Crater Creatives: Neli Nenkova
Neli Nenkova has been globally recognized for her talent in fine arts, and she is also the artist behind the mural “Togetherness”, created for Up Here 2016! She is the recipient of many prestigious awards, achievements, and recognitions for her work, including the 50 Carelton Award for Logo Design and the Studio 123 Award for Northern Ontario. We couldn’t wait to lean more about Neli and her amazing career as a visual artist, and the advice she has for other aspiring creatives.
First off, we must say congratulations on receiving the 50 Carleton Award for Logo Design and the Studio 123 Award for Northern Ontario! Can you tell us about your designs that won for each award?
Both winning submissions were developed during my graphic design studies at Cambrian College. “TXT L8R”, a campaign to raise awareness and public understanding of the consequences of texting and driving, won the Studio 123 Award for Northern Ontario. For the 50 Carleton Award, I participated with a new concept of the tourist logo of Bulgaria; this project blended various aspects of the Bulgarian culture and traditions. Ron Beltrame and Chantal Abdel-Nour, professors at Cambrian College, provided feedback and tremendous support during the creative processes for these two projects. I would like to thank all my professors and fellow students for the competitive environment in which these projects were developed.
We understand that you have a background in fine arts, graphic design, and fashion design, and your art is featured in private and public collections all over the world. Can you tell us more about where your career has taken you, and how you started your career as an artist and designer?
I was 11 years old when my talent was noticed by an art teacher, who recommended I enroll into a fine arts secondary school. During my Bachelor studies, I focused on Fine Arts and Fashion Design. After a short spell in the fashion industry, I decided to commit full-time to a career in fine arts. It wasn’t easy initially, but my efforts paid off. In 2003, I received a letter of recognition for my art from the Head of the Vatican State – John Paul II, and this recognition opened many doors. For the last 20 years, my paintings have joined private and public collections in Italy, France, Germany, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, the USA, the Vatican and Canada.
Your mural “Togetherness” created for Up Here 2016 is seen by thousands of people each day. What was the inspiration behind the design?
I would like to thank Andrew Knapp and Christian Pelletier for inviting me as a muralist in the 2016 UP Here Festival.
My art rests on tenderness and beauty. Hopefully, “Togetherness” reminds the driving audience every day that beauty is all around us; that nature represented by the female form, the girl, the wife, the mother carries the tenderness, care and support that nurtures love and life. It is the woman with her smile, gentle touch and heart that warms even the coldest of nights.
The man lurking in the darkness of the underground cherishes the luminous thoughts of the loved one above; the miner for whom all pains and labors are the greatest rewards if they only make those closest, those living and working in the world up there happy.
Connecting the masculine and feminine of the two worlds, connecting nature and industry, connecting light and darkness, closes the circle of life reinforcing beauty, hope and love. This mural celebrates the togetherness in all aspects of life; the togetherness that surmounts all perils, all hurdles, and all obstacles of our northern, harsh but beautiful winters; the togetherness that make living Up Here worthwhile.
Do you have any advice for other aspiring artists, graphic designers, and creators?
My advice to other aspiring creative people is to develop their skills daily. Nobody is a completed artist or designer. We learn every day. Talent is like a fruit; it has to be cultivated. Passion, practice, persistence, and patience are vital to the creative process of growing into a fulfilled artist. You have to believe fervently that your seed (talent) will become a good fruit. That is passion. Of course, you need good soil for your seed to grow. That is practice. Learn as much as possible, educate yourself; the more you know, the more you dream, and the wider the scope of your creativity! Not every day will be a sunny day. For that, you need persistence. You have to work continuously to ensure your fruit gets enough light, regardless of the circumstances. Finally, remember that everything that grows requires time. We live in a world when everything has to be completed quickly, almost instantaneously. Pressure is often immense and for that you need patience. Stay true to yourself and distinguish clearly haste from growth.
How can we stay in touch and check out more of your art?
I would invite young artists to reach out. I am always happy to meet new people, exchange ideas, and help. You could see more of my works at:
www.nelinenkova.wixsite.com/neli-nenkova-design
Adriana Nicolucci
Adriana Nicolucci is a Communications and Film Production graduate, fashion enthusiast, and patterned sock collector. She’s often spotted munching on the Eenie Meenie Grilled Zucchini Pizza at the Buddha. Danny Ocean is her spirit animal, except she’s planning a heist to steal your hearts (not a casino)
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