We were lucky to catch up with Nigel Clouse recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nigel, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My purpose as an artist is deeply intertwined with my upbringing in the Rust Belt and my subsequent experiences in corporate America. Growing up in a small, rural community that was once vibrant—but gradually succumbed to economic decay—had a profound impact on my worldview. This backdrop of a community grappling with the loss of manufacturing jobs and the resulting subsistence lifestyle left an indelible mark on my psyche.
The contrast between my rural upbringing and my adult life in urban corporate environments further shaped my artistic vision. Witnessing ethical lapses, dehumanization, and declining social mobility, especially during the Great Recession and—more recently—the COVID-19 pandemic, I became acutely aware of the greed, indifference, and manipulation of the ruling class. These experiences heightened my sensitivity to societal issues and fueled my desire to express these themes through my art.
The decision to find my purpose was made after the abrupt loss of my father to cancer, which caused me to work through the ensuing disorienting dilemma—reconstructing my worldview in the process. Having practiced art for much of my life, my purpose emerged when I decided to think about my work, where I wanted to take it, what I wanted to say, and the resolve to create work which resonated with myself. Exploring a multitude of styles and media, I slowly began to craft my personal aesthetic with digital art, which eventually evolved into the inclusion of glitched and distorted graphics. I found that glitches perfectly symbolized the degradation of reality, the systemic failures, and the unraveling of society, humanity, and the universe. These random anomalies resonated with me, as they seemed to distort the perceived concreteness of existence, mirroring the chaos and uncertainty I observed in the world around me.
Over the next decade, I began incorporating elements like femme fatales, Hollywood stars, and popular culture references into my art—allowing me to comment on societal norms and expectations using a universal codec—further defining my artistic voice, and allowing me to evolve during this journey. My disillusionment with capitalism and the myth of the ‘American Dream’ has been a driving force in my artistic narrative. My art is not just a form of self-expression but also a mode of resistance and critique against societal ills such as inflation, the collapse of upward mobility, the rending of the middle class, ecological collapse, unaffordable housing, the expanding wealth gap, and the oppressive student loan system which creates lifelong indentured servants. Choosing to live as a recluse on the fringes of society wasn’t accidental; it was a conscious decision that enabled me to observe and critique the world from a distance. This detachment provided the solitude and space necessary for deep reflection and unfiltered creativity.
Ultimately, I found my purpose in creating art that not only reflects my personal experiences and observations but also invites viewers to question and ponder the complexities of our society and reality. My work is a form of communication, a way to engage with and comment on the world, using the digital medium to highlight the beauty, decay, and surreal aspects of existence. Through my art, I aim to provide a perspective that challenges conventional views and encourages deeper reflection on the human condition and the world we inhabit. During my relentless pursuit of artistic truth, I’ve discovered not just a means of expression but a way to make sense of the world around me and, ultimately, my purpose in life.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My artistic career is a journey of self-expression and societal critique, which is deeply influenced by my life experiences. Trained as a traditional artist, my professional focus is on digital art, where I blend distorted graphic elements and the concept of the glitch into a unique form of expression. I work primarily in digital media, creating art that reflects my observations of society, technology, and the human condition. My pieces often feature elements of appropriated pop culture, femme fatales, distorted graphics, and a vibrant color palette, meticulously crafted at the pixel level to achieve a distinctive visual style. This technique allows me to delve into themes such as societal decay, the influence of technology, and dystopian realities.
The most exciting aspect of my work is the ability to transform my observations and thoughts into a visual language that speaks to a broad audience. The use of glitches in my art is particularly special to me; it’s not just an aesthetic choice but a symbol of societal imperfections and the unpredictability of the reality we inhabit. Creating art that speaks to my personal experiences provides me the opportunity to share my detached perspective with others—altering their worldview.
My brand revolves around authenticity and introspection. My art reflects my journey, from the Rust Belt to corporate America, and the various socio-economic and personal challenges I’ve encountered. It’s about bridging the gap between personal experiences and broader societal issues and presenting them in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking. My newest series focuses on distorted and glitched portraits and the ability of individuals to communicate their intentions and emotions through purposefully obscured faces.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I honed my observational skills through life experience. This awareness is deeply ingrained in my art, allowing me to create works that are rich in narrative and meaning. For those at the beginning of their journey, cultivate a keen sense of observation. Pay attention to your environment, individuals, and the societal and cultural changes which occur over time. Read extensively, engage in lifelong learning, and conduct personal research to continually participate in critical thinking and problem solving. This will enrich your understanding of our reality and provide a wellspring of inspiration for your work.
My work involves meticulous attention to detail, particularly in digital media, and the use of techniques like glitch art. This proficiency allows me to express complex ideas visually and distinctively. Invest time in mastering your chosen medium. Whether it’s digital art, painting, sculpture, or any other form—technical skill is crucial. Experiment, educate yourself, and be open to learning from both successes and failures. Remember, proficiency evolves with practice and patience.
I would suggest taking community art courses or finding a mentor to assist you in your quest, but I would caution anyone seeking higher education, especially in any art related field. All colleges, regardless of their mission statements or official status, are for-profit organizations and are mainly interested in their bottom line. They generate profits while saddling the average individual with lifelong debt. Unless you are independently wealthy, have a full-ride scholarship, or have some other access to free higher education, I would forgo becoming an indentured servant for the rest of your life by attending college—there is no real payoff for chasing paper. Education and the accumulation of knowledge are important, but this may be conducted through individualized self-directed intrinsically motivated learning.
Facing economic challenges, personal losses, and the realities of surviving in a systematically designed inequitable society, resilience has been key to my survival. Being adaptable in my artistic expression and career path has allowed me to navigate the often-unpredictable landscape of the art world. If an artist is early in their career, I would suggest embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Stay true to your vision but be flexible in your approach. Take care of your mental and emotional well-being, as this is crucial for sustaining creativity. Remember, the path of an artist is as much about personal growth as it is about creating art—your unique voice and vision are your greatest assets.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I picked up a copy of “The Life and Death of Andy Warhol” by Victor Bockris when I was around 12 and it challenged my preconceived notions of art and altered my worldview as a result, especially in understanding the complexities of the art world and the journey of an iconic artist.
Warhol’s approach to art, where he seamlessly blended commercial and fine art, challenged traditional notions of what constitutes ‘real’ art. This concept has been influential in my work, particularly in my use of pop culture imagery and the commercial aspects of the art world. It encouraged me to explore the intersection between art, commerce, and social commentary.
Warhol was a master at creating a persona that was as much a part of his art as his actual creations. This idea of the artist as a brand has been important in shaping my approach to my work—teaching me the importance of not just creating art, but also creating an identity as an artist. Although society wants most of us to conform to a standard set of behaviors, norms, values, and traditions, it is important to be yourself and to have opinions and a perspective which may differ from others. It’s alright if people hate your work, it wasn’t made for them.
Warhol’s work often reflected and commented on contemporary society, from consumerism to celebrity culture. This aspect of his work has inspired me to ensure that my art is not only a reflection of my personal experiences but also engages with broader socio-economic, environmental, and ethical issues.
Warhol’s willingness to experiment with different mediums and styles, from screen printing to film, showed the importance of innovation in art. This has encouraged me to continuously explore new techniques and mediums, even those outside my comfort zone. It inspired me to be bold in my artistic choices, to consider the relationship between my art and the wider world, and to remember the importance of continually evolving as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nigelclouse.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nigelclouse
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/nigelclouse
