Biography
B. 1973, Santa Clara, CA
Nicolas taught himself how to draw by tracing images across his parents tv screen at an early age. His work then developed without structure or guidance and embraced a chaotic look He was often scolded in school for his graphic and bloody imagery. This only encouraged him with shotgun-blast color wheels and autopsy cadavers in ceramics.
Nicolas worked as a knife salesmen, tour guide for the Winchester Mystery House, and did the taxes for Tiger Woods but he couldn't escape his destiny being the wild and spooky artist he is today.
His work found fruition in the early 90's goth/industrial/S&M scene of San Jose and San Francisco as his sculptures dominated the fringe nightlife. He appeared in Industrial Nation and SOMA magazine as well as designed one of the rooms for G.Y.R.O's House of Terror.
In April 2006 he made the transition to painting at the Alternative Press Expo and since then he's found unexpected success, as in his friend's words "It's easier for someone to hang a painting in their studio apartment than it is to make room for a knife-fingered roommate".
He lives in the Bay Area with his wife, photographer Sarah Karas.
This month his work can also be found here:
Artist Statement
"I haven't met that many refined people.
Most people are generally crude." - Basquiat
I, Monster
I'm a monster kid. I grew up on Creature Features, plastic toys, horror decals, comic books and ghost stories. My art is a reflection of that era.
Somewhere between Basquiat and the Universal Monsters you'll find me, whether you want to call me a folk artist, lowbrow, brut, outsider, self taught, pop, surreal, genius or trash - I am me, I make art for me.
I make monsters. Some kids wanted to be doctors, lawyers, I wanted to be Baron Von Frankenstein. I related to villains more than heroes. They had depth and were broken people. Dracula, the Hunchback, The Phantom of the Opera, all tragic figures. I guess I found myself just like them.
My art reflects the horrors and happiness of my generation. If Michelangelo was born today he would be just as pop culture infected. The Happy Face now has jagged teeth and hypnotized eyes. With my work I don't just want to somewhat reflect the times but offer experience as well.
Technology, trends, people, generations come and go but there will always be awfulness. We're forcefed fear on a daily basis. From Global Warming, War, to the poisons in our food. Monsters at least give it some meaning, a face. How do you cope in a world where everything from air to toothpaste may be killing you?
Nicolas Caesar with KTVU Creature Feature's legend Bob Wilkins
Nicolas Caesar is founder of the Scary-Art Collective and co-founder of The Mail Art Consortium.
Nicolas Caesar's work is in private collections in France, The Netherlands, Kenya, Japan, The United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, and throughout the United States.