Today we’d like to introduce you to Nell Tryst.
Hi Nell, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started painting as a way to express myself and process my experiences, and over time, that passion grew into something much bigger. What began as a personal creative outlet became a full-time career in 2020, when I committed myself to building Tryst Trigger Artworks as a professional multidisciplinary art practice. Since then, I’ve expanded from acrylic painting into muralism, digital illustration, live painting, and large-scale public art. I’ve been fortunate to exhibit and collaborate with organizations and venues including the WNBA, the Minneapolis Heart Foundation, the Guthrie Theater, Art Basel, and Project Chimps.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m a self-taught artist, and my journey has been built through persistence, sacrifice, and a refusal to give up. While navigating a rare heart condition, I taught myself to paint and continued pushing my craft forward. I eventually moved from Minnesota all over the country. I settled in Miami alone, working various jobs just to keep a roof over my head and paint on my brush. Creating has always been the only compass I followed.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Often affectionately referred to as ‘The Queen Of Hearts’, I’m known for creating work that is both visually striking and deeply personal. I’m especially proud of turning my passion into a career and having the opportunity to work with organizations like the WNBA and on projects that allow my art to reach wider communities.
What sets me apart is my story and the way I translate it into my work. I didn’t come through a traditional art path, I taught myself, built my career from the ground up, and continued creating while navigating challenges that could have easily stopped me. Every piece I make carries that persistence, and I think people can feel that authenticity when they experience my work.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Films have always been a quiet companion to my art. Growing up, I found comfort in having a film playing in the background while I painted. I just love listening to the dialogue, the music, and the little moments unfolding while I work.
There’s something sentimental about it for me. Films create a familiar atmosphere that makes me feel grounded, almost like I’m sharing the room with old friends. The sound becomes part of the painting process, helping me settle into a rhythm and slip into that beautiful flow state where time disappears and it’s just me, the canvas, and the story playing in the background.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/trysttrigger
- Instagram: @trysttriggerartworks
