Mural Makers: Nico Cathcart

MURAL MAKERS

The Listener

Mural Artist: Nico Cathcart
Location: Newport News, Virginia

Share this article

“The Listener” is part of The Newport News Street Museum project, which is a collaboration between the Contemporary Arts Network, headed by Kira and Asa Jackson, and the city of Newport News, Virginia. The project aims to bring art into the community and features both local and national-level artists that vary from abstraction to realism, including: Nadd Harvin, Carl Medley III, Mahari Chabwera, Earl Mack, Austin Miles, Yusuf Abdul Lateef, Andrew Samuel Harrison, Dathan Kane, Alex Michael and Asa Jackson. Long considered an artistic desert, The CAN and the Street Museum are changing the face of what Newport News looks like.

About the Mural:
“The Listener”, 40’x40’ (4 stories tall, with the highest point about 65 feet from the ground.) Painted using Sherwin Williams primer, Floetrol and Golden Paintworks Mural & Theme Paint.
See it at:
2410 West Avenue
Newport News, Virginia 23607

My piece is on a historic building – The Warwick Hotel. The building is currently used for low income housing. It’s an old building with a lot of rich history. I’m painting on a blank patch of the building which is a repair from the damage of a large fire which destroyed a wing in the ’60s. The building was a newspaper office, radio station, mayor’s office, post office, bank, barber shop and even served as a secret offloading place during prohibition. I put together a piece that considered a lot of these elements.

The focus of the mural is a reporter who listens to “the city” and jots down notes. He is framed by an architectural detail of Tudor Rose roundels. The Tudor Rose is taken directly from the ceiling design of the hotel. The mural also includes elements from the hotel’s history – an antique mailbox (post office’s past), an antique safe (bank), a ship (the prohibition drop-off, as well as the nautical history of Newport News), and an antique barber’s chair (from the newspaper clippings in the lobby).

The model for the reporter is symbolic, chosen to reflect the community that sits with the mural daily. As I have been painting him, the residents (there is a group of about 10-15 folks that sit out every day and watch) have taken to calling him Mr. Warwick. On his hat is the symbolic “press ticket”. On his lapel is a swan brooch, which is a nod to the Warwick name (and family crest). The family crest is found everywhere in the architecture of the building, specifically within the wooden decorative trim in the lobby, as well as in the historical documentation in the lobby display. On the pencil he is using, I have included the old call letters for the radio station that was housed in the building, which was another form of relaying information and truth to the residents of the city.

I was thinking about the Warwick’s family motto, which would have been included in print versions of the crest in the lobby – “Vic ea Nostra Voco” (I seldom call these things mine own) – which is really about the importance of community, of listening to the community and responding. This has ties to the journalistic tradition as well as the role of the artist – which is, at its heart, a responsibility to the public to relay the truth. Essentially this piece is encouraging listening to the city while acknowledging its past.

About the Maker

My name is Nico Cathcart. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, I spent some time kicking around New York State before landing in Richmond, Virginia, where I am currently residing. I am a mural painter and studio artist who specializes in socially and environmentally informed, realistic works. I am hearing impaired, in the process of going profoundly deaf, and communicate through a combination of lip reading, ASL, and CC apps.

Do you have any other projects coming up that you’d like to share?
I’m looking more into finding balance between my studio and street art careers in the coming year. Among my upcoming projects, you will be able to find me at Colfax Canvas in Aurora, CO, Paint Memphis, and 934 Mural Fest in Columbus, Ohio in the coming months. I will also be showing with Modern Eden in a few upcoming shows, as well as a fundraising auction to support the James River Park System.

I am currently featured in “Street Art by Women”, a collection of 50 leading muralists who identify as women, with forwards by Martha Cooper, and the Graffiti Museum in Miami. You can grab that and read about some really wonderful international painters.

"A Reflection Of My Peers". This piece was created for the exhibition that is the kickoff to the Newport News Street Museum. The piece shows a chromed skull which is reflecting the other artwork and lighting in the gallery.

Nico tends to use the same limited palette for all of her work. Her “usual” order is Hansa Yellow, Pyrrole Red, Phthalo Blue (Red Shade), Burnt Umber, and Titanium White.

"Age and Grace". This piece was painted with GPW Mural & Theme Paints in late 2022 and recently won a National Mural Award.

