feature: visual artist/illustrator/”eclecticweirdo” nadya nickels shares her story

My name is Nadya Nickels, I’m 18 years old and I currently live in Orlando, FL. I’ve been painting and drawing since I can remember but I started taking it seriously at 11. I predominantly do portraits, I like expressions they can you tell a lot about what’s going on and what someone’s thinking. Though I find it still allows room for people to form their own interpretation. Because I think we all try to connect to someone else’s expressions with our own emotions. My art is a huge part me, sometimes I think it speaks better than I ever could vocally. I was born in Illinois but I grew up in Puerto Rico, where my family is from. I’m really proud of both of my heritages and cultures. I’ve always loved goth/punk style, but as a black girl it was kinda hard to find myself in that scene. So I make sure to put myself and those around me into my art.

By Nadya Nickels, AFROPUNK Contributor *

I like to use vibrant colors, for simply why not! I never really like to do things that are boring, even when it’s simple I feel the need to add something interesting. It’s kinda like how I like my music, it has to have some kind of hype.

I get a lot of inspiration from music, I sometimes like to write the title of a song I was listening to on the back of a piece. Music sets the mood and whatever mood I’m in is reflected in my work. I’m currently working on a coffee table book of illustrations of bands I like.
I like taking images that are usually viewed as negative and putting them positive settings. While distorting those that are viewed as positive.

What I look forward to doing with my art. is creating for something greater than myself… something to provoke change and thought.

* Nadya Nickels’ website: http://eclecticwierdo.tumblr.com/