I don’t mean to get hyperbolic on you, but I believe Nichole Blackburn is one of the most special artisans in the world. In addition to the beautiful work she does with her company, Celadon Studios & Fine Art, what makes her even more outstanding is that she travels the world donating large-scale murals to children’s organizations through her not-for-profit organization, Big Sky Countries. Since 2006, she has painted in Thailand, Ireland, the Phillipines, Bolivia and here in the US: Los Angeles and New Orleans. In all of her murals, there is one thing in common: skies. She promotes art as therapy and the belief that no matter where we come from, we all live under the same sky.
Nichole received her B.A. in Fine Art and Design from San Diego State University. In August 2006, she spent a month studying under William Cochran, one of the world’s leading trompe l’oeil artisans. She joined a select team of six (6) artists who worked on a five-story mural project called “The Dreaming”. Incredibly, Nichole has traveled to over 30 countries worldwide to fully broaden her art experience and knowledge. She was able to take some time to chat with us. Are we lucky or what?!?
Q: How did you begin this career path?
A: I don’t think there was any other option! I did consider being a tattoo artist after high school. Tattoo magazines was where I got a lot of my inspiration for designs and artwork when I was younger. I loved the vivid colors and some of the artwork is amazing!
Q: What are some great color combos and products you’ve come across?
A: I just love that darn gold foil! Cost-effective, easy and you don’t need to seal it. I also adore Nova Color Paint. It’s made for scenic artists and the paint is fantastic for large murals. I also can’t live without ultramarine blue and umber if I am doing a mural. Both mixed together make such a rich and beautiful black. Oh, and the Faux Masters dome brushes are invaluable for skies.
Q: What artist of today do you think will be remembered 100 years from now?
A: William Cochran – he is extraordinary! He uses this crazy mineral paint from Europe that never erodes, so his stuff will be up no matter what! William is truly a magnificent artist and instructor. Besides my high school art teacher, he has been one of the most influential artists I have had the pleasure of working with. I actually came up with the idea for my non-profit, Big Sky Countries, while working with him on The Dreaming.
Q: What photo or picture really moves you?
A: Hands down, Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”. I painted a huge mural of it in my living room, and I attached a frame border around it so it looks like a hung painting. Van Gogh is one artist whose paintings I saw at an exhibit and it brought tears to my eyes. I was so moved. I can’t take my eyes off his work.
Q: Are you right or left-handed?
A: I am left-handed. My twin sister is right.
Q: What job would you like to have for a month?
A: I have this dream of being commissioned to do a boutique hotel some where amazing — Morrocco, Spain or Italy — and have the pleasure of painting the entry ceiling, a dome or two and the suites. I have always dreamt that I’d be up on scaffolding and painting my heart out, listening to my iPod and almost dancing while I paint this sky ceiling.
Isn’t she inspiring? You can tell she’s got a happy spirit about her — someone with whom you’d feel good to be with at any time. Plus, I completely agree with her on the lasting genius of William Cochran — he would be my pick as well. Please consider donating to her organization, Big Sky Countries. If you’d like further information, you can get on the mailing list. You can also see her company’s work at Celadon Studio. Here’s hoping we all strive to make a difference in our world!
Nichole,
Incredible, we are so proud of you, what a talented young lady!! Love you, Jackie and Alan
I am an Interior Designer and have hired Nichole to paint for me. Nichole is the most professional and talented artist from her presentaion through completion. In my line of work I meet a lot of artists and Nichole is by far the best to work with. I know my clients are in good hands with her. Nichole’s Big Sky Countries foundation is amazing and it speaks volumes about her character. I wish her nothing but the best!
Regards,
Laurie Faulkner
Interior Designer
Not only is Nichole a talented artist, but also one of the sweetest people you will ever meet, should you ever have the pleasure!
When we built our home, we put a large window in the elevator and looked for the perfect person to paint a vertical mural. Nichole did this by transitioning from underwater life in the basement, to the Manhattan Beach volleyball courts near the pier on the 1st floor, then upward to a starry sunset night of the pier on floor 3. She was great to work with and a true professional in every way. We loved her passion for her craft and her love of life and children.
Nichole is an amazing person. What a talented and truly genuine person. We are proud of her!
I love Nichole’s faux paintings for homes. They add so much. Truly works of art. Each of the paintings could stand alone as pieces of art, yet they create a luscious setting and mood for each room they adorn. Such love, generosity and compassion are part of each of her murals she paints for schools and orphanages. Particularly remarkable is how Nichole involves the children and community in the creation and painting of the murals. What a heart she has for uniting our world under one big sky. Her art is therapeutic for those who participate in the creation and for those who have the pleasure of enjoying the finished “masterpiece.”
Nichole is a wonderful artist and beautiful human being. We had so much fun while she made my walls look gorgeous; I wanted her to stay forever. For me, as a pediatrician, even more important are the murals she creates to enhance the lives of children. I remember the first mural I ever saw on the walls of our pediatric waiting room and the positive reaction of the children. Her murals make a difference in the lives of children and deserve support.
I think it certainly speaks to Nichole’s talent and personality that not only do fellow artisans laud her creativity, but clients take the time to comment about her. Thank you for doing so — and please consider supporting Big Sky Countries, a great cause! :)
Wow…what an inspiring story. Her work is beautiful and sounds like she is as compassionate as talented and with a giving heart as large as the sky…that she paints.
I truly believe that Nichole is an exceptional artist. She is a genuine person..kind, generous and inspiring!I am blessed to have had the privelege of bonding with her. John and I wish her all the best!
Enjoyed reading this and viewing your beautiful work.
[...] be held in Portland, Oregon. (Woohoo! I get to travel directly across the country.) 2) We have previously featured Nichole Blackburn of Celadon Studios in our Portrait of an Artist series. She is hosting an amazing Summer [...]
i am really after someone called nichole spelt this way we have a oil painting that may be at least 40 years old maybe not sure it is a painting of a chanel in venice with dome shaped buildings using very bold black outline an green light an dark can you help me find out more about this painter or do you know the person in question he or she has only signed it as such,nichole?thank you casey
[...] centers around the world. Big Sky is the brainchild of artisan, Nichole Blackburn, whom we’ve profiled before. She recently had a Moroccan Fundraiser and had the footage of the event put together. [...]
hey girrrl!!!!!whats up!!!!!! i need you!!!!! i need your artistic skills, ive opened up a new salon and would like to see if you were interested, or if i can even afford your skills. please please please call me asap 213-675-0948 thank you sooo much hector.
p.s. miss seeing your face, and love your work