Nelson Cardenas shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Nelson , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’m walking a path—a journey shaped by creativity and time. For over 40 years, I’ve poured myself into making art, each piece a reflection of my evolving spirit. As I continue forward, I hope this path leads to a place where my work not only resonates, but inspires others to embrace their own creative voices and keep making, in whatever way feels true to them.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Nelson Cardenas. I’m an artist and a professional chef, and my journey began when I arrived in the United States in 1986 at the age of 13. As a young immigrant still learning English, I found comfort and inspiration in an unexpected place—public television. One day, while flipping through channels, I stumbled upon a soft-spoken man painting serene landscapes. I didn’t fully understand his words, but something about his calm demeanor and confident brushstrokes resonated deeply. That man was Bob Ross.
Watching his show became a daily ritual. After each episode, I would rush to my bedroom and, relying solely on memory, recreate the landscapes I had just seen. I still have some of those early paintings—a testament to the spark that ignited my artistic journey.
As I grew, so did my passion for creating. I began experimenting with different materials and tools, always searching for new ways to express myself. One day, while working in the kitchen, I was caramelizing sugar over a Crème brûlée with a blowtorch when a thought struck me: What if I could paint with fire?
That moment changed everything.
Painting with fire became an exhilarating experience. The hiss of the blowtorch, the scent of scorched wood, the unpredictable marks left behind—it all felt raw, powerful, and deeply satisfying. It was no longer just about creating images; it was about embracing the process, the elements, and the energy of transformation.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I’ll never forget the two teachers who saw something in me long before I saw it in myself.
The first was Mr. Shea, my middle school art teacher. At the end of the school year, he asked me to meet him behind the school. I was puzzled by the request, but I went outside and waited as he’d instructed. Moments later, he emerged from the back door of the art room, carrying a cardboard box. Inside were bottles of tempera paint, stacks of paper, and brushes.
He handed me the box and said, “There’s something special about you and your art. Promise me you’ll keep creating.” That moment felt like a door opening. It was the first time I truly believed that art could be my path.
In high school, my passion was nurtured by Mrs. Carol Beagan, my art teacher and greatest mentor. She believed in me deeply and entrusted me with painting murals throughout the school. She guided me, reviewed my work, and always pushed me to grow.
I remember one mural in particular—a scene that included a Styrofoam cup. After seeing it, Mrs. Beagan said, “Most students would paint a cup white. But you mixed several colors and gave it dimension. That’s very advanced for someone just starting out.”
Her words stayed with me. They didn’t just validate my skills—they fueled my determination to pursue art with purpose and confidence.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The most heartbreaking disappointment of my life came during my final year of high school. In my junior year, I was awarded a prestigious summer scholarship to attend the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). That summer of 1991 was transformative—I lived in the dorms, immersed myself in the creative environment, and poured my heart into building an art portfolio with the dream of attending RISD after graduation.
My efforts paid off. I was accepted into the program and offered a full scholarship. It felt like everything I had worked for was finally within reach. But during the enrollment process, my guidance counselor asked about my legal status in the U.S.—specifically, whether I had a green card. I didn’t. I had entered the country illegally in 1986 and was not a legal resident.
RISD rescinded the scholarship offer.
It was a crushing blow. At 17, I watched my dream slip away, and instead of heading to art school, I found myself working in a factory. My mind was restless, my spirit bruised—but my passion for art never faded. I made a promise to myself: I would not be defeated. I would continue creating, learning, and growing as an artist—no matter the circumstances.
And that promise changed everything. The rest is history.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I’m an avid admirer of Noam Chomsky. His profound philosophical insights and thought-provoking perspectives on politics and the human condition have earned my deepest respect.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Humor is my compass—it keeps me grounded and brings lightness to life’s heavier moments. I genuinely believe that almost anything can be laughed at, given the right perspective. There’s nothing I enjoy more than sparking laughter with a clever quip or a playful twist of words. One day, I hope people look back and say, “Remember that hilarious moment with them?”—because those shared laughs are the memories that last.
Contact Info:
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