What advice would you give aspiring mural artists?
WORK! This is not an easy profession, and there are a lot of setbacks. For each project that goes forward, there are 10-100 that fail. Keep going, and find your own style. There are no shortcuts to this kind of art, and gimmicks have a shelf life. Just put in the time and effort, and be true. You can do it 🙂

See more of Nico Cathcart’s work:
Instagram: @nicocathcart
Facebook: facebook.com/nicocathcartpainting
Website: nicocathcart.com
More about Nico Cathcart:
Artist in the Process of Going Deaf Creates Scenes of Resilience With Her Monumental Murals [Interview]

"Aurora". This mural painted in 2022 shows noted trans activist Aurora Higgs.

"COSMOS". Painted for Wall/Therapy in Rochester, NY in 2021, this piece uses GPW Mural & Theme Paints on Metal.

"Queen Betty". This mural was painted with GPW Mural & Theme Paints during the 2022 Art Basel, and can be seen in the Wynwood Art District in Miami, FL. This was part of a "Few and Far" women mural project.

"Pollinator Season". Nico’s skulls are meant to be a contemporary Memento Mori - pointing out the connection between humans and the environment.

"Elise". Painted in 2023, this piece used the same limited GPW Mural & Theme Paint palette that Nico always uses. The paint lends itself to subtle value changes without graying out like house paint.

You might also be interested in:

Follow @GPWMuralPaints on social for more featured murals, events and more,
or head to our store to shop our Mural & Theme products.

Behind the Texture with Ellie Ellis

Behind the Texture

with Ellie Ellis

from Elite Artistry By Ellie

Share this article

Meet Ellie, the artist behind Elite Artistry By Ellie and “Getting Plastered With Ellie” – an immersive 12-month program dedicated to teaching the art of Plaster Relief. With a passion for three-dimensional wall sculpting, known as Bas Relief, Ellie’s innovative techniques and unique hand-sculpted background components have captivated art enthusiasts worldwide.

In “Getting Plastered With Ellie,” each month students work through a new Plaster Relief project. Ellie’s engaging teaching style and step-by-step tutorials make learning an enjoyable journey of discovery for her students.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up and why?
As a kid, my heart yearned to be an artist when I grew up, as I found solace and joy in the act of creating. The world of colors and shapes seemed like a magical escape where I could express my innermost feelings and tell stories without words.

What was your first job as an adult and what did you learn from that experience?
Stepping into the adult world, my journey began in the magical realm of the theater. I embraced the role of a costumer and makeup artist, where every brushstroke and stitch was an expression of creativity and a chance to bring characters to life. Through this experience, I learned the art of storytelling through visual aesthetics and the profound impact of art on stage, shaping my artistic path in the world of decorative design.

What are your interests outside of decorative arts?
Beyond the decorative arts, my interests are interwoven with the joy of spending cherished moments with my daughters and grandchildren, as well as my deep love for travel. To be honest, my life is mostly spent in my studio working.

What’s something you hope to accomplish in the upcoming year?
In the upcoming year, my heart’s desire is to expand my online art classes and touch the lives of more individuals with the transformative power of Bas Relief. Witnessing my students discover their creative potential and finding their voice through art fills me with profound joy and fulfillment.

On a whim you buy a lottery ticket that ends up winning you $10 million. What would you do?
If a whimsical lottery ticket gifted me $10 million, my heart would overflow with gratitude. I would buy both my daughters a home to help and support them in these turbulent times. I would also invest in creating a collaborative art space for aspiring artists, supporting their growth and fostering a vibrant artistic community.

Explore more of Ellie’s work at eliteartistrybyellie.com.

You May Also Like

Behind the Texture with Rik Lazenby

Rik Lazenby of Lazenby’s Decorative Arts Studio, Inc. has been a practicing decorative artist in Alabama for the past twenty-five years. As he approaches eighty years old, he

Behind the Texture with Audi Swope

Audi, of Artworx by Audi, is a lifelong learner and admirer of the arts who loves the challenge of creating a representation that reflects someone’s inner vision. Whether

Behind the Texture with Jason Rosales

Jason Rosales of Artisan Factor is a Decorative Artist in the Central Florida area. His repertoire includes decorative and faux finishes such as stenciling, embossed designs, glazes, woodgraining,

Behind the Texture with Tim Glastetter

Tim Glastetter is a decorative painter and design fabricator in the St. Louis, MO area. Functionality, design, and nature are central to his style. From childhood to present

Follow Us!

