Nathan Carson is not only a street artist in Jersey City but also making waves with his mind-blowing paintings on Periscope. I have been following Nathan on Periscope for quite some time and what I have found makes him unique, is the fact that he really connects with his audience, not only on a personal level but also spiritually and on an artistic level.
His artwork speaks for itself but I have asked him a few questions to try and get a “look” inside his artistic mind. Here’s what he had to say;
- Tell me a little about yourself, where are you from, where did you grow up, what was your childhood like?
I am an artist who likes philosophy, art and all things nerdy. I grew up in Denver, and then moved to Brooklyn 2 years ago. I now live on the other side of the river in New Jersey because it is practically Brooklyn, but at half the price. - Why did you decide to become an artist?
I’ve wanted to be an artist for as long as I can remember. There has never been a time when I wasn’t trying to draw, paint, write or make music.
- What do you most enjoy painting?
I like painting faces and hands the most, which is to say people. I am fascinated by people, and I love to observe our behaviors and the things we make. People are the best.
- In your opinion what role does the artist have in society?
The artist has no role in society, per se. We entertain. We provide joy during the party and fun after work on Friday. We teach people that there is a different way. You don’t have to be rich or powerful to be successful; the pen is mightier than the sword. Egypt long ago crumbled, but their statues, buildings and pottery remain. When America is ashes, no one will remember who Washington was, but Mount Rushmore will be there confusing the shit out of people like the sphinx does now. - Describe yourself in 3 words?
Poet, painter, writer
- What’s your favorite art work?
My favorite work of art is the collected writing of Borges
- What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
I’ve had a lot of jobs. My first was as an associate at Walmart in the toy department. Then baker, then cake decorator, then commercial fisherman in the Bering sea, courier in Los Angeles, followed by delivery boy for Domino’s. After I earned by art degree I worked as a graphic designer for about seven years which brought me to New York. Now I am a painter.
- Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it?
I don’t interact with many flesh-people on a daily basis, but I don’t feel lonely. I like being alone in a room, and I know many artist who feel the same. One of the reasons I enjoy painting on Periscope is that I achieve necessary human connection without the drama inherent in relational daily grinds.
- What do you dislike about your work?
I wish I could draw arms, legs and torso’s better. I’m good with faces and hands; but the connections still give me trouble.
- What is your dream project?
I want to paint the movie posters for the Star Wars Trilogy I hope Joss Whedon writes and direct someday.
- What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Creation is destruction. This is obvious on some levels. A tree must die to make a sketchbook, for example, but it is true within the artwork on the page as well. Often, one must paint over an area that is beautiful because it conflicts with the larger work. Be ruthless. Kill your babies. It is the painting that matters, not the details.
- Professionally, what’s your goal?
I want to be an artist, whatever that means.
- What is your advice to artist trying to ‘make it’ out there?
Go for it.
The stories his paintings tell is out of this world. I can’t help but to feel an instant connection with his work and it is refreshing to see his passion being portrayed in his work.
Follow Nathan on Instagram, Twitter and Periscope using his handle @streetarthustle and if you want to get your hands on some of his mind-blowing paintings, feel free to get in touch with him.
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“Everything you can imagine is real.” – Pablo Picasso
The Writing Gypsy 