Artist Kevin Nichols
Kevin Nichols is a mostly self taught artist with one year of a Graphic Design Associates Degree program at Antonelli College in Cincinnati, U.S.A under his belt. He has been drawing for as long as he could hold a pencil as it seemed to be the only way that his mother could get him to sit still without having to use the leash on him (true story!)
“What’s So Funny? (Joker Mashup)”
By Kevin Nichols (Finalist 2nd Edition)
2B Pencil on 300 Series Bristol (250+ hours to complete)
“As an artist at Comic Cons, I have noticed a special obsession among Joker fans. This is an idea that has been brewing in my mind for a couple years and I finally “found some time” this February/March to complete it.”
Nichols credits both his natural ability as a child and his family’s pre-disposition to artistic endeavours, beginning with his Great-Great Grandfather (who made a living as a commercial artist), for the inspiration to begin his artistic career. When questioned about the inspiration behind his current work, Nichols summed himself up perfectly. “My life has been consumed by feeling I do not belong. I am an athlete who doesn’t respond well to coaching, a student who only excels on my own time, and a loner surrounded by many acquaintances and few friends. Human connection is a struggle for me, even though people who know me argue the counterpoint. Drawing is the only through line to my life that has consistently enhanced my human connection, and that is why I create the art I create today.”
You Wouldn’t Get It (Joaquin Phoenix Joker piece)
By Kevin Nichols
2B Pencil on 300 Series Bristol (50+ hours to complete)
“When “The Joker” movie was released, all I kept hearing was how “real” it was. I eventually saw it and realized the rumors were true. Having been closely connected with people struggling with mental health and having had bouts of my own, this movie affected me deeply.”
When it comes to materials, Nichols almost always uses a Staedtler 2B graphite 0.5 mechanical pencil as he finds the grip and his fingers “get along well”. Nichols also explores adding touches of colour using Prismacolour pencils because of the vibrancy of the colours and the feel of how they interact with paper. Lastly, is the paper that Nichols’ uses, his absolute favourite is the 300 Series Bristol sheets for no other reason than “it felt right”, which is really the best reason to have when choosing mediums and specifically brands.
“No Turning Back (The Matrix piece)”
By Kevin Nichols
2B Pencil and Colour Pencil on 300 series Bristol (80+ hours to complete)
“This is the only piece I have hanging in my home office. It reminds me that every day I must make the choice anew to express my identity as an Artist. Plus, I think we might actually be living in a Matrix…”
When asked about how Nichols works through a creative block, he stated that “Depending on my mood, typically I retreat to my noise-cancelling headphones for a podcast or some music to push me through a funk. Completely unplugging for a walk in the woods will also set me straight. When I’m especially “blocked,” I listen to the audiobook “The War of Art” by Stephen Pressfield. That has never failed to snap me out of an artistic funk.”
“Last Defiance (Tony Stark/Iron Man piece)”
By Kevin Nichols
2B Pencil on 300 series Bristol (40+ hours to complete)
“21 movies led to Avengers End Game. 44 hours and 50 minutes. It started with Iron Man and ended with Iron Man. This moment gives me chills and brings me to tears, even after having seen it several times. Self-sacrifice is a virtue I strive for, and this is a great representation for me.”
Lastly, Nichols was asked if he had any advice for his fellow artists and he had this to say, “ Being “good at art” and being an “Artist” are two completely separate things. It took me nearly 30 years to figure that out. I would create and create and never really know WHY I was creating. An exercise of asking myself why I create and going 50 “Why’s” deep led me to really understand my relationship to art and my identity as an Artist.”
To view more of Kevin Nichols’ work
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