by Albertine Feurer-Young, Reporter 

Nigel Sade’s art is mind blowing. Incredibly intellectual and deep, it reaches deeply and makes you think.  He didn’t know he was going to be an artist early on. He went to school for genetics, got his degree, applied for grad school, and decided to show some art he created because he thought it would be fun.  And well, grad school was soon replaced by an art career and the rest is history.  He wants to change the world with his art and I know that he has definitely touched everyone who has seen his work.

Nigel had very powerful advice for the young artist; you can clearly see his passion through his words.  To be an artist, art has to be your life.  You must breath and live art for all waking hours. If you just want to be a rock start artist, then don’t bother, but if you love creating art every moment of the day and feel fulfilled when you create it, then don’t do it.  It’s not a choice; it’s a compulsion.  If you find that you have to work to be an artist, it should not be something you do as a living.  Art should bring you joy – always – and if it does, then jump off the cliff and do it. And if you crash, get up, climb the cliff again, and jump off again.

His passion has laid with very philosophical themes encompassing cautionary tales, love, life, societal expectations, sexism, and hope.  He has also worked on abstracts and has a line of starships that encompass a gorgeous art deco feel. My favorite of his starships is definitely the TARDIS! He also has a line of super heroes called “Hero Complex” and his Wonder Woman simply blows me away.

Rock Bottom in the “Cogito Ergo Advinio: Where Series” is his favorite piece – Rock Bottom is about the dichotomy of either being defeated and staying down or of using the experience as a spring board.

What brings you back to Comic-Con every year?
—For me, the advertising is most important. The media exposure is more than we get at any other show. Plus we have friends in the area that we get to see every year.

When was the first Comic-Com you exhibited at?
—2004 was the first year, I was in artist alley. I came in late, I didn’t have a table or a hotel room. I showed them my portfolio and by Friday I had an artist alley table.

How has Comic-Con changed for you over the years?

—It has become more display rather than a purchasing environment. There is a lot more focus on the Hollywood aspect, and less focus on comics and art.

What impact do you think Comic-Con has had for arts that don’t specifically relate to comics?
—I think it’s a fantastic environment to exhibit artwork to a captive audience that are there for Hollywood and comic related items. But that is never everything that they are about, people have many different interests. If you are there then they have exposure to you as well.

What impact has Comic-Con had over your work and your success?

—Honestly, very little impact on my work. However, I think it plays a key part in my success as an artist. Because there is so much overlap in the communities, it brings my artwork to many different walks of life.

What new art have you been working on?
Any new jewelry? Fashion?
—I’ve been working on a new series of paintings focusing on body image. I also have a new line of art deco starships. I’m also producing a new painting in the Modernday Atrocities series, as well as a few other new pieces in the works. We started putting out pendants with the artwork displayed in them. For fashion, I started working with a company called Pendragon Costuming, they are using my artwork on fabric and producing corset dresses.

Any new projects in the works?
—Yes, a few new pieces coming out in a couple painting series, as well as some private commissions.

What booth will you be in this year?
—4713

What other shows do you attend?
—We do many shows across North America and Europe, for a complete listing check here:
http://www.nigelsade.com/exhibits

Any new advice for young artists?
—If it is not something that you can do every moment of every day, then don’t, keep it as a hobby. If not, find a way to make money at it, it is a path to happiness. All of the stuff, the rancid things you think are important, are not. It is your happiness. If you cannot stop doing it, it is your path to happiness.

How has art impacted your life?
—Have you got a month? I can’t think of an aspect of my life that hasn’t been impacted. Art influences every decision I make and effects and affects everything I see.

Any new sources of inspiration?
—We have been traveling to Europe a lot lately, and that place is made of inspiration.

Have any new challenges come up?
—Running a business always presents you with new challenges. Juggling all the hats that you have to have, knowing when to let go and let someone else do it, is ever present.

Check out these links to get more Nigel Sade:

http://www.nigelsade.com
http://www.facebook.com/artofnigelsade
http://www.instagram.com/nigelsade/
http://twitter.com/nigelsade
http://plus.google.com/+NigelSade

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