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Nomad's work is explorative through dark tones with juxtaposing vibrant colors. He is a visitor here to bring you visions and stories from the Astral plain. Using tones from dystopian art; The purpose of the artwork is to make you experience raw emotion. All the while making the viewing party question the original concepts from the perspectives of darker scenarios and visuals. In a time where everything is artificial, the only thing real is what we find in our hearts. (courtesy of the artist)

How did you get your Artist name?

I never wanted to use my government name because as a kid. i notice all the cool artists had their own tags or alter egos. For example, you got (mear one, el mac, obey) Then when I would do research on art history most of them played with their names as well. Instead of using their full names, they shorten it. ( frida, picasso, dali, goya etc.) The first name I tryout was INFAMOUS MONSTER, but it didn't feel right. Then I thought about MARZ, or VULCAN. I wanted something earthy and cultural. Eventually, I came across NOMAD, and like a puzzle piece, it fits.

How did you get into creating?

As far as I can remember I was always creating art. It was something that was always around me in one way or another. Sometimes I wonder if I was meant to be an artist. It's one of those things that happen. I always have to be drawing or painting in my free time. If I don't I feel off. Another reason why I have to do it is that throughout my day I will come up with ideas, or be inspired and the image will be locked in my mind. Then I will find myself obsessing over it. So if I don't get it out on paper or doodle it down, I won't have peace of mind.

How has creating changed your life?

Creating art has changed my life in the sense that. It helps me express and deal with what emotions I am feeling at the moment. Sometimes it can be therapeutic, and other times it can be an ego boost. For example, a few years back I got the idea in my head while watching a children's movie, that I could had came up with a better story. So I went for it with no experience and way over my head. I stand here today the proud author of the Alligator Boy series. And working on my third children's book as we speak. That was the ego boost, the way it helps me therapeutically is say I am going through a tough event. I will paint that event. As I am painting I am thinking about all the possibilities that event could have turned out. In the painting, I will disguise the people involved as animal hybrids or monsters. Sometimes I might even use historical figures to channel the individual. I never planned on being an artist because that's what everyone recommend me to do as a child. I even remember applying to art school as a child. I took a test where you had to copy an image they gave you and mail it in. I passed the test, but I was too young to go. I always felt people only thought I was only good at art. So in my way of rebelling and proving to myself that I can be good at other things. I did art only as a hobby. It wasn't till the last few years, that I questioned whether I made a mistake or not. Like all the decisions I've made in life, I just went for it. Out of the blue, I created a social media page for my art. I order pins and shirts even business cards. To tell you the truth, I have no idea what I am doing. But I am doing something. I signed up to showcase my art for the first time recently, and I didn't tell anyone till the weekend before. The show I was in was called the Allstar art show in Tribeca Ny curated by Sophocles Plokamakis. He was a warm and welcoming person, he help me a lot by giving me tips and answering all my annoying questions. The show was full of many great artists who like Sophocles, really looked out for you. I feel like I made new friends and new connections. So when you ask how has creating changed my life, I think the best way to answer is, that it has improved it.

Where are you from?

I am from Queens New York, born and raised. I am first generation American, a child of 2 strong immigrants from Colombia who happened to meet in this amazing country.

How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?

In order to answer this question, I have to tell you a little bit about my neighborhood. I am from a place in the middle of Elmhurst and Jackson Heights Queens New York. On one side of the block, you see nothing but different Spanish cultures mixed together. And on the other side, you see a mixture of Asian cultures blending together. So on a Saturday, I can see an Ecuadorian lady selling ice cream to kids at the park, while Buddhist monks walk by feeding the pigeons. Growing up I had friends from all types of different backgrounds. I was blessed because I got to see how everyone lived. To me, cultural appropriation is not a real thing. It's really cultural diffusion. The reason is that people tend to use what they see and like in other cultures and mix it with theirs. That's not a bad thing, it's a compliment. The appreciation of one's culture or heritage is proof of the human race coming together. This is something we as humans have done since the beginning of time. I think that's why I am inspired by different cultures and use their images/styles in my art. Because that's how I view the world. I see all the connections we have made.

