About

Biography

Nigel Pugh - has been a practicing artist for twenty four years, concentrating solely on photography for the last five years. Born in Mid Wales the woods and rivers that surrounded him were his playground, place of solace and exploration. He absorbed the wildlife and it’s nature, whilst intuitively responding to the ever-shifting light upon the abundant textures and landscapes. During eighteen years of living in Mid Wales he began to note the ecology dwindling, and left wondering, why? Forty years on he estimates that 80% of the river ecology alone, in his home area has disappeared.

 

Statement

"I went to Art College to study photography, typography and illustration. Four years later I returned to Wales to build and run a successful arts business in Cardiff. I became a father to two lovely children then returned to explore environmental and social themes in an attempt to seek answers to unresolved questions. Photography appeared to me as a modest way to retain a little bit of an ephemeral state; a record of what has been lost, to be lost, or regained.  I began to explore my photography practice as my part to play in the promotion of living within environmental constraints and the promotion of a more sustainable, symbiotic relationship with nature, the promotion of a more socially equitable society. I chiefly focus on environmental and social themes; the actions, narratives, interactions of individuals and their relation to their environment and community. I have sought to promote sustainable community resilience, to live within environmental constraints. My nature photography usually documents and promotes native ecology and the worth of its reinstatement. Over many years I have campaigned for, promoted and supported many environmental organisations, that adhere to the above principles.”

 

 

 

Artist Summary

Photography - commissioned / documentary / environmental / social / Event / Exhibitions

2011 - 2017

 

Artist printmaker

1996 - 2011

Developing individual artwork through a range of self initiated projects. Exploring the opportunities of digital and traditional media, through published and exhibited prints and editorial works. 

 

Director of Publishing Company 

1996 - 2006 

Marketing; managing international client base and accounts; product control; creative direction and print management. Presentation and exhibition at NEC Autumn and Spring Fairs 1997 - 2002. 

 

Artist Maker 

1992 - 1996 

Design, production and exhibition of 3D automata and sculptural forms for commercial sale and private commissions. Major interior architectural installation at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. 

 

1991 - 1992 

Development of creative business opportunities, including Princes Trust and Enterprise Allowance supported projects. 

 

Student 

1988 - 1991 

BA Hons degree in Graphic Design (Photography, Illustration and Typography), Exeter. 

 

Student 

1987 - 1988 

Foundation Course in Art and Design, Cardiff. 

 

RECENT EXHIBITIONS 

31st May - 2nd July 2017

'Creating Sanctuary' Wales Millennium Centre

curated by ffotogallery

sponsored by Art Council of Wales 

Part of diffusion photography festival

 

Nov 2016


West Wharf Gallery - Cardiff
yournature: to preserve an ephemeral state



April - May 'Urban Wales' - ffoton at Littleman Coffee

Jan 2016 Redhouse Gallery - Merthyr Tydfil

MERTHYR TALKS "ISOLATION AND LONELINESS"

Images and additional info


Nov 2015

West Wharf Gallery - Cardiff
yournature: to preserve an ephemeral state

May 2014

Cardiff MADE - Primavera

 

November 2010 - January 2011 

Off the Wall “Festive Times” 

 

November 2010 - January 2011 

St Davids Hall “Christmas Exhibition” 

 

June - August 2010 

St Davids Hall “Artist of the Year” 

 

November 2009 - February 2010 

Off the Wall “The Art of Giving” 

 

May - August 2009 

St Davids Hall “Artist of the Year” 

 

January - February 2009 

Bute Space “Surface” 

 

December 2008 - January 2009 

Oriel Canvas “Christmas Exhibition” 

 

July - September 2008 

Café Brava “One Seed” 

 

May 2008 

Washington Gallery “Mixed Media” 

 

PREVIOUS EXHIBITIONS 

Taliesin Gallery, Swansea 

Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen 

Fiery Beacon Gallery, Stroud 

Brewery Arts Centre, Cirencester 

Makers Guild, Cardiff Bay 

Makers Gallery, Penylan, Cardiff 

St Donats Arts Centre 

Aberystwyth Arts Centre 

Contemporary Design & Craft Fair, Cardiff and Oxford 

Umbrella Arts Group, Jacobs Market, Cardiff