Ernest Hemingway once said, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” The souls of writers seep through their blood, making every piece they write unique to them.
The same can be said for artists. Their blood, and soul, seep into the images on their canvas. If you look closely at a painting you can see into the artist’s soul. Nick Watts is one of those artists.
Watts is an artist based out of New Jersey, where he was born and raised. His art is so unique it would be difficult, if not impossible, to mimic or copy. Each one of his over 1,000 pieces are very much glimpses into his psyche.
He considers his art “semi-abstract figures.” You may never look at Cartman or The Count from Sesame Street quite the same way again.
Living in New Jersey, Watts isn’t far from one of the world’s artistic Mecca’s – New York City. “The City is very close but, to be honest, I don't travel to the City as often as I wish I did,” Watts said. However, when he does make his way to the Big Apple, he enjoys spending time at his favorite museum, The Museum of Modern Art.
Dr. Seuss books provided early inspiration for Watts’ drawings as a child. But it wasn’t until he was fourteen, when his English teacher recommended he watch a movie called, ‘Basquiat’ when he found his calling. “I always drew a lot as a kid,” Watts said. “And when I saw that movie, it changed my life and I knew then I wanted to be an artist.”
Unlike many artists, who feel their talent is a God-given gift, Watts believes artistry is a learned skill. “I think life experiences have really just guided me and the way I think,” he explained. “I don't think anyone is born with a natural skill at anything.”
Watt’s first 1,000 drawings were primarily paintings and drawings in vivid color. But a documentary in 2012 changed his style. “I think my style has changed just by chopping away at it little by little and finding out what works best for me,” he said.
John Boroski’s documentary, ‘H.H. Holmes: America’s First Serial Killer’ was the turning point from color to primarily all black and white drawings for Watts. He describes the black and white scenes from the documentary as “chilling and unsettling,” hoping people who view his art would experience similar feelings.
“I think, literally, anything can inspire you,” Watts said. “If it hits you in some way or makes you feel something I think you should use it. I really don't go looking for inspiration.
I just look for areas I haven't yet explored and that usually leads me to something new that inspires me.”
Many painters get inspiration from other painters and visual artists. From the haunting voice of "Sun Kil Moon" singer Mark Kozelek to the distorted and abstract music of Maynard James Keenan's band, "Tool", Watts is more inspired by sound than sight.
"Music is emotional and my drawings are nothing more than a depiction of my emotions and thoughts,” he said.
As for what drives his art, Watts says, “I just draw things I want to see, really. I love so many visual artists but what I have to offer is different because I'm just not the same as them, just like they are not the same as me.
I enjoy doing my style of work because it's just fun and comes natural. If I had to reproduce a Van Gogh painting, I'd end up cutting off both my ears.”
But his life isn’t all about creating his art. As with independent musicians and writers, Watts has to spend time marketing himself and spends quite a bit of time on Instagram, which seems a perfect match for promoting his art, as it is primarily pictures.
26