We were lucky to catch up with Nigel Davis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nigel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

‘Quality not Quantity’, played a big part in my most meaningful project. “A Series of Smiles” depicts visual images of mental health struggles, while simultaneously holding your physical together. In five abstract characters you journey through a self imposed therapy session set on Hahnemule Photo Rag and Arches Aquarelle Watercolor papers. Euphoric liquid splashes of acrylic with subtle gouache tones provides a gentle comfort. To create art, during a time of hardship, I was reminded of something said years back. That is, “During the darkest times, it is then that the light shines the brightest.” This body of work is a reminder to accept who you are, all of you. Stand tall in your pain with your puffy, stoner eyes. Wear your crooked smile with pride, for you are beautiful just as you are. Truly a master piece amongst my greatest works to date.

“The Smile Continues”
12x12in
Acrylic, Gouache, Sharpie, Pencil on Paper

(An abstract self portrait.)

“Loosing My Mind but Not My Smile”
12x12in
Acrylic, Gouache, Sharpie, Pencil on Paper

(MOOD: “Jesus take the wheel”)

“Smiling Joe Growth”
12x12in
Acrylic, Gouache, Sharpie, Pencil on Paper

(This is an updated rendition of an old concept – growing from within. In the DRIVE folder attached there is a photo of the original drawing for Joe Growth, hand painted on Denim Jacket.)

“Tall Tony’s Smile”
17x24in
Acrylic, Gouache, Sharpie, Pencil on Paper

(A lanky kid who plays basketball. Character design inspired by Fat Albert and his crew.)

“Smile, You Are a Basquiat”
22x31in
Acrylic, Gouache, Charcoal, Sharpie, Pencil on Paper

It is beautiful to be naturally you in your skin. Inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat and Rastas.

Nigel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey begins November 1, 1995, in Atlanta,GA. My father was an Artist when he was a young man, and that energy carried on through myself. I remember my coloring books and drawings I would do in my school composition book. I would glue them on my bedroom wall. My mind has always spoken via creativity expressing my inner child. I would use Crayola Coloring Markers the most and I broadened my horizon throughout my adolescence. Once I graduated High School, I held onto my art class notebook and would later use it as inspiration. (This is the rise of “Huggntreez”, a Creole Visual Artist from Atlanta.)

February 14, 2018 is the day I consciously started painting. It was the day I started a work titled, “They Gone Find U”., a very spiritual painting. By the time I finished the piece, I noticed how happy I felt in the end and thought, “I’m going to keep on doing this”. I haven’t stopped painting, I just continue to improve as an Artist. This separates me from others, I have spiritual connection with art. It is a magical kind of language that I understood as a baby. boy. I have had people tell me, “Your art makes me look at who I am as a human being.” Hearing that made me understand the power of sharing my work with the world. I believe I provide an opportunity to help someone grow internally and that makes me proud.

My artwork is a visual diary of my life, my perception of things. I want the viewers to read this poem, hopefully it’ll give them more insight to my artistry. Enjoy!

-Resilience

“This time around things feel a little different somehow.
It is as if, I have tapped into a deeper creativity zone,
And the expression from it is extremely precious.

I am thankful that I have returned to my safe space.
Many roadblocks, trigger moments, heartbreaks and
Much more stood in my way, yet I persevered.

The gift of creativity is embedded into my hands,
And I plan to use my gift until I can’t anymore.
Long Live Yorko, thank you for believing in me.”

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society has to become more open to all forms and styles of art. So many talented artists are around the world thinking this same question. Artist need more coverage from the news, by the masses of people, and the galleries around the world. Traditional, contemporary art is beautiful but why not open the door to a world of new style from so many young thriving creatives. Artists need a platform where they can share their story and connect with those who appreciate the arts.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

A book by Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements. It is a true masterpiece of work. A very quick read but the words are so powerful that you always come back to it. It has helped me increase my level of thinking and understanding the world around me and most importantly myself. I highly recommend anyone to read this book, you won’t regret it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Huggntreez
• Other: https://www.paperturn-view.com/us/trapxart/trapxart-the-virtual-zine-volume-28-july-2022?pid=MjU255359&p=81&v=1.10