Nicolas was born in Switzerland in 1982. He lives in total reclusion and attended university from 2001 to 2008. Still a literary student there, he no longer needs to go to school, making for a more perfect isolation. Mainly a writer, Nicolas paints occasionally. He has no formal training, and isn't very skilled. He tries to prove to people that you should always give things a try, and not just a little one, but a long, hard, intense try.Interview
What drew you to become an artist?Originally, I didn't think I could be one. But I was very interested in painting and painters, so one day, I picked up some odd paper and a forsaken box of watercolours, and a brush, and started painting abstract stuff. I was really pleased with it, even though it required no skills.
The real trigger was when I tried to draw faces. The first drawings I made were awful, but I kept trying, because I seemed to sense some slight improvement. And right I was. By the fifth drawing, it looked almost good. That's when I decided to paint a portrait. And to my surprise, the result was very good! (Well, relatively to me, that is.) From then on, I truly believed anyone can paint or draw, and I keep trying to improve, knowing that I started with the worst natural talent for either drawing or painting.
What is your inspiration?
I'm definitely not a Romantic when it comes to the creative process. I don't believe in muses or even inspiration; and if I do, it's only in the Picasso way: "I believe in inspiration, but it must find you working." That said, I change my mind on "inspiration" depending on what is meant by it. I think the things I can least corner are those that most inspire me.
Is there one recurring theme in your work?
Yes, face. I'm obsessed with faces. Faces are quite something.
What is your preferred medium?
If I had a good studio and enough means, I think oil would be a dream. Right now, I love simple pens to draw, black ink ones.
Do you have any art available in shows/galleries at this time?
None whatsoever. I'm more than underground.
Who was the first artist that made an impact on you?
When it comes to painting, I guess Van Gogh did. Or Dalì. Later on it was HR Giger, but as I never saw myself as a real painter, I wasn't deriving much from them.
Is there a contemporary artist that knocks your socks off?
HR Giger, when it comes to painting. Otherwise I know a few yet unknown artists whose work I worship. Laura Z comes to mind, and I forget her family name. Zebresky?
If you could have any artist paint your portrait whom would it be?
It would be a friend.
What is your next painting going to be?
I have no idea.
Do you think formal training or not having formal training helped your art?
Hard to say since if you had one, you didn't have the other. I had no formal training, and I sucked at drawing in school. No formal training perhaps helps to feel free, but I don't make any pride from it. No matter how you get your training, you're still responsible for your art.
What is the one thing they can’t take away from you?
They being who? I guess if they try hard, they can take everything away from me.
