Everything that I feel, read, see and experience influences the outcome of my work. My intent is to create images that are unique and reflect my attraction to the aspects of life that inspire, but are difficult to express in words. Texture, shape and composition are the key components in my work; I like to think of them as the building blocks. They aid in the creation of the scene. When used correctly, they open up communication between myself and the viewer. My painting process can be best described as visceral. Experimenting with materials forms images that seem to take on a life of their own. Pools of paint and polyurethane and layers of tar and plastic create compositions, shapes, colors and textures that are simultaneously ugly, shinny, beautiful, unique and strange.

Bio: Nuel Friend was born in Chicago Illinois in 1978. He received a BFA in Graphic Design from Michigan State University and an MFA in Fine Art Painting from Kendall College of Art and Design. Since completing graduate school in 2009, Friend’s work has been featured in California Homes and Veranda Magazine. He has been apart of several solo and group exhibitions. He has several works in private and corporate art collections in Michigan, Chicago, Florida and California.