Meet Nathaniel Richards

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nathaniel Richards a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nathaniel, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

My optimism stems from observing people I know endure struggles that darkened their spirits. From a young age, I promised myself that no matter what trials I might face, I would never live my life negatively. Instead, I choose to support and praise those around me and to be mindful of the energy I put into the world.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My name is Nathaniel Lloyd Richards, and I’m a multifaceted artist with a creative journey deeply rooted in my Caribbean heritage and shaped by my upbringing in the vibrant community of Manchester, UK. As a lifelong learner and passionate storyteller, I explore various artistic forms—poetry, music, and visual storytelling—to express the rich tapestry of my life experiences.

I’m the author of the book ‘Lighthouse,’ published by Written Off Publishing. My award-winning visual poetry film and documentary ‘Ode To Black Women,’ which won Best Short Documentary at the IBDFF in Toronto, highlights marginalised voices in a positive and uplifting way it was a poem I wrote for a poetry competition from Black Cat Press Poetry Press and is included in their anthology Trees, Seas and Attitudes. Additionally, my visual poetry film ‘Resilienza,’ created during the Frenkiel and Ponti artist residency in Abruzzo, Italy, showcases my ability to transform even the darkest subjects into beacons of hope.

Looking ahead, I aim to publish more books, curate art installations connected to my work, create additional documentaries, and host poetry and dining events that bring communities together and celebrate cultural appreciation. My unique artistic perspective ensures that, regardless of the subject matter, my work always shines a positive light, celebrating the strength and beauty of marginalised voices.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Self-belief: Growing up in a diverse community and facing the challenges of being a black gay male growing up in underprivileged areas taught me many difficult lessons. The most valuable lesson these challenges taught me was that I must be my own biggest fan, to quiet the outside noise and not allow any one to ‘little’ my dreams, projects and aspirations. This quality has been crucial in overcoming obstacles and pushing forward despite setbacks. It is nice to have your work appreciated, praised and awarded but first and foremost I must love what I am creating. Believing in yourself isn’t ego it is vital and essential.

2. Cultural Appreciation: My deep-rooted connection to my Caribbean heritage and the diverse community of Manchester has significantly influenced my art. This cultural appreciation allows me to tell authentic stories that resonate with a wide audience and also is a way to describe my childhood, what I experienced and why I am the adult I have become.

3. Versatility: Exploring various artistic forms—poetry, music, and visual storytelling—has allowed me to express my creativity in multiple ways. This versatility has been essential in keeping my work dynamic and engaging. I am never afraid to experiment with different mediums and styles. I am constantly learning and practising my skills choosing to remain curious and open to learning new techniques. Versatility not only makes you a more well-rounded artist but also opens up new opportunities for creative expression.

For those early on in their journey I would say although it is important to get inspiration from the art that is already out there in the world it is important to know what your own style is and what you bring to the table. Particularly with the ever growing social media it is important to use it as inspiration, not intimidation.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely, I am always looking to collaborate with passionate and creative individuals. Specifically, I would love to connect with book publishers, art gallery curators, cinematographers, documentary makers, and those interested in creating unique poetry and dinner events. If you share a vision for celebrating cultural diversity and uplifting marginalised voices through artistic expression, I’d love to hear from you.

You can connect with me through my website at: www.nathaniellloydrichards.co.uk
Email me at nathaniellloydrichards.co.uk
Or reach out via Instagram @naeuk.

Let’s create something meaningful together!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

All the photos belong to me.

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,