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Meet Nik Ridley

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Nik Ridley.

Nik, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Hi, my name is Nik Ridley, and I provide fine art solutions for both residential and business interiors, galleries, exhibitions, and public art installations. I’m also a performance artist with a concentration in theater and spoken-word.

I recently relocated from Denver to the Valley of the Sun, bringing with him more than 20 years in the arts industry (fine art, theater, spoken word, and music production) and I have a small studio in the heart of Roosevelt Row Arts District in Downtown, Phoenix. I’m originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and attended Purdue University, where I first immersed myself in the performing arts by participating in student art ensembles (mainly theater and spoken word). I migrated to Denver, Colorado with the goal of starting a performing arts school – a goal that I hope to make a reality in the future. As fate would have it, Arizona presented opportunities to further my career and I relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, on March 24th, 2019.

CURRENT RESIDENCIES: +Phoenix Center for the Arts (resident artist), +ASU Gammage TAP Artist (a teaching artist program trained in the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts’ integration method), +South Pointe Elementary School (resident instructor).

CURRENT PROJECTS: My current visual art project is an outdoor signage prototype for the City of Mesa, funded by Mesa Arts Center and the National Endowment for the Arts (March 21st, 2020).

I’m also currently workshopping a one-person Play titled, “Jimi CoCo” in April, with a 5-city US Tour projected in Summer 2020 (dates and venues TBD). “Jimi CoCo” centers on a visual artist’s journey through love, life, family and society – garnished with Live art, prose, and thoughtful commentary.

Video Link @ Phoenix Art Museum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ek-fy98YMk&feature=emb_title

QUOTES: “Fine art allows me the freedom to express color, rhythm, text, and content in infinite ways. Design provides a structure for the ideas. And when placed on the right cloth, it’s like a living stage, pen, and canvas all rolled into one.”

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There has not been smooth, for sure! Some of the struggles that I’ve encountered have been: staying motivated in the face of uncertainty (read, RENT) and managing the day-to-day realities, while in pursuit of securing and maintaining an art career.

It takes a certain level of insanity to continue to believe in something that has historically been difficult to achieve. Take Pro sports for example – many try for a limited number of positions. Most, overwhelmingly so, never get a spot on the team (on a Pro level). However, thousands are practicing and grinding and praying and willing themselves to get a look. That takes a certain mind-frame, a certain “certainty” – without proof, and maintaining the level of motivation and desire required to break through is difficult when life doesn’t “lay flat.”

Another struggle is managing family, friends, and colleagues. Let’s face it, an artist’s journey is not linear and that can take a toll on the people around us. A lot of times, we’re received as being “flighty” when, in fact, we’re managing four different projects at the same time – due to the nature of the business. Clients want what they want… like, now… and we have to be able to fulfill no matter what. It’s just business. But this doesn’t mean that our relationships aren’t compromised to a degree, and this also makes it difficult to find balance. It’s a constant process.

We’d love to hear more about your art.
ARTIST STATEMENT: “My passion is creating unique residential, corporate, and event-specific art. From exhibitions, fundraising events, and live paintings to training and youth workshops, I use art to facilitate memorable experiences.”

I specialize in creating and plugging into, unique art-inspired experienced via the visual and performing arts. Since my art career is varied, I incorporate different various aspects of art into my projects, partnerships and collaborations. I’m most proud of the fact that I stayed alive to get here! A mentor once told me, “Nik, as long as you survive – you’re gonna make it man. Just survive. You’ll be big – if you survive.” It was the best advice I’ve ever received. It’s what I use as fuel in challenging times.

I think what sets me apart from others is that I understand the BUSINESS of art. I was a Business major at Purdue, and I’ve always given the business aspects of art its due diligence. I write proposals and business plans. I submit ideas and operate from the mind state of my client (potential, or otherwise), to ensure we have a good rapport. Everything is about relationships, and I think I do well because I operate from the perspective that sound business practices ensure longevity and sustainability. I challenge the “artist” stereotype by making sure my shoelaces are tied if you know what I mean?

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define success as:
1. Having a strong support system
2. Having good health
3. Doing what one loves to do
4. Being financially stable
5. Creating inspiring, lasting art (in any form)
6. Being a positive fixture in the community

My markers and criteria are based on the overall wellness or wholeness of the community (organism). A successful human is one that integrates one’s personal needs with the needs of the community. Both must be served for a true symbiotic relationship to manifest itself. I know… I’m getting mad ZEN right now!!

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Photo Credit: photomcm

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