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Regular City Life readers may recall the profile of Pontcanna artist Steve Alport. At the time Steve had enthused about a young artist called Nick Lord who happened to be a friend of his son and after seeing some samples of his work we decided to invite Nick to tell us some more about himself.
EXPOSURE
THE MANY FACES OF...NICK LORD
What’s your background, Nick?
I was born in Cardiff at Saint Davids Hospital in 1988. I’m currently studying a Fine Art degree at Kingston University, London and have just finished my first year there.
Please tell us about your art
I’m interested in creating and producing visually stimulating and aesthetically pleasing imagery and investigating new and exciting ways of working. I’m particularly involved with painting - I find it such an exhilarating process and activity. The sense of freedom and capacity to change and alter an image with a single brush stroke is the ultimate thrill. I aim to create images that show structure, form and a sense of perspective. The content and subject of my work is an important component in the development of my skills as an artist. It is vital for me to vary my subject matter in order to improve and enhance my artistic awareness. My work is often very figurative and is of an expressive nature. I concentrate on developing my own personal techniques and style, helping me to evolve as an artist. I’m greatly influenced by a wide range of artists such as Conor Harrington, Jenny Saville, Lucien Freud, David Tress and Jonathan Yeo.
Have you a lifelong ambition?
I’ve many goals that I’d love to fulfil, but the main one is to be able to earn a good living selling my artwork.
What do you do to relax?
I like to have a nice cold beer after a hard days work, preferably a bottle of Bud. It’s such a great feeling - the cold, burning sensation is mighty fine! I also enjoy rock climbing, especially bouldering, the sense of freedom whilst working a route is so relaxing yet so strenuous all at the same time. I listen to a lot of hip hop and funk and recently purchased some Bose speakers which has made listening to music even more enjoyable!
What’s your work ethic?
Quite simply, ‘you get out what you put in’, i.e. the more effort you put into something, the greater the reward. I’m constantly pushing myself to create work that satisfies me.
What do you like about Cardiff?
I love the location of Cardiff. I love the easy access to the surrounding areas, such as the Brecon Beacons, and the Gower which allow me to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without travelling too far. I also have many friends in Cardiff which makes living here a good social environment. I love the fact that it’s the capital of Wales and I have a real sense of pride that comes with living here.
What’s the most memorable thing to happen to you?
For some strange reason the one that sticks out at the moment is an accident that happened to me when I was six! Completely un-art related, I was playing in our front room and slipped and fell on a wine glass. The wine glass penetrated my ankle and made a deep cut. I had to have several stitches and a cast. It wasn’t an ideal start to my weekend, but at the end of it I had a cool scar which is still visible today and, even better, a week off school!
What’s your most challenging painting to date?
During my foundation at Glamorgan College of Art and Design Technology, my first attempt of a life study colour painting. It was extremely hard to get the right colours and tones. I had decided to make the leap from black and white painting to colour and it was like being transported into a new world. The painting just didn’t seem to want to behave or work how I intended it to. I think I ended up leaving it undone as a ‘future’ project. It’s now somewhere in my garage gathering dust!
I’m very good at…
Motivating myself
I’m very bad at…
Essay writing
I love...
Being outside, especially when the sun is shining and, in contrast, listening to the rain on the roof whilst in bed.
My favourite meal is…
Hmm, Toad in the Hole is always good, with homemade chips, peas and tomatoes with a bit of ketchup, it’s always a winning combination! Homemade beef casserole with mash, cabbage, Yorkshire puddings and crispy roast potatoes. Chinese, omelettes, salad, sandwiches, homemade lasagne, pizza, cheesecakes... I have a lot of favourite meals!
My favourite drink is…
Ice cold coke is a good thirst quencher, so is cream soda. And a cold Budweiser on a hot summer’s day. Hot chocolate when it’s cold outside.
I’m currently listening to…
Showbiz and A G Runaway Slave, it’s a very good album.
I’m watching…
South Pacific series, on BBC.
If I could change anything…
I don’t know what I would change!
Three words that describe me are…
Creative, friendly, ambitious.
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