Creating something with your own hands can be exhilarating. It's a chance for self-expression and creativity. Nikki Blair is a talented artist whose work leaves you awestruck. She conceptualizes, crafts, constructs, and paints beautiful sculptures. 

Her pieces are provocative and have a way of pulling you in for a closer look. She has a way of helping color and nature collide and create something entirely new.

When we saw her work we had to take a closer look. And now her website can help you do that too! She worked with Zibster’s Pro Services team to have a Custom Site built to showcase her sculptures, including vases and bowls. It elevates her work to a gallery-like viewing, with the option to buy her work! Its fresh clean design lets the artwork jump off the page to grab your attention. You can’t help but look.

We wanted to learn more about Nikki’s work and were fortunate to speak with her.

Hi Nikki, thank you for taking the time to chat with us. Please tell us about yourself, who you are, what do you do?

I'm an artist and professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, I teach all levels of ceramics and also graduate students enrolled in the Masters of Fine Arts program.

How long have you been a professional artist?

Over 20 years.

Tell me about your history, when did you get drawn to sculpture? Was there something that inspired you or did you naturally choose that? 

Art was truly the only thing I was interested in as a kid. My father was a sign painter and I spent many hours in his shop. He used art as a babysitter for me. I was always given large sheets of paper, paint, etc. In college, I was initially drawn to photography but the program was in transition at the time. So I decided to major in ceramics which is not a natural shift but I had always been interested in both.

What about other art forms?

I appreciate all art forms but it's tough to find the time to explore others.

When it comes to designing your work, where does it start? Is there a process or does something just come out when you develop your art?

I sketch everything before I begin making. It really is just a way to work out things visually.

Your work has a pop art like, postmodern aesthetic (correct me if I'm wrong haha), tell me more about your work and style? There seems to be functionality to your work beyond just being art, such as your vase work and containers, can you explain why?

My work harks back to the shiny bright futurism of post-WWII architecture and product design. That period’s most forward-thinking designers created a world full of fantastical curves, extravagant rooflines, beautiful colors, and innovative materials. Plastics, glass, neon employed in both kitsch and high art became integral to the design language of America, in particular, but resonated internationally and are still admired today. With that undercurrent, I have returned to exploring pure design elements — line, form, color — in the guise of the vessel.

These pieces are functional in theory, but what someone would put in them is another question entirely and that is an interesting question to me. The forms are off-kilter, constructed from slabs that are patchworked together. The rest, albeit a bit sullenly, on display surfaces. The pieces “sit” in ways that are gestural and suggestive. They are vaguely inflated or deflated. They have bodily qualities that refer back to my earlier work, much of which alluded to medical or sexual devices. 

In their pure formalism though, they are much slyer. I strive to seduce the viewer with their attractiveness, and then, upon closer study, reveal sophisticated awkwardnesses. They are pieces of baggage. Containers for flowers. Perhaps these are forms in which to temporarily put our psychological burdens while we enjoy looking at them.

Is your work for purchase or only to be viewed?

It is for purchase, not all works are always available that are on the website.

Tell me about the recent installation you had? What did it mean for you?

Most recently I had an exhibition at a venue called The Red Lodge Clay Center in Montana. It’s a great place that is very supportive of ceramic artists in particular. When I exhibit with them I feel appreciated as an artist. They are very supportive of the ceramics arts and are very professional.

Are there other future installations you are working on?

I am currently working with a group of artists known as the Shape Theory Collective that was created by fellow artist Russel Wrankle. He developed this collective in order to raise awareness for prison reform. We are currently working on an online sale at the end of November.

Your new website is beautiful, it feels like a gallery, explain to me what you were looking for?

That's exactly it. An online gallery feel. I wanted it to be clean, crisp, simple to navigate, and truly focused on the work.

What was it like working with Zibster?

Zibster was fabulous. Everyone was very supportive, prompt to answer any of my questions, and very efficient.

How long did it take to get your site built?

Only a few weeks. It probably would have been even quicker if I was more on top of things. 

What do you hope the website will represent about your work?

I hope it just represents the quality of the work which I believe it does very effectively. I have already had very positive feedback from peers and colleagues on the site.

What does the future look like for you?

Hopefully bright!

Would you recommend other businesses and artists work with Zibster?

I would absolutely recommend Zibster. As a matter of fact, I already have.

Thank you so much for speaking with us!

It was our pleasure to build Nikki a website that showcases her work as a gallery. Her rich minimal style website is beautiful and simple. It showcases her wonderful art.

Do you want to have an expert design or build your website? Zibster's Pro Services team can do it for you! And in the process, we can help you elevate your brand. You tell us about your business and your goals and our professional designers will build it for you. It’s that easy. Learn more about our Custom Site service.

If you would like to talk more about your website needs, give us a call at 844.353.3412. We’ll be happy to talk about options for your business.