Niels Oeltjen
Niels Oeltjen aka Nails (b1976, Germany) is a street and fine artist, also working in design and illustration. Early flirtation with graffiti developed into new forms, and in 1998 he completed a Bachelor of Fine Art at the University of Tasmania, however he is largely self-taught. He has been exhibiting his artwork since 1997, and has been shown in numerous solo and group shows in Australia and overseas. In addition to accomplishments as a fine artist, Niels is well known for his street work and is considered to be an innovator in the local scene. As an active member of the local art community he has embarked on many self-generated projects in publishing, exhibitions, clothing and mural projects. His focus is on using grassroots ways of getting things done (and shown), and exploring alternative world views, in the process celebrating things that tend to be ignored in contemporary urban life.
His years at type studio and occasional foundry Letterbox produced several fonts and some award-winning design. His most notable font is the bouncing script display face Bisque, touted to be the first to have its exclusive rights auctioned off on eBay. Bisque Bold is Niels' 22nd font.
[Niels Oeltjen, July 2009]
