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Queer artist who pushed boundaries of nail art to close nail bar
A queer nail artist whose extraordinary nail art has won them competitions and praise internationally, has announced they are closing up shop.
Nathan Taylor, a queer, disabled artist, founded Buff Bar in Bristol after struggling to find a space that suited their mental and physical needs.
Their beautifully created nail art has garnered attention on social media, and Nathan recently participated in the World’s Star Nail Artist Challenge 2023, which saw artists from across the globe creating extravagant, intricate and impressive nail art.
is needed now More than ever
The artist has also called for change in the nail art industry. They launched In Your Hands last year, a mentorship programme to dismantle barriers marginalised people face when accessing the nail industry.
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But the artist has now decided to close their practice after struggling with chronic illness.
In a social media post, they said: “Going forwards into 2024, I have made the hard decision to stop taking nail clients as chronic pain just doesn’t allow me to do that anymore.
“I will continue making conceptual nail art for anyone who is interested to collaborate in tv/film/events/music etc.
“I need to feel more connected to other creatives outside of the nail industry and I have to move in a direction that is sustainable for my body and spirit.
“I’ll be closing my books for the foreseeable future… however please do reach out if you’d like to collaborate with concept nails. I will continue creating nail art but just because I want to not because I feel I have to.
“I’d like to spend less time thinking about the state of the industry and more time focusing on what brings me joy and peace.
“I will no longer be providing 1-2-1 support via @inyourhandsproject and instead the project will be an open resource and self led space for self employed creatives.
Thank you to everyone who has supported Buff Bar Bristol’s journey so far! This is an emotional goodbye for now and maybe in some time i’ll be back with a blast… we shall see.”
Nathan studied fashion and clothing design in Essex, before going on to pursue a degree in creative arts practice at Bath Spa University, before moving to Bristol.
The artist then embarked upon a number of creative enterprises, including a fully-funded nail course, leading them to curate a business plan and set up a home nail art studio.
Main photo: Nathan Taylor/Buff Bar
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