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?

I try to read books on different techniques, watch videos about other artists and how they produce their work, or watch another artist actually work and try to replicate it. I am not a trained artist. in college, I tried to take some art courses, but I found it restricting and also at times annoying. because of how the teacher would teach or react to the students. It didn't feel honest and at times take the fun out of it. So I would just stop showing up. I feel like a fraud, I don't feel like an artist sometimes, because I am not trained. So when I see people's work who I like, I automatically assume " oh they are way better than me." With that said I know, I am a good artist because I have had people telling me they like my art since I was a little kid. So that's something to keep in mind.

What does your current setup look like?

Like a mess. I am surrounded by books and paintings and masks from my travels around the world. I also have an audience of figures from different religions and backgrounds watching me work.

Who inspires you? Why do they inspire you?

I am inspired by many different people for many different reasons honestly. I am a student of history. I love it. I spend most of my time watching videos about different historical figures and artists. Sometimes I am moved by their stories; so I would doodle or draw a moment in time. There are also moments when I learn about the accomplishments they achieved. That gives me the drive to keep going. With anything, I do in life really. Other times I get inspiration from family members. When I was younger, I would spend a lot of time with my older cousin. The best way I can describe her is bohemian. She introduced me to street art, different genres of music, cinema, and a carefree attitude. I wanted to be like her. I thought she was so cool and free. She had an impact on me when I was in high school. She goes by the name "Lunazstarr". When I got older, I found inspiration from another cousin of mine. I look up to him; because he's a man of potential. He shows me no matter where in life you are you can be anything. This man was a teacher, graffiti artist, tattoo artist, and steamfitter god knows what he will be tomorrow. The only reason I did an art show was because of him. One of my regrets in life is not supporting him at his show. When he was doing graffiti he went by the name "ENTO" Whenever I am with him I try to learn as much as I can, whether it's about life or art. Inspiration comes and goes, you never know from where or who it will come from.

What is your goal when you create?

 It depends on what I am creating. Like I said before sometimes I will have an image stuck in my head that I need to get out. And it almost always never comes out 100%. Other times I paint to relax and process what I am emotionally going through. Then there are times when I am asked a favor so I have to paint what was asked of me. Every creation has its own purpose. With that said I do choose to paint. when I could be doing other things. so in general I believe the purpose might be. That I want to make art that I will be remembered for.

Why do you create?

I create because I see it as a way to leave my mark in this world. I feel like I am meant to be remembered in history. I am still not sure if that is a good thing or not. When I die the only thing left of me that will survive is my work. Even that is not a guarantee. Only time will tell.

What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?

That's a tough one because I choose the song based on my mood. Sometimes I don't even finish the song. I usually listen to the same old 20 songs also. so it's difficult to pick just one. Wow, this really a difficult question.

What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?

My dream as an artist is to be acknowledged and remembered in history for my style and work. The steps I am taking to reach that dream is by creating a brand. I am still not sure if it's a brand or a new style of art. Like surrealism, watercolor, neo-classical, etc. That I am trying to create honestly speaking. But let's just say I am trying to bring something new and different to the table.

What is the best advice you would give someone with a dream?

Go for it! you will never know unless you try. Sometimes the regret of not trying is more painful than failure. I think dreams are the reason men are able to move heaven and earth.

Tell us about your most recent release

The Latest painting I did is called "PAPAYA". It is an 18x 18'' wooden circle. The Image is an alligator humanoid, in gold ceremonial jewelry. Holding to juicy papayas. The background is a golden tribal print. It also glows in the dark. I made this piece specifically for the AllStar Art Show. I was inspired by the gold art that is found in Colombia. Also in Colombia, there is folklore regarding an alligator man. The figure is dressed in jewelry and wearing a headdress. Which is drawn from and inspired by the tribes of Colombia. I got the idea for the tribal pattern behind him, from looking at Colombian currency. The dripping papayas are a representation of the female vagina. The Alligator is a symbol of chaotic force with unquenchable desires. This is piece is an homage to my heritage.

Check out PAPAYA on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/p/CggEKMfD1j7/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadnyc92/

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