We recently connected with Nelson Ortiz and have shared our conversation below.
Nelson , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
. My artistic journey started with me as just a spectator—I used to be a photographer and documentarian of street art and graffiti. As it became a hobby, I connected with a lot of artists who encouraged me to explore my own path in street art. In September 2023, I looked back at some of my old drawings and picked one from 2012 to bring to life—and the rest, as they say, is history.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I work mainly from reference, and my art often carries feminine tones. I’m drawn to negative space and darker themes, though recently I’ve been exploring a brighter palette—something I hadn’t really done before. I enjoy being creative within limits, leaning toward minimalism in both composition and color choices. My work isn’t driven by emotion or existential ideas; it’s open-ended and meant to be interpreted by the viewer however they see fit.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part of this journey has been knowing that I’m not just on the outside looking in but that I’ve actually become part of the NYC art scene. Earning the respect of my peers and others in the community is what truly drives me. It keeps me grounded and fuels my passion to keep creating.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
There are a few goals I’d love to accomplish—one of them is to have a solo show featuring 40 to 50 of my pieces. It would be a self-validating experience and a way to celebrate my art in a way I never imagined possible. Beyond that, I just want to keep progressing, pushing myself to see how far I can go and what I’m truly capable of creating.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nellysnacks?igsh=MTVydDIxZXgyNWpqcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nellysnacks?_t=ZP-8wZs57Ueh5z&_r=1
