In "Number 1," Nelson investigates the weight and texture of color, treating each hue as a physical presence within the frame. The composition relies on a rich medley of forms—ranging from rigid wooden structures to fluid, expressive brushstrokes—that together explore the emotional depth found in abstract arrangements. By focusing on the interaction between these elements, the artist creates a sense of internal momentum that remains anchored by a clear, graphic logic.

There is a grounded honesty in the way Nelson approaches simplicity in form, drawing inspiration from the aesthetic value of coffee and the rhythmic patterns of indigenous fabric designs. The result is a work that emphasizes material analysis and object character, creating a visual dialogue that feels substantial. This approach invites the viewer to look past the surface and consider how basic elements of art can build a complex, resonant atmosphere.