrackd_/status/1615203190110310405) **Atomic Habits** highlights this as one of the reasons why it is so hard to break bad habits. The immediate pleasure garnered around smoking a cigarette can outweigh the long-term thought of not getting Lung Cancer. In the midst of this, it is hard to convince that person they should endure. For this reason, it is necessary to flip this concept on its head and learn to build milestones along the way to developing good habits. Instead of focusing on the paycheck you are going to get for completing the work, focus on the completion of the smaller tasks and the emotion of accomplishment felt when you check them off your list. It is important to create milestones/systems to create that immediate response your nervous system craves. One additional note I want to add here is that this has become more important now than ever. 2020 and the impacts of COVID have had many questioning what is truly coming for the future. Why look too far ahead when the world and its health/economy can all be shaken up tomorrow? I do believe staying present is important but I’ll end by saying this: Regardless of what the future might bring, wouldn’t you rather have the ability to be more prepared than be reactive? ### **Between Space and Time** We are heading into the world of Web 3 for this week’s tech exploration, specifically, the future of Loyalty programs. Loyalty Programs as they exist today have grown stagnant and with the introduction of NFTs, this presents out-of-the-box capabilities for token gating value and providing utility. Reading the following article from [**BCG**](https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/web3-customer-loyalty-program-opportunities#close-modal), they present the challenges today and the benefits Web 3 looks to bring to brand loyalty. ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/4bc08e900272e7dbfe1b608551260ae9.png) These benefits add a level of disruption empowered by the capabilities of **Blockchain - Transparency, Smart Contracts, and Decentralization.** The **BCG** report also provides a framework for implementation as follows: 1. **What’s your Strategy and Objectives** 1. What new functionality or problems are being solved for? ( Creating Partnerships, gamifying customer engagement) 2. **Tokenization Strategy** 1. Fungible Points - Points can be seen with the means for liquidity 2. NFT - Allows for unique token gating, digital collectible 3. On-Chain Loyalty Points - Great for partnerships as its on-chain transparency allow for exchange tracking and settlement 4. Native Crypto Token - Proceed with caution; See BAT token for a successful model 3. **Think through your partner eco-system** 4. **What utility will the tokens have?** 1. Physical, Digital , Social 5. **Engagement and Rewards** 6. **Tech Partners** One great example that has stepped to the forefront is [**Starbucks’ Odyssey**](https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/the-starbucks-odyssey-begins/). While it is currently still in beta, the details of the program elude to experiences from educational excursions to badges/collectibles in the form of NFTs. I’m interested in seeing where this grows especially at a time where NFTs still have some bad rap. I’m hoping these sort of implementations bring value to the web 3 space. ### **Aesthetics of the week** Generative art is the focus this week. This piece, while simple, is rather dope in how the backend logic creates different variations. Code set [**here**](https://openprocessing.org/sketch/1763409). ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/4194349571c165205a02f2ce1e007585.png) ### **Chaotic Explorations** Looking to add A.I. and coding to more of your repertoire, here are some resources for you. * [**Coding Resources**](https://twitter.com/Prathkum/status/161488740627634) * [**Web3Auth**](https://workspace.google.com/marketplace/app/gpt_for_sheets_and_docs/677318054654) * Add ChatGPT to Google Sheets ### **Gentei Kaijou** Welcome, **Phoenix Ash** to the **Gentei Kaijou** series. She joins us this week to share her thoughts on the proliferation of Black Art in the United States. Read below for her thoughts. ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/855f2ed865d4b2d5656e4947aa0a6e9b.png) There are several difficulties that Black artists in America have historically faced, including discrimination and limited opportunities for exposure and recognition. Many Black artists have been excluded from mainstream art institutions and galleries, making it harder for them to gain visibility and recognition for their work. Additionally, Black artists often have to confront stereotypes and expectations about what their work should be, rather than being able to freely express themselves. Financial difficulties are also a common challenge for Black artists, as they may not have the same access to funding and resources as their white counterparts. **Making Change** There are several things that can be done to increase exposure for Black artists: 1. **Increase representation in mainstream art institutions and galleries:** This can be done by actively seeking out and promoting Black artists, and by ensuring that their work is included in exhibitions, shows, and other events. 2. **Create more opportunities for Black artists to showcase their work:** This can include hosting exhibitions, competitions, and other events specifically for Black artists. 3. **Increase funding for Black artists:** This can include providing grants, stipends, and other forms of financial support to help Black artists with their work. 4. **Invest in education and mentorship programs:** This can include providing training, workshops, and mentorship opportunities for Black artists to help them develop their skills and gain recognition. 5. **Amplify and promote Black artists through social media and other digital platforms:** This can include creating hashtags, hosting virtual exhibitions, or featuring Black artists on websites, blogs, and podcasts. 6. **Support Black-owned art galleries, museums, and other cultural institutions:** This helps create a sustainable ecosystem for Black art and artists. 7. **Buy and collect Black art:** Collecting and buying Black art not only supports individual Black artists but also helps to create a more diverse and inclusive art market. ### **Clumsy King Dropping Gems** [40Seventh.eth (🐧, 🐅) @Sidetrackd\_](https://twitter.com/Sidetrackd_/status/1616631671008231426) [Today is the youngest you’ll ever be #EvolveDaily](https://twitter.com/Sidetrackd_/status/1616631671008231426) [3:00 AM ∙ Jan 21, 2023](https://twitter.com/Sidetrackd_/status/1616631671008231426) ### **Chaotic Vibrations** Continuing in the same vein from last week, this week’s track is a Ridge Racer classic track. After Hip Hop & R&B, Drum N Bass has to be my next favorite genre of music. **SO GOOD, I HAD TO GIVE YOU 3 TRACKS.** Now that I finally got my sim racing setup going (pics/video coming soon), you may be to hear some more tunes like this. Enjoy! Until next time, keep on seeking balance! [Leave a comment](https://47balance.substack.com/p/sun-raes-vol-11/comments) [Share](https://47balance.substack.com/p/sun-raes-vol-11?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share) [Subscribe now](https://47balance.substack.com/subscribe?) [Share 47 Balance](https://47balance.substack.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share) --- *Originally published on [Blossom Network](https://paragraph.com/@blossom/sun-raes-vol-11)*