We recently connected with Nelson Etok and have shared our conversation below.
Nelson, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I’ve never been happier in my life than I am doing what I love painting. Being an artist gives me the freedom to express myself in ways that words never could. Every time I pick up a brush, I feel connected to something bigger, and it reminds me why I chose this path.
There have been times when I wondered what it might be like to have a regular job, especially during moments when things felt uncertain. I remember one specific time when I sat in front of a blank canvas, feeling frustrated and questioning if this was the right path for me. But as soon as I started painting, everything changed. It felt like the colors and shapes were telling me I was exactly where I needed to be.
That moment made it clear: despite the challenges, this is what makes me happy.
Painting isn’t just a job for me it’s who I am. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Artist biography
Nelson Etok is a passionate artist from Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. He began his artistic journey in childhood, further developing his skills at the University of Uyo. In 2018, Nelson graduated with a diploma and a B.Sc. in Fine and Industrial Arts, and has since won two awards for his work.
Known for his speed painting, Nelson developed his unique style on his own, turning it into a form of entertainment. He describes painting as a way to “bring my imaginations to reality,” using his art to blend the real with the imaginary. Nelson primarily works with acrylic and oil on canvas, and his creativity knows no bounds.
Rather than creating art for fun, Nelson aims to inspire others, encouraging them to tap into the power of their own imaginations.
Artist statement
Growing up, I often found myself lost in vivid daydreams, imagining a life of a Royalty, becoming a superhero, and experiencing profound love. These fantasies weren’t just a way to escape. they brought me immense joy and fulfillment. This rich imagination has deeply influenced my painting style. As an artist, I focus on realism, capturing tangible details with meticulous care. Yet, it’s the whimsical landscapes of my mind that shape the backgrounds of my work.
My canvases are usually adorned with muted colors, creating a subtle yet powerful contrast between the real and the fantastical. In my paintings, you’ll see a blend of the familiar and the imagined.
Each piece invites you to journey into a world where reality and fantasy blur, encouraging you to explore your own dreams and desires. The muted palette enhances this dreamlike quality, wrapping the scenes in a soft, contemplative aura. My work showcases the power of imagination and its ability to enrich our reality. Through my art, I hope to share the happiness and wonder I found in my daydreams and inspire others to embrace their own creativity.
Growing up in Nigeria has shaped my art in so many ways. The country’s blend of tradition and modern life, its vibrant energy, and contrasting
environments definitely influence the mix of realism and fantasy in my
work. Personally, I’ve always been someone who escapes into my
imagination, and that shows up in my art. I capture real, detailed moments
but pair them with surreal, dreamlike backgrounds. My culture and
personal experiences have taught me to see beauty in contrasts, and I try to
reflect that in every piece I create.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being an artist is knowing that my work can connect with people on a deeper level. For me, it’s about creating something that makes someone feel, think, or remember. There’s nothing quite like seeing someone respond to a piece I’ve made, whether it inspires them, brings them joy, or sparks a conversation.
It’s fulfilling to take an idea from my imagination and turn it into something real that others can relate to.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My main goal as an artist is to create work that helps people see the world differently, blending imagination and reality in a way that sparks curiosity and emotion. I want my paintings to make people pause, reflect, and connect with themes like time, memory, and personal growth. More than anything, I hope to inspire others and tell meaningful stories through my art-leaving an impression that lasts long after they’ve seen it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artsy.net/artist/nelson-etok
- Instagram: @ artofnelsonetok _ @nelsonetok_
- Facebook: Nelson Etok
- Linkedin: Nelson Etok
- Twitter: @etok_nelson
- Youtube: Nelson Etok
- Other: Tik – tok @nelsonetok_
Image Credits
Artwork by Nelson Etok, a painter known for blending surrealism and realism to explore themes of time , memory and transformation.