Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Contini

Hi Nikki, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

Growing up, I was always drawn to crafts and art, but I truly discovered my passion with glass fusing. After taking a workshop in 1994, I’ve been hooked ever since. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of opening the kiln and seeing how a piece has transformed after firing. I love how glass comes alive with light and bursts with vibrant color. Fusing glass brings me immense joy, and that enjoyment is naturally reflected in my work.

Being a creator has been a healing balm throughout my life. I believe that all acts of creative expression hold the power to heal and reconnect us with ourselves and our communities. Whether we dive deeply into creative endeavors to address personal healing or simply play with imagination and flow, it’s essential to honor our human need for creative expression and keep that channel open.

When I first started glass fusing, over 20 years ago, I was obsessed with making glass-framed mirrors. I crafted hundreds of them, each imbued with healing words, quotes, and designs intended to encourage self-love and acceptance. My background in psychology has always been intertwined with my artwork. Creating those mirrors helped me heal in many ways, and as I evolved, so did my artwork and my desire to share my passion through teaching. Now, as a traveling art teacher and teaching artist for about 20 years, I am continually seeking to balance teaching and creating.

Engaging in any creative process can be profoundly healing and transformative. My hope is that we all find ways to tap into the magic of expressive arts to heal ourselves and our world. I believe there is a significant need for more emphasis on the healing nature of creative expression in our society. We need more art in schools, workplaces, and public spaces—more opportunities for meaningful, intentional, and honest expression. The process of creating something from within our spirits is a treasure and a gift, and it has the potential to offer release, acceptance, tolerance, and even solutions. Whether through a simple act like penning a thought, dancing, taking a mindful walk, or making a piece of art, there is so much potential in allowing ourselves to be in a creative flow.

From the Heart to Head and Back Again with Love for Spirit – Spiral into Yourself and Bloom!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Over the years, I’ve faced many challenges in creating the life I envision, and these struggles have evolved with time. Managing my time and overcoming procrastination have always been hurdles, but recently, I’ve discovered that approaching my life with tenderness and self-compassion makes it easier to pursue my dreams and goals.
For the past 15 years, I’ve been incredibly busy—both physically and emotionally. As a sensitive person who often feels the weight of the world, this sensitivity can sometimes paralyze me. However, the early days of the pandemic offered a rare opportunity to slow down and reflect on what I truly want for myself. With the world on pause, I found space to deepen my dreams and develop support systems to help me let go of what no longer served me. As I grow older, I’ve learned the importance of listening to my inner voice—my soul self—and tuning into my own needs. This has been a crucial step in allowing my artistic self to flourish.
Overcoming people-pleasing is a work in progress for me. I’m naturally a peace-maker and someone who goes with the flow, but sometimes that comes at the expense of my own needs and desires. I’ve been working on releasing these tendencies for years—even now, at 56! Lately, yoga has been the most significant tool in helping me connect with myself. Through my practice, I can hear my heart and mind more clearly, and this inner voice is growing louder, steadying me and helping me move beyond the people-pleasing habits.
In the past, I pushed myself too hard, which led to burnout and health challenges. Now, I understand that my struggles are not just about procrastination, but about addressing the underlying causes. Every day offers a new opportunity to nurture my relationship with myself and prioritize my well-being. Simple acts, like recognizing when I’m tired and allowing myself to rest—despite the fear of missing out or the worry of being forgotten—have become essential.
I’ve come to believe that obstacles and challenges are valuable teachers if we listen to them. Life can feel heavy or light depending on how we choose to meet it. Embracing this perspective has allowed me to navigate my journey with greater ease and grace.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

Lately, I’ve been deeply immersed in creating a body of work that I call ‘Heart, Heart and more heART.’ Over the last few years, this series has evolved into a collection of heart-themed glass panels, sculptures, and whimsical artwork. My focus has been on exploring themes of healing, resilience, hope, courage, gratitude, peace, and forgiveness.
My connection to heart art grew stronger during the early days of the pandemic. In those dark times, amidst the uncertainty and challenges, and particularly through the ordeal of my beloved 7-year-old niece needing a heart transplant, I found myself seeking more heart and connection. Thankfully, she received her ‘angel heart,’ and through this profound experience, I began incorporating layered hearts into much of my artwork. This process was a way for me to channel hope and love into our family during an incredibly trying period.
In my work, I often use copper and silver foils combined with unique mixtures of crushed glass and wire, striving to infuse the heart symbol with a sense of glow, effervescence, and movement. The call-and-response process guides me as healing themes naturally emerge through symbols, colors, and shapes, resonating deeply within my artistic spirit and shaping the final designs. My hope is that these artistic visions, expressed in functional form, bring more color, beauty, joy, creativity, and hope into the world.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?

During the early days of the pandemic, when I had to pause my teaching, I found myself diving into podcasts. One in particular that resonated with me was The Teaching Artist Podcast by Rebecca Potts (available on Apple Podcasts). In this series, Potts interviews practicing artists who also teach (K-12), creating space for great discussions on the intersections of teaching and making art. I found it inspiring, both as an artist and as a teacher.
Balancing the demands of creating art—especially when you want your work to be seen and sold—alongside teaching can be overwhelming. The time, energy, and focus required for both can sometimes feel like too much. Listening to the many artists on this podcast gave me a sense of clarity about what I want for my own life and career, and it helped me feel less isolated in my struggles, hopes, and desires.
As for books, they’ve always played a pivotal role in my life. I’ve been part of a neighborhood book club for years, and recently I read The Women by Kristin Hannah. This book deeply touched me. I love reading stories that open my eyes to new experiences, and this one did just that, though it was heartbreaking. Reading, in general, is such a powerful way to expand my worldview—it’s a constant source of inspiration and even motivation for action.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fusingfunart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fusingfunart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FusingFunArtbyNikkiContini
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nikkicontini4805
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fusing-fun-art-by-nikki-contini-san-rafael-2

Image Credits

Me- Nikki Contini