Neil Shigley shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Neil, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I am lucky, in that I have a constant source of things that make me chuckle. I have 5 sons. Each has their own set of abilities and interests. Spending hours with them, watching them grow, their struggles, their accomplishments. I am proud of them all, each in their particular stage in life. I have a 3 and a half year old boy who is very active and talkative. As you can imagine the stuff that he comes up with is hilarious. It also cuts to the point, which is humorous in itself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an artist. I have focused my work on doing large-scale portraits of unsheltered people living in the streets. We are bombarded in this country with images of the rich and the famous and the privileged. I am focusing on people from the other end of the economic spectrum, the under-privileged, the unhoused. I was initially drawn to the incredible character that these people possess. A character that is hard earned, through sometimes many years of life on the streets and the daily struggle for survival that that can bring. Nobility, beauty, strength, vulnerability, they are all there if we only look. The more portraits I did, the more I became intrigued by these people and their lives. Chronic homelessness is a complex issue, one that I don’t pretend to have any answers for. By presenting them as often as I can, perhaps someone will see these portraits and will have some solutions.
I have titled this series “Invisible People”. Many people, who encounter people living on the street, avoid them, ignore them, and treat them as if they are not there. Actively making them invisible. By presenting these portraits in this large scale, it makes people confront them and their situation. Making them visible again.
I am embarking on an ambitious initiative I am calling ‘Invisible Nation’. I will be traveling around the country an doing a limited edition block printed portrait of an unsheltered individual from every state. I will also record a video interview and have them tell their story. I will also conduct an interview of individuals around the country who are helping this vulnerable population and providing direct services to them. I will have a robust media campaign to roll out these portraits and interviews. I expect to reach millions of people with the hopes of raising awareness, raising money and ultimately , raising people up. The portraits will be available for exhibition in galleries and museums and community centers around the country. I have established a non profit called the Invisible Nation Foundation. If this project resonates with, you we’d love your support. Go to invisiblenationproject.com. I will be donating $900 to the foundation for every print that I sell.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
There are two.
My father was my biggest influence. He got his degree in architecture but went into the military as an officer before WW2, so never practiced. We traveled a lot and everywhere we lived, in Europe and Korea and several cities in the U.S. my dad would expose us to the art and culture there. He was a good artist as well and I used to sit near him and copy what he was he doing. Strong, kind, smart and very hard working. He and my mother were marries over 50 years.
As a 20 year old college student I met Logan in the gym at San Diego State. We had just moved to San Diego and both had a passion for basketball. We became fast friends. His influence on me lasts to this day even though life and families and distance has replaced so much of the time we spent together. His acceptance of people, his interest in travel and in eating healthy long before many people paid it much attention, his loyalty to his friends. Watching this on a daily basis was my education on what it meant to grow up and be a man.. We competed like crazy but respected each other like crazy too. People thought we were brothers and that’s how I feel about him. My 1st son’s middle is Logan.. I love that man and so lucky I had his influence.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t worry, and don’t hurry Take a deep breath. Everything will work out fine. Focus on health, work hard, keep laughing, keep loving.
Keep making art.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I mentioned the initiative that I am embarking on. Invisible Nation. I know it will take a while to travel to all 50 states and complete the work. It will be costly for the travel and expenses. When this project first came to me, I knew I would do it. My resolve has only grown. This project is at a crossroads of art and people. Using art as a focal point to engage people and raise awareness on chronic homelessness in the country. And ultimately raise money for people who need it most.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
He was a good man
Contact Info:
- Website: neilshigley.com. invisiblenationproject.com
- Instagram: @neilshigley
Image Credits
Neil Shigley, Jim Sakrison, Neil Shigley
