Today we’d like to introduce you to Nelson Etok.

Nelson, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I started drawing when I was about 9, inspired by my neighbor Uche, who was my age mate. He would sketch all the cartoons we loved as kids, and I remember watching him with so much admiration. It looked fun, so I picked up a pencil and started drawing too. I believed passion starts in the mind, and from that moment, I was hooked. I even had a special sketchbook just for my drawings, and for years, art was simply a hobby I loved.

But as I got older, things changed. Peer pressure pushed me toward science in senior secondary school, and at the time, I didn’t realize how much that decision would affect my journey as an artist. After high school, I applied to study architecture since it seemed like the closest thing to art within my science background. I spent four years trying to get in, but it never worked out.

At some point, I found out I could still get into art even with my science background. So, I enrolled in a diploma program in Fine and Industrial Arts, which later helped me gain admission into the university to study art properly.
Once I got into the university, I knew I didn’t want to just blend in, I wanted to stand out. That’s when I started doing speed painting on stage, creating live portraits in under five minutes at events. It became my thing, something that set me apart from the regular artist.

Looking back, every step every challenge, every redirection has played a role in shaping me into the artist I am today.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

i will say no – the general struggles of being an artist gaining recognition, finding opportunities, and growing in a competitive space have all been part of the journey.
But through every obstacle, l’ve learned resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to my creative vision.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I’m a painter my imagination is my greatest companion, i blend the familiar (realism) with my imagined (background) to explore themes of time, memory, and personal transition. My work is deeply influenced by the vivid daydreams I had as a child, which now shape the imaginative and thought provoking scenes I create.

What sets me apart is my ability to merge traditional painting with live performance and my creative video documentaries. I perform speed painting, creating portraits in under five minutes at events. This approach not only makes my work more dynamic and engaging but also challenges the way people experience art in real time.

I’m especially proud of how far l’ve come navigating the challenges of breaking into the art world, finding my own voice, and gaining recognition. My work has been featured in International Art Market magazine alongside artists from around the world, and I’ve won four awards for my paintings. My journey is still unfolding, but I’m constantly pushing creative boundaries and striving to make a lasting impact through my art.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?

The art industry is changing fast, and over the next 5-10 years, I see it becoming even more immersive and interactive. Digital art and Al-generated works are gaining popularity, but traditional painting will always have a place especially when artists find new ways to engage their audience, people want an experience of the feels of real colors on canvas.

I also see the art world becoming more accessible. Online platforms and social media have already made it easier for emerging artists to connect with a global audience, and this will only grow. More artists will break into international markets without needing to rely on traditional galleries.

Residency programs and collaborations will also play a big role in the future, bringing artists from different backgrounds together to create something fresh. I think artists who embrace new ways of storytelling and interaction-whether through live painting, digital platforms, or unique personal styles will have the most impact. It’s an exciting time to be an artist, and I’m looking forward to evolving with the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arsty.net/artist/nelson-etok
• Instagram: Instagram – @nelsonetok_
• Facebook: Facebook – Nelson Etok
• LinkedIn: Linkedin – Nelson (painter) Etok
• Twitter: Twitter – etok_nelson