Featured Artist: Ethan B. Nelson
By Phoebe Wood
“I have always created,” Ethan shares. “But I wasn’t comfortable calling myself an artist until 2022 when a friend casually lumped me in with ‘artists’ in a general statement about how frustrating it is that we all have a huge stash of old and unfinished projects. There was no ego in it to debate—it was just a fact that, like the other artists she was referring to, I have a huge stash of old and unfinished projects.”
As a self-described cartoonist, he finds that wild, doodly sketches are the most natural form of visual expression. However, his creativity extends beyond drawing to sculpture, where he discovered a passion for using a nail gun to connect wood scraps, blending his carpentry skills with artistic expression for Chaffee Center’s Recycled Art Exhibit. Music is another outlet for Ethan, and he plans to debut original songs in 2024.
Ethan’s openness towards various artistic mediums and styles is perhaps why he finds inspiration in the work of artists like Fran Bull and Bill Ramage. Both artists embody a philosophy that art should not be confined to a single style or medium, and have shaped his understanding of the fluidity of artistic expression. Their work demonstrates that art can be beautiful, wild, grotesque, calm, or anything in between, as long as it connects with the viewer and conveys something meaningful.
When asked what he hopes people take away from his work, Ethan reflects that, “Even my brightest, happiest work comes from very dark places, The world is dark, terrifying, and painful, but we can just keep doing cool, fun things anyway.” It’s a sentiment that transcends the visual art world—he is also well-known locally for growing record-breaking pumpkins and flowers, with a towering 21-foot sunflower currently holding the Vermont record. Despite the often dark and challenging themes that emerge in his work, there’s always an undercurrent of perseverance. Through the creative process, Ethan shares the message that the world can be dark and painful, but we can still create beautiful, meaningful things in the face of it.
Ultimately, for him, art is about connection. Whether through collaborations, shared experiences, or individual creation, the bonds formed through the artistic process are what make the journey truly meaningful. Art provides a way to engage with others on a deep, emotional level—sharing a piece of the creator’s soul while building bridges to others.
“It feels a lot better to be connected than to be alone,” Ethan reflects. “The primary thing I’d have to say about art is that it’s about the connections with collaborators, co-creators, and fellow creators on their separate journeys.”
As he continues to evolve as an artist, the Chaffee Art Center is proud to showcase his unique artistic style, which celebrates both personal expression and collective experience. Whether it’s through cartoons, sculptures, or music, Ethan B. Nelson’s work is a testament to the connective and multifaceted power of creativity.