Cyrus Nelson: Art as Ancestry, Memory, and Modern Expression

By Staff

Cyrus Nelson creates from a place where memory, ancestry, and imagination converge. His work feels both intimate and expansive—rooted in personal experience yet speaking to collective history and cultural resilience. Through layered textures, expressive color, and mixed media experimentation, Nelson invites viewers into a visual dialogue about identity, spirituality, and the enduring strength of the Black experience. His art does not simply occupy space on a wall; it carries intention, offers affirmation, and honors the stories that shape who we are and who we are becoming.

How does your creative process begin, and what usually signals to you that a piece is ready to come to life?

My creative process almost always begins with everyday life. Inspiration can come from a conversation, a moment I observe, or something I feel internally that needs to be expressed. Once an idea takes hold, I start sketching as a way to give form to that initial spark. Those early lines help me organize my thoughts and emotions. A piece feels ready to come to life when the vision becomes clear enough that I can no longer keep it in my head—it has to exist in the physical world.

Your work feels deeply expressive—how do your personal experiences, emotions, or spiritual beliefs show up in your art?

My personal experiences and emotions are woven throughout my work. I communicate what I feel through color choices, shapes, and layered textures, allowing the materials to speak where words sometimes cannot. My spiritual beliefs also influence the themes I explore, often guiding the sense of purpose behind each piece. In that way, my art becomes a reflection of my inner world while still connecting to shared human experiences—struggle, hope, faith, and healing.

Heart & Soul Magazine celebrates purpose and intention. How do you hope people feel when they encounter your work for the first time?

Above all, I hope people feel joy and hope. Our people have endured generations of oppression, yet we continue to create, dream, and thrive. My work is meant to uplift and inspire, especially the next generation. I want viewers to see themselves reflected with dignity and beauty, and to be reminded that we are a people worthy of celebration, honor, and respect.

Who or what has most influenced your artistic journey, and how has that influence evolved over time?

I’ve been influenced by many forms of art throughout my studies, but African art has been especially impactful. I am deeply connected to my ancestry, and that connection continues to shape my creative direction. I’m inspired by indigenous cultures and the ways their traditions can be reinterpreted through a modern and contemporary lens. Over time, my curiosity led me to experiment with different materials, which naturally drew me to mixed media. Working with multiple mediums allows me to build texture, depth, and complexity—mirroring the layered nature of identity and history itself.

Can you talk about a moment in your career when your art challenged you or pushed you beyond your comfort zone?

Commissions often push me outside of my comfort zone because they require balancing a client’s vision with my own creative instincts. That challenge has actually helped me grow. I’ve learned how to honor someone else’s story or intention while still maintaining my artistic voice. Finding that balance has strengthened my confidence and expanded my ability to translate ideas into meaningful visual narratives.

How do you balance staying true to your authentic voice while navigating the business side of being an artist?

Staying authentic is non-negotiable for me. Whether I’m creating for a commission, an exhibition, or a personal project, every piece carries my signature aesthetic. That consistency is what defines my work. I believe that when you remain true to your voice, the business side becomes an extension of your integrity rather than a compromise of it.

What role does community play in your work, and how do you see your art contributing to conversations around culture, healing, or identity?

Community is central to everything I do. My art is rooted in the idea of uplifting and motivating others. We truly need one another—it takes a village. Through my work, I aim to encourage resilience and unity, especially during difficult times. Art has the power to spark conversations about culture, healing, and identity, and I hope my pieces serve as reminders that strength, dignity, and compassion connect us all, regardless of race, gender, or religion.

As you look ahead, what themes or directions are you excited to explore next in your artistic journey?

Moving forward, I’m excited to continue exploring indigenous culture and its relevance in today’s world. I also want to dive deeper into the influence of jazz and folk music, as well as the rhythms of everyday life within the Black community. These themes feel timeless, and I believe they offer endless opportunities for storytelling through visual art.