The story behind the name
Sometimes one of the biggest questions people ask me when they take my business card “Is Idris you real name?”
Well yes, I mean its not my first name but Idris is my middle name. It was Inspired by Ivor the engine and Idris the dragon. What used to be a popular cartoon in Wales years ago. Not the famous actor Idris Elba, as some of you might think. Because of my love of dragons, and that my family is mostly welsh I thought it was a fitting beautiful name to use as part of my art name. The elemental part came from the fact that I like all the natural elements, and often flowers and trees inspire my drawings and illustrations.
When I originally started posting up my arts and crafts I was working in childcare at a nursery, so I came up with an alias to be able to post and share my work under. Since I didn’t want any chance for them to some how stumble across my work and take judgment on me. As well when people see that you do bright coloured UV reactive arts and crafts. the first thing people think is that you like to party and rave. or even “ do you take drugs?”. Umm well no actually, (well at least not that at that point in life.) Although they did always think of me as a weird one when I worked them. When I used to talk to the chidden about fairies and dragons. Sadly that job did not work out for other reasons.
For me I love Uv art cause of the bright vibrancy of the colours, and how if you keep a limited colour pallet. It is also much easier to make sure you have the colours that u need. rather than every colour in the rainbow. I mean who needs to take drugs if you can play with a Uv light and a craft all evening! its grate fun and no harm to your health. With the added bonus of being super productive.
Another reason why I use Idris Elemental as my art and craft name, is that using my full name is such a common name. It would be easy to be able to get lost in the see of other Nicks out there. Where as there is only one Idris Elemental.
I remember when I was getting ready for a friend party once and someone asked me my name. So I told them that it was “just nick” they looked at me and asked if there was anything more to it. whether I was a “ Nicola or a Nicholas” and remarked how it was such a shame to have such a plain name for an interesting person. So I went away and had a thought about it, and that is when I came up with my artist name, which I have been using it ever since.
Sometimes it now feels like Idris elemental is another part of me. The chance to be able to pretend to be another character within a fantasy world full of dragons, fairies and other magical enteritis. A more confidant, bright and cheerful side of me. Where as my normal self is rather shy, and quite. loving to hide away in the corner of a room happily crafting away at all hours of the day.