We recently connected with Nikki Burfield and have shared our conversation below.
Nikki , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Most of my life I felt like I didn’t quite fit. I joined clubs, sports, had girlfriends, boyfriends- but something was just not right. I decided to transition to female and my life has become mostly about honoring my core identity. After coming out and working in a corporate environment again I noticed my new confidence and never felt fear that I was going to be found out.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I have been an artist my entire life. My current medium is upcycled pinball machines. I often mix celebrities and lighting to complete my pieces. I recently placed Prince over a purple pinball playfield, powered by 500 leds controlled by iphone. It also includes a small screen embedded into the guitar that plays a live performance.
My practice has changed dramatically since the pandemic and the separation from my family which included my studio. I liquidated the row of arcade games I restored and moved into a small house where I can produce my work.
In the past 2 years I produced a 15 foot interior pinball mural that reimagines my Audrey Hepburn, Sabrina, pinball machine piece that showed in 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. The central part of the piece is 5 feet wide and extends another 5 feet on either side to bring the viewer inside a pinball machine including them into the mechanical experience.
And last summer I created a 15 foot interior mural dedicated to the Pittsburgh Penguins NHL Hockey team. Three star athletes were chosen and are embedded in the piece. Each player is back lit with animated led rainbow lighting which can be sound controlled.
I’m not currently showing except for a local community fermentation building. They have sports and pinball along with the craft brewery. I will be showing some larger pieces.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My grandmother was one of my only fans growing up. She imparted centuries-old Appalachian wisdom upon me. Self confidence will get you further than you can imagine. We are never one person ever. There are several parts to us at all times. Ignore the fearful one and remember you can move mountains.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Around 17 years old I read Jonathan Livingston Seagull. The idea that we manifest our own destiny is powerfully true. I continually reflect on this concept and how it relates to mediation and prayer. I’ve asked the universe for help many times and once I allow it to unfold I see how exactly powerful this practice becomes. Jonathan BELIEVED.
I also like this quote from Going all the way by Charles Bukowski,
“If you’re going to try, go all the way.
Otherwise, don’t even start.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tiltcycle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiltcycle/
Image Credits
Nikki Burfield, Danielle Nichole Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
