Today we’d like to introduce you to Nasira Montgomery
Hi Nasira, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey as an artist began when I was 5 years old as a way of expressing my emotions. My mother got me my first easel, and I started drawing every day after school. My grandmother (mama), an artist from the Dominican Republic, saw my talent and wanted to help me develop my art skills. Mama enrolled me in art classes at Cudell Fine Art Center at Cudell Recreation Center in Cleveland, Ohio. I learned to work with ceramics, watercolors, and oil pastels there. I entered my first art competition when I was 8 years old. Though I didn’t place first in the competition, I was proud of my work and participation. I continued to use art as a way of expression, and my family continued to support me. I began taking classes at (the Cleveland) Institute of Art on Saturdays, learning animation and drawing. I also participated in art competitions for Urban Community school and the city of Cleveland. Although I was learning and growing in my art, I continued attending classes at Cudell Fine Art Center because I felt invested in as an artist. The instructors there were patient and cared about my development. That all changed when Tamir Rice was shot and killed by a police officer at Cudell Recreation Center. My mother wouldn’t allow me to go there anymore because she was concerned for my safety. The place where I felt most comfortable exploring my art was now a traumatic site that wasn’t welcoming to children. I continued my art at home. When I attended Shaker Heights High School, I took honors drawing, AP painting, photography, and graphic design. While in high school, I participated in the Julia De Burgos Cultural Art Center’s young artist exhibit. People began seeing my art and started commissioning me for projects. To support my art, my father built me an art room in his house for me to invest in my talent. After high school, I began to use my art room and creatively use TikTok and Instagram to showcase my process. I also started growing a following that included hip-hop artist N3WYRKLA and shout-outs from Gillie Da King.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My biggest obstacle in art is myself. I am very critical of myself and my work. I often seek perfection, and sometimes, that prevents me from finishing some pieces. Sometimes, I find myself looking for the right inspiration. Posting on social media has helped me get out of my own way because others see beauty where I see flaws.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m known for constantly evolving. My work is inspired by who I am. I am both African American and Latina. I grew up in Cleveland. Part of my family was born in Cleveland, and the other was born in the Caribbean. People trust me with very personal pieces, whether it’s a tattoo sketch that honors siblings, album covers, or family portraits. My art goal is to ensure that people are seen and heard. Most of the time, people feel unseen and unheard; I want to make sure that people feel affirmed and valued in all I do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nasirasartgallery
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvC6ZiVl5_qGfWuFYwG3A4w
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@nasirasartgallery?_t=8prWZpp3eP8&_r=1
