By Lakhram Bhagirat
They say that art is more than what we see on the surface. It is about who we are, what happened to us, and how it has influenced our lives and for Nigel Butler, that is exactly the course his heart takes. He does not confine himself to just one style of painting, rather he is very versed in everything he does.
Nigel is a man of very few words, but his creations are what speak for him. The 24-year-old hails from Surama Village in the Northern Rupununi, but spent most of his childhood with his grandparents in Georgetown so as to be afforded the best of opportunities while growing up. His mother was a school teacher and heavily influenced his art and him being part of the creative industry.
“I never knew the influence my mom, a teacher, played in me being this connected to art (during my younger days). She had to stop teaching due to certain circumstances and from then her artwork, fabric painting and embroidery work played a big part in how I remember her…hence, the need I feel to keep her alive through my art,” he said.
Nigel is very expressive in his work and his talent is beyond comprehension. He pushes his boundaries and is constantly learning. He takes ordinary ideas and turns them into masterpieces. Currently, he works as a freelance graphic artist as well as a clothing designer. However, his focus is on enhancing his painting skills and leaving behind a legacy.
As we figured out earlier, art was always a part of Nigel’s life and when he discovered his talent, it was readily supported by those around him. The never-ending support from his grandparents, parents, and other relatives is what drives him to push the boundaries of art and make his mark as an artist with a difference.
Speaking about the influences visible in the pieces he created, Nigel said, “Besides playing a part in my family, it was an outlet where I can focus and get away from reality, become anything I desire and do anything. Then there the impact I soon came to realise it has on society, moreover art in any form is what I love and what I’m hoping, wishing and planning to survive on.”
“I am still growing as an artist, changing every day, exploring new things, learning and trying to get a grip of what it takes to live this life and in a way, I hope it stays that exciting, but I also hope to answer the question of who I am as an artist, one day.”
Speaking about the style of his art, Nigel said while he did not want to confine himself to just one style his favourite is more “abstract, semi realism because of its strong lines and use of images and human representation”. He adds that he admires all types of painting, but photo realism in any medium, along with water colours, is what fascinates him the most. Explaining that it is not because of what is painted, rather it is because of the time that went in to painting those pieces.
Nigel studied at the ER Burrowes School of Art for three years and graduated with a certificate in graphic design as a major and sculpture as a minor. He notes that over the last year he saw an overwhelming level of support for those in the art industry making him optimistic of the things to come.
“I know there is a long road ahead if we want Guyana to get to the standards of what Guyana should be at, and we as artists, would welcome more support from other persons and continued from those backing us now. And for those looking to get into the industry like any other profession out there, struggles and stress will be present but overcoming them is where you get stronger. Just keep on going, art is a part of life and life is not an easy road,” Nigel advises. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
