Meet Dad Nabil West, a local father of two and a 2023 International Photography Award Winner. Nabil is the founder of N. West Gallery in New Canaan. His newest exhibition, Allt ísland Grátóna, showcases Iceland’s nature in black and white. The Opening Reception Event will take place May 30 from 6-pm at his gallery on 70 Main Street. Learn more about Nabil, his family and his path to pursuing his artistic passion.
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I have two children. My 5-year-old is in his 3rd year at New Canaan Country School, and my 3-year-old is attending First Congregational Church Nursery.
What brought you and your family to town?
My wife and I moved to the area shortly after the birth of our first child. We were coming from NYC, and looking for more space, which I imagine is a pretty common story. We now live on West Norwalk Road, making New Canaan the most convenient area for us to spend our down time, for me to work, and for our oldest child to attend school.
What’s your favorite aspect about being part of the community?
Whether it’s the holiday stroll, farmer’s market, or a beautiful spring day, it’s great being out and about town, always bumping into friends.
What’s your favorite family activity to do in the area?
My favorite family activity would be spending time at some of the great local restaurants, though I’m sure my kids would say it’s the Toy Chest.
You are the founder of N. West Gallery. Can you please tell us a bit about your path to opening?
After so often frequenting the downtown New Canaan area for the past couple of years, I couldn’t help but notice what an incredible space 70 Main Street would be for a gallery. With 12-foot-high walls, and a large open floor plan, it lent itself perfectly to a gallery. In addition, I loved the open metal ceiling and beams, reminiscent of some of the loft/industrial galleries I’d visited while back in NYC.
Can you tell us more about your gallery and the exhibitions you promote (both past and upcoming)?
I opened N. West Gallery in October 2023, with a variety of landscapes and abstract fine art photography prints. I’m fortunate to say, it’s been a great success, and I’m honored by those both local and out of town that have valued my work so much! Through the start of 2024, I’ve been preparing for my biggest exhibition to date, Allt ísland Grátóna, Everything Iceland in Monochrome. I was drawn to photograph Iceland in gray scale during the winter, being that it seemed like a natural fit with its snow, ice, rock, and volcanic ash. I’m excited to say, the Opening Reception with be May 30th from 6-9pm at N. West Gallery, right across from Town Hall.
You’re also an award-winning photographer. Share with us more about your personal work philosophy on photography and capturing moments through a lens.
My approach in photography is to capture the mood or essence of a scene with almost no alteration whatsoever. I take this approach with the philosophy nature provides images of such incredible beauty already, without having to manipulate the photographs with computer programs.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Nothing means more to me than when one of my works resonates with another, and we’ve arrived at the same feeling about a piece without the use of words or language. It’s a reminder of how connected we all are in our appreciation for beautiful things.
What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from another Dad?
Never feed them after midnight.
How do you unwind when you need some “me time?”
Interestingly enough, when the gallery is quiet, it’s an incredible place to relax, as I’m often playing chill music, surrounded by art!
Any words of wisdom?
Always have a camera with you. It could be capturing a silly thing your kid does, or an incredible sunset. You never know what you may see.
Anything to add?
Stop by the gallery some time and see if anything resonates with you! My work focusses on the beauty of nature, both apparent and abstract, and some may look beautiful on your walls!
We love supporting local businesses. Favorite places in town or nearby to…
Have dinner: Chef Prasad is great, and as a vegetarian I love that my art gallery is on the same block as Greenology!
Spa/salon: Nail Page gives great massages!
Any hidden treasures in town? During the right time of year, you can catch some beautiful sunsets right over Town Hall.
ABOUT N. WEST GALLERY
N. West Gallery is a fine art photography gallery with short run limited edition art for sale. The gallery showcases 2023 International Photography Award Winner, Nabil West, with images taken from around the world. The newest exhibition, highly anticipated Allt ísland Grátóna, showcases Iceland’s nature in black and white. The Opening Reception Event will take place May 30 from 6-pm at N. West Gallery 70 Main St. New Canaan, CT.
To learn more about Nabil West and his gallery, visit www.nwestgallery.com or visit him in New Canaan:
West Gallery
70 Main St. New Canaan, CT
Phone: 203-594-1741
[email protected]
Open Wednesday – Saturday 12-6pm