Entry 38 - El Jefe, by Nadd Harvin

“El Jefe” by Nadd Harvin (@naddthenomad)

As a young black gnc person, art has always been a place to explore my creativity, my perceptions of reality, and a way of expressing myself in a medium other people value and understand. Tomato Studios is my collaborative idea inspired by an unfulfilled need and desire for a creative space while on my artistic journey. In my work, whether it be through personal projects and creating space for myself or tutorials and creating space for others, I always try to emphasize the act of creating and the importance of the process.

This digital self portrait is about finding comfort in change and in the process during transitional periods. Digital art, among many other things during these unprecedented times, is a new endeavor for me, but I’m finding it necessary both in life and in art alike to embrace new challenges and let the process guide the way. The reference photo for this piece was also taken during a transitional time, which adds to the mood of the work and strengthens its message of taking time to reflect and find stillness in uncertainty and newness.