My friends. I have the pleasure of introducing you to a very talented person and all around awesome human being: Yared Nigussu. This up-and-coming artist recently had his first solo show here in Vancouver, which was a total smashing success! Yared also was kind enough to take a few minutes to chat with The Artful Desperado. Check it out:

TAD: How did you discover your talent for art?
YARED: I discovered my passion for art when I was very young. I kind of remember participating in an art competition in grade 6. I was always drawing and sketching on everything I could get my hands on. By then, people around me already predicted I was gonna be an artist. They used to say “he doesn’t have a choice , he will be an artist!” It wasn’t until then that I started embracing my inner feelings about art.

TAD: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
YARED: Most of the time my inspiration comes while I am watching a movie, reading a magazine, or from some random portrait found on the internet. I usually enjoy painting faces the most, so I can find inspiration almost anywhere. Once I’m inspired though, I need to go to my studio.

TAD: How do you deal with criticism? (negative and positive)
YARED: Well, my principle for positive and negative criticism is first paying attention and listen to what people say, then analyze if the comments were useful or not. After all, it’s my art work that’s been seen through the eyes of other people and they are more than welcome to have their own opinion. People have different reactions, and they may test you depending on those reactions. At the end of the day, the most important thing for me is what I personally think of my work.

TAD: Mention 3 favorite spots in Vancouver to unwind with friends
YARED: I like going to Granville Island and stop ay my favorite spot for coffee: Agro Cafe. I also enjoy biking along the seawall and walking around the Gastown area.

Thanks so much for sharing your words with us, Yared. Friends, keep an eye on this guy, he’s bound to achieve big things in the art scene! (and when he does, I’m totally saying “told you so!”).

Art: Yared Nigussu.
Images: TOP | David Cooper, ALL OTHER VIA | SoArt