Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nikki Contini. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nikki, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I am continually developing my confidence and self-esteem. The confidence journey is not a straight path in one direction, more of a spiral that moves in and out as I try new things and work on myself. I find that while taking risks and moving out of my comfort zones often feels a little unsafe and feelings of self-doubt or unworthiness rear their ugly heads, if I am able to not let fear be in the driver’s seat and allow myself to keep moving, I am rewarded with increased confidence and a deeper sense of myself and my capabilities which builds my self-esteem. It is sort of a positive domino effect. Also, it is important to take the time to acknowledge growth, successes and challenges. Being able to consciously reflect makes it real and more lastings. Not just moving onto the next thing without appreciating one’s efforts and the courage it takes to be out in the world. How I talk to myself is also important. If I am the meanest person in the room to myself then I feel beaten down, shrunken and everything goes out the window. So being a loving, nurturing person towards oneself and others is important in developing confidence and self-esteem. That is a continuous process!
In a way this is the essence of my work as an artist and a teaching artist. From the beginning, when I was in my early twenties to now a middle aged woman, I have been on a journey of self acceptance and self love. I am always working on losing those conditional agreements I make with myself that keep me dependent on external validation to fill my cup. Much of my inner work has been expressed through my art and is now combined with my teaching. Holding that space for others that I hold for myself is magic. It feeds my soul, my self-esteem and my heart.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Recently, I have been working on a body of artwork that I call “Heart, Heart and more heART”. This is a series of heart art glass panels, sculpture and whimsical glass artwork that I have created over the last 3 years. My artistic focus has been on creating a unique mix of heart art that touches upon various themes of healing, resilience, hope, courage, gratitude, peace and forgiveness. I became especially drawn to making heart art during the early days of the pandemic as I was searching for more heart and connection during those dark days. I often use copper and silver foils and unique color mixtures of crushed glass into my creations. I strive to bring the heart symbol to ‘life’ with glow and effervescence and a sense of movement or flow.
There is a call and response process that guides me in my artwork. Healing themes often begin to show themselves in the form of symbols and in the colors and shapes of the glass. Designs emerge as these healing mental images begin to resonate within my artistic spirit. My hope is that these artistic visions expressed in functional form bring more color into the world and a sense of beauty, joy, creativity and hope.
I have always been drawn to healing art, both as a creator and appreciator. When I began glass fusing years ago, I was obsessed with making glass framed glass mirrors. I made hundreds of them. Healing, positive mirrors that had affirming words, quotes and designs made with the intention to encourage a gentle voice that honors the self with love and acceptance. My degree is psychology fused together with my artwork. I healed myself in many ways by making those mirrors and as I evolved so has my artwork and my desire to teach my passion. I wanted to create and offer a fun and safe space for others to explore their imagination and self expression through art. Fast forward about 20 years and here I am a traveling art teacher/teaching artist.
During the first 2 years of the pandemic when I was basically forced to take a break from teaching, I dove deep back into my own artistry and soul searched quite a bit about what I wanted to ‘do’ in my life. I could not deny that I wanted to do more of my own art again as well as teaching. I wondered if I could find the balance, take the risks and not burn out. With lots of support from family, friends, coaches and research/education I was able to develop my website and take off from there. I am learning daily on what is possible, on what I can take on- but I am excited that I have been in 2 shows recently, been interviewed and also had an art piece accepted into a magazine. I am very busy teaching again but also keeping my own art practice alive and making that time to get at least some of my art out into the world.
Spiral into Yourself and Bloom!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
What has been most impactful on my journey? I am not sure if this is considered a skill or a quality but I would say being able to just dive in, listen to that call and go for it. Over the years, I circled around many careers, went to college for a long time…did a lot of waitressing all the while I was making things, learning my craft as a glass artist and circling more and more into the center. I did not exactly plan my life as some do. I did not have a plan- or rather I would say I ignored my plans for other plans and ideas that just took hold of me and then something evolved and now here I am. This has not been without its challenges but I would say has been fulfilling so far. I also think I have an ability to be in ‘play’ and recognize that I need that to create and to teach. I can feel down, be morose or have anxiety but playfulness can pull me out of the funk and open me up again to my joy and dreams. Being adaptable is also key. Adapting to situations, making things work. Attitude is everything.
Advice I have for folks early in their journey… Well, based on my journey -along with the ideas I mentioned above, I would say on a practical level- keep on learning about your craft (taking classes, reading, connecting with others etc), learn how to be in business, educate yourself on the business side. I did not do that first and it has taken me a long time to catch up and develop my business sense. I am still working on that as it does not come easy to me.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
In all honesty, I guess I could say the biggest challenge I have is my practice of procrastination. It pairs nicely with feeling overwhelmed and tired. It is also close friends with improper time management and impatience in a weird way. I say I “work well under pressure, best under deadlines” and that I am project based – a thriver under pressure, however procrastination is a true challenge for me. Procrastination can cause a lot of anxiety and build up for a task that may only take an hour if I just do it. It is not just about circling around tasks that I don’t really want to do but also about things that are important to me such as answering a call to an art show or even sometimes making a piece that I have been dreaming about every night. Of course there are many reasons for my procrastinations that I have looked at over the years and sought help for in understanding that I won’t delve further into here, but what I will share is how I am working to overcome my procrastination episodes. Noticing and naming it is important- asking myself what I need, what is daunting about the task, what is making it hard. Work to identify the feelings without judgement and then hopefully from there moving onto action if I can. Making lists, working on having a consistent routine, and trying to avoid distractions (like my phone) are key strategies. Taking time to breathe- to just pause can also help me redirect. Sometimes sharing with someone that I am off track helps too. Procrastination is no joke. In a way it is an addictive pattern and can be very self defeating. I am far more aware of my tendencies than I used to be but I still work to overcome this way of operating. Getting honest and curious about it, without shame is key.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fusingfunart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fusingfunart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FusingFunArtbyNikkiContini
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-contini-a55a6324/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nikkicontini4805
Image Credits
I took these pictures
