Today we’d like to introduce you to Nate Austin.
Hi Nate, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I believe my relationship with art began at 6 years old. I remember being in church almost every other day, and my mother giving me paper and a pencil to keep me occupied. Since then, I’ve just kept at it and it grew into a passion. I went graduated high school from the Cleveland School of the Arts and attended the University of Toledo; there I took some art related courses but seemed to drift from my once passion.
While in college, friends would encourage me to pursue art as a career. I always felt it would be impossible to become successful as an artist, because I saw none. I used that as an excuse to push my dream to the side because it was “unrealistic”.
After college, I found myself dabbling with art again, but this time it became more serious. At this current moment, I feel I am searching for my own style, my voice, my sound.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This road has been as smooth as a road in Cleveland; full of potholes. As an artist, finding and planning time to work on art, while working a full-time job, and my son, my fiance and managing other relationships. Any artist will tell you, taking time off from your craft may cause you to be a bit rusty and channeling creative energy that inspires you to create may be difficult.
As an artist, there are other artists to aspire to be like, but there is no corporate ladder or an A2 + B2 = C2 formula.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a visual artist. I mostly work with two- dimensional surfaces. I am best known for pieces of work that involve portraits and images that represent the African American experience.
I am most proud of developing patience. I have always been used to working quickly, but as I learned to slow down and take my time, my work improved and my attention to detail improved as well.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
By visiting ArtByNFA.com to browse through originals and prints, and/or following my art page on Instagram @artby_NateAustin
Contact Info:
- Email: ArtByNateAustin@gmail.com
- Website: ArtByNFA.com
- Instagram: @ArtBy_NateAustin
