Meet Nigel Darius | Artist + Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nigel Darius and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nigel, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want to be remembered as someone who was devoted to cause – specifically in this season, that cause is reconciliation… with self, with community, and with the worlds that I’m privileged to serve.

I’ve come to understand that much of reconciliation is rooted in healing. Understanding where the issues lie, then approaching them with grace, focus, and purpose. I want my children, and my children’s children to know that I fought diligently to change the trajectory of their lives. That I fought to see to it that they were able to fully flourish – to not be bound by ideas or any other existential limitation – that because someone before them believed in them (and held them in mind), their lives are situated in a way that enables them to help create healing in others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Much of what I create comes from a place of introspection.

I’m naturally curious & I have a very active imagination – so when I experience unique circumstances (or even the most ordinary ones) I take space & time to process. And as I process, I learn… and as I learn, I create. Bishop TD Jakes once said: what comes out of you is what delivers you. This has certainly been the case for me, as I often find the most meaning only after I’ve made something (but that’s just me).

In fact, my first book was created merely from journal entries. Poetry was the best way for me to naturally process life as it was happening, and 200-300 pages later I found myself with a stark narrative & enough material to actually create a book.

I also enjoy taking my time – to joyfully create and appreciate each craft I pursue. The world’s pace for creatives today is very fast & forced, but I don’t play by those rules. I also refuse to try and squeeze out content for the sake of showing other people. I know I’m nice & I don’t have to prove that to anyone – the greatest artists always let their work & its impact stand alone & speak for itself.

I’m playing forever… and I’m playing with cause. Likes & comments don’t breed longevity, and the purpose of art isn’t to make it content. That’s the space that I’m creating from.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is an awesome question, but I will let you know that my response will be watered down… y’all ain’t about to catch me in these streets! Lol! However, here are some goodies.

Breakfast, Flying Biscuit Cafe in Inman Park. It’s quaint, but it has a homey vibe & the food is incredible. Ask for Paige. Coffee, you gotta go to Chrome Yellow for cold brew, or to Muchacho for the breakfast tacos + drip coffee. For lunch: I love Bartaco, Little Rey, Recess on Krog, Sweetgreen on Ponce. All of those areas have something unique to offer. That’s plenty on food.

The Beltline is always booming when the weather is nice. Food, coffee, drinks, beautiful people, art, and endless attractions that go on for miles – super excited to see them finish the West Side Beltline come 2023!

Like I said, this is a watered-down response but all of these things are dope!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Donell Q. Woodson, Kenny & Brittany West, Nate & Tuere Butler

Website: nigeldarius.com

Instagram: @nigeldarius

Other: My newest book is set to release in Q1 of the new year, I’d love for you to direct people to my Instagram or website to help with pre-orders or traffic. Thanks so much!

Image Credits
Kendal Patterson