Nadd Harvin
tomatostudios4@gmail.com
patreon.com/tomatostudios
@naddthenomad
Nadd is a self-taught figure painter and mixed media/digital illustrator, and also art instructor that mostly works with youth from marginalized backgrounds and communities. As a young, black, gnc person, art has always been a tool to explore their creativity, perceptions of reality, and a way of expressing themself in a medium and manner that other people value and understand. In their work, whether it be through personal projects and creating space for themself, or tutorials, teaching, and creating space for others, they always try to emphasize the act of creating and the importance of the process. Nadd believes that centering these things in art can help us all to get closer to our reason for existing and make us more well rounded people.
One of their main projects, Tomato Studios, is a collaborative idea inspired by an unfulfilled need and desire for a creative space while on their artistic journey. It’s sole purpose is to provide a safe and open environment for those wishing to explore themselves through art. “Often times marginalized groups, people who look and live like me, are not given the space, resources, or simply the encouragement to pursue creative endeavors or soul freeing projects. It is my firm belief that everyone must, for themselves, explore and cultivate there inner gifts and learn how to channel and express them.”
This is the mode with which they explore their own life and subjects in paint and illustration; searching for the essential truths in all they see. It is also the mode with which they hope to provide space and encouragement to others, through instruction and other such activities.