We recently connected with Nikki Burfield and have shared our conversation below.
Nikki, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I can’t think of a better use of my talents and time than creating art. While it has no functional usage aside from maybe boarding up the windows in the event of a hurricane but otherwise the sole purpose of art is to convey a feeling and hopefully connect with an audience.
I have always held some form of work outside the studio in order to make ends meet. Many were incredibly difficult and dangerous and would often drive me down to a struggle. But, with every micro-success in the arts, the flame of hope was reignited.
Nikki, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I have been upcycling pinball machines for ten years. I started by attempting to repair broken games, which resulted in my home becoming cluttered with incomplete projects. Gradually, people began to offer me leftover parts that they were about to throw away. I started transforming these materials into art. Now, I receive large quantities of scrap material from different salvage companies. My goal is to rescue what remains and provide these items with a new lease on life.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My main medium is junkyard-condition pinball and commercial gaming material. My supply chains were all disrupted by the pandemic and further socially damaged after I came out as Transgender. I saw the loss of a great number of collectors and supply contacts because it’s simply the country’s biggest scapegoat right now. But where I lost gross people in my life I gained many new connections and the struggle to continue in this industry has never been more rewarding.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
From the non-creative, I’m often asked, “Why do you do this?” And it’s not a question of why do it, but what invisible force drives me? I do not fully understand but I know the consequences of not creating things. It simply makes me happy. I turn rotting forgotten garbage into second-loved beauty. I live in America where disposable is our motto. I seek to reuse and relove everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tiltcycle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiltcycle/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC422t-aKJKO77tsnIoTvsYQ
Image Credits
Danielle Nichole Photography, Hester Marks, Jason Montgomery