We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Adaris N.y.l.o a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Adaris, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I knew I wanted to pursue an artistic path professionally in 2015 at 20 years old. Two weeks away from being enrolled fully into the National Guard. I was on the floor contemplating my future, and I kept reminding myself about what I wanted versus what other people wanted for me. I wanted to be happy regardless of my career choice. At that moment, I considered becoming an artist. It was unclear how I would make money, nor did I know about the art world. Then, I considered the possibility of not making much money as an artist. Then I thought I wouldn’t care. I just wanted to feel gratification and purpose in whatever I do.
The next step was telling my mom. I was very prepared to fight for it because there was the possibility she would say no, and I was going to have to say well, I’m doing it anyway, which was scary even to consider telling my mom as I practiced my speech in my room. As I headed to the front room, I noticed she was chilling on the couch. I sat at the dining room table, which was in earshot of her, so that was good enough for me. I said, “Ma, I’m no longer attending the National Guard. I am going to art school to become an artist.” It was quiet, and then she looked up from her phone and said, “Okay, baby.” Then I returned to my room, sat on the ground, and said, “This has to work.” At that moment, I felt different. I’ve never fought for something and stood by something to the point I didn’t care about the outcome or how anybody else felt. Something about art gave me that feeling, and I wanted to continue living and feeling this way, so I enrolled in school the next day. Luckily, they were starting their new semester, so I was right on time.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Adaris N.Y.L.O is a name I created to remind me to keep going and building. Adaris is my middle name rearranged; I defined it as to create; Nylo is an acronym meaning Nascent Your Lives Oasis. This is a constant reminder to make something effective in this life, even if it feels like I keep starting over. Creating for my joy and therapy is important to me; however, I need to use my gift to uplift and bring light to situations and stories.
Architecture and Dynamic Fantasy are words I would use to describe my art. Everything around me inspires me or gives me a story I can create. Sometimes, I sketch beforehand. I often start with a color and allow the story to evolve as I paint. I began studying art in 2015, and my passion grew from there. It started with Animation. My focus was on background art for TV shows and movies. I fell in love with Animation and the process of taking small steps to create something big. In August of 2021 I hosted my first solo show at the Fine Arts Building in Chicago, IL. Then, back-to-back group shows led me to do a live painting alongside the Grammy-nominated trumpet player Michael Hawes at a church on Michigan Ave in Chicago, IL.
From here, more group shows all around Chicago. In October 2024, I did my first artist talk with the students in After School Matters at The Field Museum. I told the students about my process and how I work spontaneously using science and experimenting with different techniques. A lot of my work is the result of life and experiences. Adventuring outside, being a human, remembering that I am more than an artist. I take the moments in life and create from them. As a result, you will see many people and places in my work. I want my audience to connect with themselves when they see my art. I sell original paintings, prints, postcards, and stickers. There are four artists I can name that have inspired my career and a few paintings. Faith Ringgold showed me the power of being vulnerable in my work. Jean-Michel Basquiat and Henry Ossawa-Tanner showed me why knowing yourself and your craft is essential. Ernie Barnes showed me how to take your art and let it take you places.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The connection between my art and the community is the most rewarding part of being an artist. I am always interested in hearing what viewers think when they first see my work. I enjoy hearing them break down the painting and tell me what they feel about it and what it reminds them of. Group shows have always connected me to interesting people with broad imaginations; their interpretation of my art is always fun to hear. Giving the community visuals to smile at is a gratifying experience. Past the money after it is spent, past the awards, I look forward to hearing those stories from people who felt like I did. In these moments, I give them all of my attention. At that moment, I am listening and learning about how the piece opened their mind to a different possibility. I paint for myself first and then for the people because we both need it.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
The goal that drives me the most is to move above and beyond all my expectations. When I was younger, I prayed for an answer to the questions: What is my passion? And what is my purpose? I had never cared this much about anything before. I played sports and had a few hobbies, but art was the first dream I fought for. There were more goals before art showed up, but something about art made me want to try, I wanted to see why it never left my mind. I went to art school and pushed myself to pass classes. Even outside the class, I remained a student, open to learning about art from life. I love the person I have become since I started my creative journey. There is a lot that I stopped doing so that I could make sure I was able to paint. I look forward to seeing the person I mold into as my years as a professional artist progress. Art saved me, and I want to honor my gift as much as I can to the best of my ability.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Adaris_nylo
- Facebook: Adaris Nylo
- Youtube: Adaris_NYLO
