We recently had the chance to connect with Jesse Nickell and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jesse, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What battle are you avoiding?
Getting my work in front of more people, more galleries and more opportunities. The fear of rejection of the work is a fear of rejection of the self, as they are uniquely tied.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I was born in 1994 in Golden, Colorado. I was originally a chemical engineering student but made a pivotal shift to pursue painting. My dedication to classical techniques led me to study under Odd Nerdrum in Norway, where I aligned myself with the Kitsch movement due to its emphasis on classical methods, in contrast with my earlier educational experiences. I now focus on a classical approach, painting from life, and aiming to convey profound human truths through my work.
I am currently finishing a bunch of paintings that were started in the last five years that have sat in the studio with little attention. One of them will be a masterpiece when completed, and will be my first large scale, multi-figure composition. It is the mountain I am determined to summit.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of my best friends in high school left this world early during the pandemic (unrelated to the virus). Although he had optimism and joy, it wasn’t enough.
We make ourselves into prisons, and in a panic will cause immense pain and suffering in the name of safety or something similar. Everyone is truly alone in this world without the hope of a savior.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering is defined differently in its utility but can be categorized as either optimistic or destructive. Suffering ought to be used optimistically, which is my aim. Its fruits are hope, character building, and resilience.
Suffering also teaches hardening of resolve and purpose, as well as creating relatability and a story of perseverance. Without suffering, I would not possess these traits in great quantity.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lies in the classical painting industry are that it is structured as a meritocracy, that artificial intelligence and photography should be utilized, and that painters should be seeking out individuality over excellence.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Genuine human expression and the beauty of pain.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jessenickell.com/
- Instagram: @jessewnickell
