Art / News
Artist of the Month: Phil Nicholls
Even after more than three decades photographing music legends, the magic still hasn’t worn off for Bristol24/7 Artist of the Month Phil Nicholls.
The artist vividly remembers taking the photos now offered exclusively through our online shop. The three ultra-high resolution photographs, offered in A1, A2 and A3 sizes at more than 20 per off the original price, individually depict Bristol bands Portishead and Massive Attack as well as a 20-year-old Amy Winehouse back stage at the Louisiana.
“I can picture her arriving,” Phil says almost breathlessly of Amy. “I spent the whole day with her. She had an incredibly thick London accent, this flirty little thing who filled that little dressing room backstage at the venue. I just liked her look. It was so simple. She seemed so comfortable in herself.”
is needed now More than ever
He didn’t get to spend as much time with Massive Attack and Portishead when he photographed the Bristol music legends, but still was “in awe” while photographing them.
“I think a lot of musicians tend to be quite brief. I don’t like to linger – I think it shows in people’s eyes if you’re hanging around too long.
“But I spent a lot of time afterwards with Rob from Massive Attack. We spent a wonderful New Year’s Eve together in Bristol. We were locked into the Ashley Court Hotel drinking Guinness and Tia Maria.”
Prices for the exclusive photographs will range from £190 to £520. Other photos by Phil will also be available at the Bristol24/7 online shop for 20 per cent off. Ten percent of the profits will go to Phil’s chosen charity, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity’s Wallace and Gromit Foundation.
Though he’s spent time living and working in London and Cornwall, Phil believes the Bristol music scene has a unique vibe that can’t be matched elsewhere.
“For me, Bristol just feels like the centre of the country again. It’s so exciting. It’s definitely where I need to be,” he says. “Shooting Massive Attack, I was such a fan. They’re some of the most relaxed people I’ve worked with. Same with Portishead. That’s the thing about the Bristol sound. Everyone seems so good to be with. The whole music scene feels so real. Human.”
The draw to Bristol is so strong that Phil is moving back from his large renovated house in Cornwall – he recently launched his new Bristol-based company, Paper Gods, in partnership with rock journalist Ian Gittins. The company will sell Phil’s photographs as well as set up a creative space for local and up-and-coming musical artists.
For more information about Paper Gods, visit www.papergods.co.uk
Click here or the image below to buy the exclusive high resolution photograph of Portishead
Click here or the image below to purchase the exclusive high resolution photograph of Amy Winehouse.
You can still buy artwork from our previous Artists of the Month, Mike Godwin, Carol Peace and Clare Cutts, in our online shop.
We’re always looking for new artists to feature so get in touch if you think you might fit the bill. Email ben@bristol247.com