We recently connected with Niasyu Woods and have shared our conversation below.

Niasyu , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned to do what I do through years of trial and error, observing the world around me, and immersing myself in both traditional and contemporary art. Throwing paint at the wall and seeing what sticks. Being self-taught, I didn’t have the benefit of formal instruction, so I relied heavily on books, online resources, and a lot of practice. I spent hours studying the works of artists I admired, like Betty Saar, Charles White, Lois Mailou Jones, Faith Ringgold, and more, trying to understand their techniques and translating them into my work. Over time, I developed my style, refining it through constant experimentation.

Knowing what I know now, I think I could have accelerated my learning by seeking out mentors or connecting with a community of artists earlier on. While I learned a lot on my own, there’s so much value in being able to receive constructive feedback and being part of an artistic dialogue. Additionally, embracing digital tools and resources earlier might have helped me to expand my techniques and reach new audiences faster.

The most essential skills for me were observation and patience. Being able to truly see and understand the nuances of light, shadow, color, and texture was key to improving my craft. Equally important was learning to trust my intuition and voice as an artist, especially as a Black painter affirming the value of our everyday life and experiences.

As for obstacles, there were a few. One was the financial and material constraints that often come with being an artist. But ultimately, I’ve come to realize that these obstacles pushed me to be more resourceful and innovative in my approach to art. Another part of it was finding my artistic tribe that aligns with my values and pushes me to challenge myself. As artists, sometimes we are stuck in our heads for hours and days on end, we need outside critique and a pair of fresh eyes to figure out how we can improve our practice. These factors allowed me to find my path, which has been both a struggle and a strength.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Niasyu Woods, a Philly native now living in Atlanta, and I am a visual artist who brings the beauty of everyday life to the canvas. My work is a blend of vibrant acrylics and mixed media, where I capture moments, both big and small, that reflect the richness of the African diaspora’s daily experiences. Family and friends have always been a source of inspiration for me, and their influence is woven into everything I create. Through my art, I aim to celebrate the simple, yet powerful connections that make life truly meaningful.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the opportunity to connect with others through shared storytelling. It’s incredible to see how personal experiences or ideas can resonate with someone else, sparking emotion, reflection, or inspiration. At the same time, the creative process fosters my growth. Each project pushes me to explore new perspectives, refine my skills, and better understand myself. It’s a continuous journey of self-discovery and connection, which is both humbling and fulfilling.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a deep desire to build community and create spaces where people can feel seen and connected. I want to inspire the younger generation, especially those who look like me, to dream big and embrace their potential, whether it is creative or not. Representation matters, and I aim to show that our voices and stories are powerful, meaningful, and worthy of being shared. Ultimately, my goal is to uplift others, spark conversations, and remind people that they’re not alone in their experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.studioniasyu.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nia.syu

Image Credits

Brandon Smith
Niasyu Woods