About Nik
I've learned through my family that art flows more surely through my veins than blood. I have so many artistic family members. I personally got to meet and witness 4 of my grandmothers practicing art forms. And then there’s music, which is art in my heart. Almost every single member of my family plays an instrument or sings.
Why art? Because from the moment I could make marks, I did. And it has been a lifelong journey.
My art is always going to be a reflection of what I need in my heart. If I need more idealism, you'll see idealistic landscapes. If I need hope, you'll see light against the darkness. If I need courage, you'll see sweeping brush work and wide open skies. And when I need to see the big picture, I'll be painting the tiniest details.
My grandmother was a talented oil painter and went blind only ten years into her art career. I was so lucky to spend the last few weeks of her life with her. I stayed with my grandpa at his house with my teen kids for two weeks. He was 82 and he was adamant that he robbed my grandma of her art career. He insisted I do better. He showed me the poster from her show. And he was so proud. She was already blind when she had her first show. He wanted better for me. Those two weeks were the beginning of becoming my truest self.
This drives me to make art everyday. And I do.
On average, I produce 10 pieces of art a week. In a good week I can create 30 pieces. And then I will slow down and focus on creating a huge piece. Usually I produce 3 or 4 large paintings per season. And sometimes 1 huge one a year. So around 200 pieces a year! I have no assistant, no one helping in the studio.
Every second of energy spent on anything other than my art feels wasted. I feel my grandpa pushing me.
