Nicholas Cordel Orr was born on April 29th 1979. At a very young age Nicholas saw the world differently. Along with being the youngest of three he just didn't relate with the straight forward thinking of his family; he always saw the other side of the mirror as well. In 1985, Nicholas and his family made the transition from Jamaica to the United States; they moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. At this point in his life he started to realize that life was different outside of his family. Nicholas began to understand that he could be himself and express his thoughts in many different ways. At once, his creativity emerged. It seemed to be all he would do and making art is what pushed him through life. Through his diligence, Nicholas was accepted into a performing arts program in high school and later won a scholarship to the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan.
When Nicholas started college he began to understand why he loved art as much as he did. He could use his skills to tell stories and convey emotions for people to live in. He majored in Illustration and got his BFA in 2002. After graduating he moved to Los Angeles, California where he went on to become a freelance Graphic Designer and Artist. He spent his time fine-tuning his craft and figuring out what story he wanted to tell with it. After five years of shows and design work Nicholas decided to make another big change and moved to Portland, Oregon in 2007. He is now starting to gather up his knowledge and experience to make a new life for himself.
When I paint, I paint with every stroke building over the next like I'm forming a person's personality from the inside out. I've always said that my art is like a wind into a person’s true character. You can get to know the person in the painting and understand them through their eyes and body-language. Now you could stare for hours without feeling awkward. There is just so much beauty in people but, sadly, it doesn't seem like we notice most of the time. My paintings slow you down. They make you want to get to know people again.
All through school I was told that the background was just as important and the figure. I knew that was a true statement but for me I just couldn't let go of the figure standing alone by itself. The scenery can change and change but a person will always be; who they were made to be no matter what is behind them. And I love that about people. I guess I just want others to see the same things I do when it comes to people and what they have to offer.
I paint with Oil sticks and Gouache mostly. The Oil sticks are very physical, earthy and raw, which makes for very vibrant and powerful pieces. Other times I use Gouache. It brings a totally different feel as it is softer and yet has the ability to get thick and meaty all at the same time, which most people tend to be.