Interview with Junko, Artist/Owner from Nicki Nicki

 

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Hello everyone, sorry for not being able to post many artist interviews over the past few weeks. School has kept me super busy. Enough with that, though. I'd like to introduce to you all Junko, from Nicki Nicki! Junko sells some of the cutest artwork I've possibly ever seen. You can checkout her Etsy shop here, and make sure to like her Facebook page! Also, if you're more interested in her portfolio, you can click here.  And let the questions begin! 

• Is there any kind of story behind your business's name "Nicki Nicki"?  

     "I started my own business called "nicki nicki" to sell prints of my original oil paintings at local galleries and gift shops in 2010. The name "nicki nicki" comes from my four-legged best friend, "Nicki".  Nicki is a rescued dog and has become such an important part of my life over the past four years.  Similarly, a few years back when I left my corporate job to pursue my art, it was almost like rescuing a part of me that had been hidden in a dark locked up room for so many years. That is why I named my business "nicki nicki".  I wanted to rescue my art and cherish it for the rest of my life.  Nicki is also my business model.  He is such a happy and funny dog that he can bring a smile to anyone's face.  And that is what I wish to do through my art - bring warmth to your heart!" 
  

 

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• The animals you paint almost seem to have human and childlike characteristics, which is very impressive and may be hard for other artists to do. Did you have any art training before you started painting that helped with painting these images and if not, how did you develop this talent?   

     "I am a self-taught artist. I have taken some art history classes, but I have no formal training in either drawing or painting.  I have always loved doodling and creating ever since I was young, but until I took a paint brush up for the first time a few years ago, I didn't even know what linseed oil and turpentine were for.  All I  knew was that I loved art and I wanted to paint as good as academically trained artists, so I made a ferocious commitment to learn how to paint on my own.  I am a very passionate person especially when it comes to something I love. For the first two years, I practiced, practiced and practiced. There are many nights (or mornings) that I went to bed when the sun was rising.  I also watched other artists paint, often visited museums and galleries, and looked for any helpful resources that I could find in books, magazines and on the internet."    
   

  

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• Are there any artists in particular or other people (could be anyone) that play a big part in inspiring you and your art?  

     "I like the kind of art that instigates my imagination and takes me to a different world.  I love looking at the romantic paintings of Maxfield Parrish, Waterhouse, Alma-Tadema, Bouguereau, Klimt, etc.  I don't think I have any particular artist who greatly influenced me, but their paintings are definitely inspiring. I was strongly drawn into fantasy art when I started painting. I think you can see some influence from them in my earlier work, which can be viewed on my portfolio site. I truly wish I could paint like them!" 

 

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One of Junko's favorite songs at the moment: 

Madeleine Peyroux - Smile

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P.S.~ Don't forget to checkout the art giveaway going on one post below this one! Also, if you're an artist that wants to be interviewed please leave a comment below with the link to your Etsy shop or your Facebook page. If you want to be on my blog but don't want to be interviewed, you can get a free ad space by clicking on the "Sponsor" tab above.