We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nic Burnette . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nic below.

Alright, Nic thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I was an Artist chosen to participate in the Downtown Stockton Music to our Ears Project from 2016 to 2018.

This was a program where Pianos were donated and paired up with local Artists to be decorated and placed in various locations around the Downtown area under the Stewardship of local business and property owners to revitalize the community with Art & music.

I was incredibly excited to be a part of this project. A Very Special program close to my heart from being on the streets myself and having an opportunity to create art for the whole community to see and enjoy.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At a young age and having a passion for Art and photography, i found inspiration in many thing’s.

Far back as I can remember I’ve been particularly drawn to architecture, landscapes, evocative spaces and lines. Many people turn to the portfolios of prolific artists, writers and other creatives when seeking artistic inspiration.

Emotions are an essential part of my Artwork, I try to paint from my own feelings, inner dreams and reflect those emotions onto various mediums.
I have created some of my best works in my career during the most intense emotional moments I’ve experienced. Throughout that journey I started progressing into more complex art and designs from inspiration i found throughout my travels.
I’ve had a tremendous amount of compassion for other’s and helping those in need. One of the main reasons I was excited to participate in the Music to our ears project.
Since the program stated I have done 2 complete piano restorations where those have been placed in public locations for the community to play, view and enjoy.
My First piano was nicknamed “Dream” with an array of moonscapes, floral vine patterns and
Night sky colors.
My 2nd Piano called the
“Inspiration Piano” featured pastel flowers, and designs for inspiration to cancer survors, those in depression.

In 2015 I teamed up with a group of volunteers and created a group to help those in need, giving back to the homeless community and low-income families & children.

Right now I run The Artist Studio, a collective of local artists and photographer’s who create local art for public display.
Each year I continue to paint for free and volunteer my time to help youth in the community and teach them how to express themselves with art and photography.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

At one time I was Homeless living on the streets in Daytona Beach, Florida.

During that time i was doing custom Artworks for the tourists on the boardwalk and trying to find more inspiration for myself and get off the streets. I spent the better part of a year by the boardwalk doing odd jobs to help pay for food and shelter.

I noticed by a local gallery owner who took some of my Artworks and placed them into his store where they sold for quite more than I ever expected. The gallery owner graciously gave the funds to me and told be not to ever give up on my dream of pursuing Art.

Staying focused on getting off the streets was the only thing on my mind each and everyday….

Failure was just not an option

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society in general needs to be more open about creative art concepts on public displays.

And to be honest, more local business should try and Showcase local art for the community to enjoy.

Not only does that give artists a Free space to show their works, it gives them the opportunity to present themselves and bring in business for all those involved.
Having a space for artists to have works on display in places like a Coffeeshop, Boba Tea shop, a Mall or even a local library or recreational center really can give a positive impact on the community.

Contact Info:

• Website: Theartiststudio.net
• Instagram: @TheArtists_studio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StudioOne386

Image Credits
Image Credits to @TheArtists_studio