Today we’d like to introduce you to Nelson Cardenas.
Hi Nelson, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
First and foremost, I am a self-taught artist. The first memories I have of being drawn to art were back when I was around 13 or 14 years old. I started watching Bob Ross on PBS and I became mesmerized by his landscapes. I would run to my bedroom after watching each episode to recreate each landscape from memory, following all the steps he went through in his paintings. I actually still have some of those paintings from 33 years ago. In high school, I received a pre-college summer program scholarship to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where I developed an art portfolio and was awarded a full scholarship to attend RISD after graduation. However, after going through the application process, my scholarship was withdrawn because of my citizenship status. It was a very difficult time in my life because all I wanted to do was be an artist, and I felt as though that dream had ended. At that point, I had to make a decision and I decided to teach myself everything I could about art. I immersed myself in drawing, painting, and creating. Although I admire many artists, especially those in the impressionist movement, my work has had little influence on the masters. I have an insatiable appetite for creating and working with many materials and elements. My work involves pyrography, welding, painting, carving and drawing. I work on wood, metal, leather, canvas, glass and mirror. I combine all these materials in one single canvas that ultimately looks more like a carpentry project. Unifying these mediums helps to create a beautiful image.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not so smooth. I came to the United States illegally from Colombia in 1986 with my mother. I spent seven years as an illegal alien before getting my legal status resolved. During that time, I discovered my love for art and lost a great opportunity to have a formal art education. I worked at a factory in Rhode Island and tried to take some drawing classes in community college, but as time went by, it became more difficult to hold a full-time job, go to school and help my mother with all the bills. I dropped out of school, and I continued drawing, painting, and trying to discover my style.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is a unique style that involves mixed media. I use a blowtorch, welder and power tools to create art.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Although art is my passion, there is another passion in my life. I am a professional chef.
Contact Info:
- Email: ncardenas72@live.com
- Website: www.nelsonart.shop
- Instagram: nelsoncardenas72
- Facebook: nelsoncardenas
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