Nell Valle

Artist Statement

My art holds cute animals and nature. These ideas often stemmed from my relationship to my world. Since I was a young girl, I have been an animal lover. Growing up in a small town with two dogs and a farm next door, I was always surrounded by soft cuteness and endless space to run in nature. I especially enjoyed visiting the sheep and pigs at Honey Pot Hill Orchards. 

During the pandemic I adopted two guinea pigs. We are now a beautiful herd of five!

I am greatly inspired by nostalgic characters such as Maisie Mouse, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, Peter Rabbit, and Winnie the Pooh. It’s incredible how the stories they hold have crossed generations of people, filling them with comfort and great joy. I aim to do the same.

I like to use my comics and public art to unify people through a sweet moment. Life can be hard and unforgiving at times, but love and sweet moments exist. They give me hope. Ideally, the majority of my work is drawn with bright colors. In my experience, the colors help to create a world and a feeling for the scene. In general my work is rounded and soft, making physical and digital brushwork an important key to my art.

It’s important for me as an artist to connect with my audience on a personal level. Connecting with others has been a human quality that I've felt strongly about even outside the art world and it projects into my work as well. As an artist, art instructor, and art lover, I am eager to get to know my community and the stories they hold. My art is honest, fun, and quirky. It warms my heart to see people trying to replicate my characters. Inspiring and giving others a feeling that they can do it too is everything to me.

Creator’s Club

Introduction

First, I acknowledge the privilege that comes with being able to go to school for art and be able to work full-time as an artist in my mid 20s. There's so much I'd do differently now seeing things through. It's really difficult getting yourself out there. Being a former foster child, I am a workaholic. I want to keep my momentum going and continue creating bigger projects, but I'm also hoping to find a better work-life balance once I am able to. I am thankful for all the loved-ones and friends who believed in me and supported me along the way. I would not be able to do any of this without them. 

How did you get started in your artistic journey?

I officially started my art journey in 2015 in my high school art class. My art teacher was a great mentor to me.  I always liked to draw but didn't know you could make a life from it. From there, I went to art school, had lots of sleepless nights, graduated, and have been freelancing since in the comic and public art worlds. Through all this I learned my style, what I liked and didn't like, found my voice, and have been teaching art to students along the way.

Describe how your art reflects your artistic identity.

My art is fun, bold, colorful,  and includes silly, cute animals. I think part of my art style is a form of healing from my past and art school stress. There were times in my childhood that weren't pleasant.  Cute animals and laughing with friends made me very happy. If my art makes someone happy and brightens their day, that means everything to me. There were also times where I felt my style wasn't good enough or there wasn't a place for me . Having graduated, I've come to find my niche communities that like what I do and it's empowering. A huge part of that is the Pao Arts Center in Boston. They uplift AAPI voices and creatives with their programs and experiences. I loved working with them in their Experience Chinatown festivals in 2022 and 2023.

Describe how your art reflects your Asian identity.

As a Chinese adoptee, I gravitate towards learning about my culture through art and food. When I find something I really like, I have to draw it. Growing up, my dad would get Chinese American takeout food. I loved the dumplings and noodles. And what do I draw frequently? (laughs) Dumplings and noodles. My identity is an ongoing journey. I’m really proud of how comfortable I’ve become in accepting the limbo. I think art gives people the space to work through complex things gently while also empowering them. 

How did you develop your creative journey?

I developed my creative journey by continuing to learn. I've continued to welcome the slow, observe, realign myself, and rest before getting back into motion. I find great inspiration from friends and artists around me. We're always lifting each other up, giving tips, and supporting each other when we can. Speaking of, I want to shout out to my partner Raphael Pagarigan for always pushing me to be my best self and supporting me in all my art adventures. He's also an amazing comic artist (insta: @nibble_duke). Lastly, if you’re in the Boston area, check out Lily Lane. A Boston-based collective aiming to connect and uplift artists in our community started by artist Katie Charpentier (insta: @katiecharps.art)  and myself. 

What is one piece of creative advice you would like to share?

My one piece of advice is to pay attention to where your time is going. Art takes time. If you want to do it seriously, you have to carve out time even if you're working another job. Instead of games and going to bars after work, set aside space to create and make it a habit. My Silly Pigs webcomic started in 2021. I only released one episode a week but now I'm over 100 episodes. This was a small project that turned big. This was the work that landed me illustration gigs with My Little Pony and McGraw Hill. Start small and watch it bloom.

About the Artist

Nell (she/her) is a Chinese-American illustrator based in Boston. She specializes in the big and small: public art and comics. She is known for her cute characters, bright colors, and bold, fun lines. She also has experience in art gallery installation and art instruction. Other than drawing, Nell enjoys searching for the best bubble tea in the city. Her boyfriend and she also have guinea pigs they love dearly. 

Fun Fact

I have 5 guinea pigs at home: Willow, Mochi, Gnocchi, Apollo and Artemis.... The stars of Silly Pigs on Webtoons!

https://www.webtoons.com/en/canvas/silly-pigs/list?title_no=656592

Contact

Instagram: @nellbell_art

Website: www.nellbellart.com/publicart