We recently connected with Nionda Draper and have shared our conversation below.

Nionda , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had started sooner?

If only I had begun my career as an artist earlier in life, I believe my approach and artistic journey would have taken a different course. As a young child, I constantly expressed my desire to become an artist and would enthusiastically create pictures and cards using new crayons and watercolor sets. These creative endeavors hold a special place in my childhood memories. However, as I grew older, my family would make comments suggesting that pursuing art wouldn’t lead to a stable livelihood. Being from a small town called Axton in Virginia, I wondered if their mindset had influenced their remarks, though I never asked. Eager to please my parents, I chose a different path and ventured into the sciences by majoring in Biology in college. But the unhappiness I experienced led me to eventually quit. For quite some time, until around 2020, I drifted through various jobs in the healthcare industry, not giving much thought to pursuing art. Nonetheless, I continued to find solace and happiness in painting and drawing, using them as a means to relieve stress.

Fast forward to the beginning of the pandemic when my partner, now my wife, decided to gift me paint and canvases to keep me occupied while we were confined to our homes. Initially, painting again was simply a pastime, a way to pass the time. However, as I delved into the world of abstract art, my mother-in-law fell in love with one of my paintings and asked to purchase it for the doctor’s office where she worked. The daily compliments it received rekindled the joy I felt as a child. It was then that I began contemplating the possibility of pursuing art professionally. Admittedly, progress was slow initially, as the world had changed in terms of promoting and sharing one’s artwork since my hypothetical alternative of attending art school in 2002 instead of majoring in biology. Reflecting back, I yearn to have started my artistic journey sooner and followed my passion, as it would have allowed me more time to refine my skills and potentially transition into a full-time career earlier. Beginning earlier might have connected me with an art community where I could network and learn different aspects of being an artist. Acquiring knowledge about various art styles and concepts sooner would have greatly influenced the specific direction my art has taken, the area I’ve truly fallen in love with.

Nevertheless, I am proud to say that I have rediscovered my creative voice and I’m grateful that I have been able to pursue art professionally. If given the opportunity, I would tell my younger self to wholeheartedly pursue their dreams and aspirations, even if those around them may not agree. For me, it was never about the money; it was always about the happiness and fulfillment art brings me. Now, I can showcase my work and bring a small piece of happiness to every painting that graces people’s homes.

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

Of course! I’d be happy to introduce myself and share more about my journey, industry, and offerings.

I am an artist who primarily works with abstract paintings. My passion for art has been a constant presence in my life since childhood, where I would create drawings and paintings as a way to express myself and bring joy to others. However, it wasn’t until the start of the pandemic that I fully immersed myself in the art world and began taking my creative pursuits more seriously.

Initially, painting served as a therapeutic outlet during the challenging times of lockdown. As I delved deeper into the world of abstract art, I discovered a newfound sense of purpose and happiness. It was during this time that my work caught the attention of my mother-in-law, who fell in love with one of my paintings. Her encouragement and the positive feedback she received from displaying it in her workplace inspired me to consider pursuing art professionally.

I offer a range of original abstract paintings that aim to evoke emotions, spark imagination, and create a sense of connection with the audience. Each piece I create is a unique blend of colors, textures, and forms, designed to elicit contemplation and invite viewers to interpret the artwork through their own lens.

As an artist, I strive to solve the problem of bringing beauty, inspiration, and personal expression into the lives of my clients. I believe that art has the power to uplift, transform, and provide solace. Through my paintings, I aim to offer a visual escape, a moment of respite from the demands of everyday life.

What sets me apart from others is my journey and the personal connection I establish with each piece I create. My background in the sciences has influenced my artistic process, infusing a unique perspective into my work. I also value the feedback and stories shared by my clients, allowing me to further refine my craft and create pieces that resonate deeply with them.

I am most proud of the journey I undertook to rediscover my passion for art and transform it into a profession that brings joy to others. It fills me with pride to know that my artwork can create a positive impact in people’s lives and evoke a range of emotions.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my art is a reflection of my love for creativity and the exploration of abstract concepts. Each artwork is created with utmost care and attention, combining my technical skills with my heartfelt passion. I invite you to explore my portfolio, experience the emotions that my paintings evoke, and consider adding a piece of art to your life that speaks to you on a personal level.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

As an artist or creative, the most rewarding aspect is the ability to channel one’s imagination and emotions into tangible creations. It is a deeply fulfilling experience to have the freedom to express oneself through various mediums and witness the transformation of abstract ideas into concrete forms of art.

The process of creating artwork, whether it be a painting, sculpture, or any other form of creative expression, can be cathartic and therapeutic. It allows artists to explore their inner thoughts, desires, and struggles, while also providing an outlet for self-discovery and personal growth. The act of creation itself becomes a journey of introspection, enabling artists to delve into their own depths and communicate their perspectives to the world.

Another rewarding aspect is the ability to connect with others through art. Art has a remarkable power to transcend language and cultural barriers, communicating universal emotions and experiences. Artists have the privilege of evoking emotions, sparking conversations, and fostering a sense of connection and understanding among diverse audiences. Witnessing the impact of one’s artwork on others, whether through awe, inspiration, or introspection, is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience.

Additionally, being an artist or creative allows for continuous growth and learning. The pursuit of artistic excellence is a lifelong journey, with limitless opportunities for experimentation, skill development, and exploration of new ideas. The ability to continuously challenge oneself, push boundaries, and evolve as an artist contributes to a sense of fulfillment and personal achievement.

Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative lies in the ability to contribute to the world in a unique and meaningful way. Creating something that resonates with others, brings joy, provokes thought, or elicits emotional responses is truly gratifying. It is the knowledge that one’s creations can impact and inspire individuals that makes the journey as an artist so rewarding and fulfilling.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Looking back on my creative journey, there are certainly resources that I wish I had known about earlier. These resources could have greatly enriched my artistic growth and provided valuable guidance along the way. Here are a few examples:

1. Art communities and local art groups: Connecting with other artists and being part of a creative community can be immensely valuable. These communities offer opportunities for collaboration, feedback, and knowledge sharing. Engaging with fellow artists who share similar interests and goals helps foster creativity, provides a support network, and opens doors to new opportunities.

2. Online learning platforms: The availability of online courses, tutorials, and workshops has revolutionized the way artists can learn and develop their skills. Access to structured lessons and expert guidance through platforms dedicated to art education, such as online art schools, can be a game-changer for aspiring artists. These resources offer a vast range of topics, techniques, and mediums to explore, allowing artists to learn at their own pace and expand their artistic toolkit.

3. Professional development resources: Understanding the business side of art, including marketing, promotion, and building an online presence, is essential for artists seeking professional success. Resources that provide insights into branding, art galleries, exhibitions, and pricing strategies can significantly support artists in navigating the professional aspects of their creative careers.

4. Art history and art theory references: Studying the works of renowned artists from different periods, understanding various art movements, and familiarizing oneself with art theory can be highly beneficial for artistic development. A solid knowledge of art history provides a broader context for one’s work, enriches artistic perspectives, and inspires new ideas and approaches.

5. Mentorship and guidance: In the early stages of my artistic journey, having access to a mentor or experienced artist who could provide personalized feedback, advice, and insights would have been invaluable. Mentorship can accelerate artistic growth, help navigate challenges, and provide guidance on technical skills, composition, and overall artistic development.

These resources, if known earlier, could have helped me establish a stronger foundation, provided guidance during periods of uncertainty, and accelerated my artistic growth. However, it’s never too late to explore these resources and continue learning and improving as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artbyniondatorriell.square.site
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/artbynio
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/niondatorrielldraper