Buds Digest 012 / edible moments with…
Nick Naber
Artwork by NICK NABER
Nick Naber in his studio, photographed by Christopher Tandy.
Artist NICK NABER—craftsman of stunning intricate geometric work—shares the story behind his ever-growing Penis Portrait series in this meaty edition of Edible Moments.
View More of Nick’s Work Here Or Become Buds With Him at @weenportraits.bsky.social
How did the Penis Portraits series come about?
I was working on a series of Astrological nudes of my friends, dipping my toe back into figuration during COVID. I was asked to be part of a big group exhibition, where they wanted to include five large geometric works on paper that needed to be framed. I thought about how I could make money quickly, and what would get gay dudes most excited to pull out their wallets? Dicks, so I made a series of 27 Weener drawings (postcard sized) and sold them out and paid for the frames.
Can you tell us about your process for creating the Penis Portraits?
After making the Weener drawings, I started making the 10 x 8 inch Penis Portraits, which are a more involved work because they’re near life sized. Before Instagram censored and deactivated my accounts, I ran a separate IG dedicated to my figurative/penis work. There I’d receive friend volunteers to pose, they send one or two pictures and from there I would Photoshop them, balance the color, light, and crop. Then I sketch out the pose and begin the watercolor process. Many of the friends who pose ask for updates while I’m working so we text and chat back and forth during the process. That conversation is usually pretty enlightening and enriching for them and for me.
Portrait by Ian Lewandowski
What else are you working on these days?
Currently I’m working through a few new ideas in the studio for my geometric work and trying to self-publish a catalogue about the Penis Portraits. Recently, I’ve had a lot of studio visits and interest in why I make the Penis Portraits and I’d like to reveal more about them through an interview with Mariah Robertson (who also has an male nude project), a scholarly essay by curator Peter Kelly, and testimonials from the models themselves.
Favorite musicians right now?
I’m perpetually a sad gorl, so Lana Del Rey, Rufus Wainwright, Anohni. If I’m feeling less sad gorl, George Michael, the man was a god damn genius!
Where do you want to be in an hour?
In the studio.
What’s your hanky code - is this an outdated system?
Light Blue, right; Blue, right. No, it’s fun!
