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