Mural Makers: Anón

MURAL MAKERS

The Hidden Gem

Mural Artist: Anón
Location: Wilmington, North Carolina

Share this article

Commissioned by the Arts Council of Wilmington, North Carolina, our mural, “The Hidden Gem”, serves as the “last piece” of a newly renovated historic space in the heart of downtown Wilmington. Originally the site for North Carolina’s first movie theater, Bijou Park is now a connecting corridor linking their Main Street to the river front and a convenient, beautiful respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. The narrative pays homage to the movie theater while highlighting North Carolina’s natural “jewels” (Bijou means small, precious jewel), and offers a nod to this pocket park as downtown’s newest “hidden gem.” This massive piece — now downtown Wilmington’s first large-scale mural — had a community component in which over 500 mostly local people helped paint the mural over the course of a weekend.

About the Mural:
“The Hidden Gem”, 100’x27’. 2200+ triangles. Painted using Golden Paintworks Mural & Theme paint.
See it at:
Bijou Park, 225 N. Front Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401

This project is dear to us because it really took the efforts of a caring group to bring this mural to life, as they had to fight for a sign ordinance revision in order to get large murals in their downtown. It was also in a spot with heavy foot traffic, and Wilmington is full of warm smiles and gentle hearts. We were so happy to bring a source of candid joy to so many, and hope it inspires the city to bring many more pieces of public art to their downtown. Samantha and I like to joke that we have the sort of job where our boss (the public) tells us “Hey, good job!” every two minutes or so. High morale!

About the Makers: Anón

My wife Samantha and I make murals and studio arts using only the rigid shape of the triangle to make highly organic compositions. We find inspiration in flora/fauna, organic forms, and anything that reveals itself asuniversal law. Our work is an exploration into the subject of interconnection, and rudimentarily mimics the function of triangles as the most fundamental fabric of reality. With often thousands of triangles to tell the story, our process seeks to showcase how, just as in life, each piece is an integral part of the whole regardless of color or size. We think of it as an ode to the threads that connect all 7.8 billion people to each other and everything else in existence.

Besides making solo murals we also work with a community mural format that allows for people to paint murals together. They are really at the heart of our work because we love to bring people into a space where they can practice the wonderful art of being together, all while creating a beautiful body of work. We have facilitated projects all over the States where hundreds of viewers become the artists. There’s no age or skill limit thanks to a number of failsafes; if they can hold a brush and put it to the wall, they can paint. This process yields a sort of mental real estate comparable to tangible ownership; it turns a public space into “our space — the place where I collaborated with others.” Historically speaking, people tend to remember the piece(s) they painted amongst hundreds of others many years later.

Samantha was born in New Jersey and grew up in North Florida. By my standard, she’s a genius. She can take any idea and forge it into something beautiful, and she can organize ideas into something cohesive and worth working on. Big picture, creative gal. She sees the potential in everything and is amazing at chipping away at the marble to reveal a beautiful statue. She’s the filter. Sometimes I work on something for hours and hours, and right before the deadline she’ll tear it apart and offer a different direction, but the result is typically worth the rework. I was born in Cuba, surrounded by art in many of its forms, and moved to Jersey when I was 13. After high school I joined the Navy and ended up in Florida, where I’ve been since. As for me, I’m the brawn of the operation. I have hands I love to use, an attraction for the meticulous, a natural reservoir of patience and the resilience to match it.

Both of us love people, serving others through the redemptive power of art, and we live to spread love and expand deeper into it. This combination brought us to murals.

What is your creative process like when making murals?
We can start at the beginning for that one. In 2013 we both attended a 10 day silent meditation course in which I experienced something so transformational that I couldn’t convey with words. One day, shortly after the course, I had this idea and had to start working on it right away. The result was the very first studio piece made out of cardstock triangles. They became a way to talk about interconnection, beauty, and mathematics.

When we begin a project, a person may only see a small group of triangles with no apparent connection. As the work progresses these triangles become clusters of shapes and colors that take on material, identifiable meaning, such as an eye or a petal. Only through time may the person appreciate how each piece serves a purpose in making up the final composition, regardless of — and thanks to — being different in color, shape, and size. We feel that either working on or witnessing this process tunes us into a narrative on natural cycles, on the hopefulness and beauty of being alive in a place where cause and effect seems to mathematically fit into the greater equation.

The creative process stems from the intention — regardless of what the client wants, we always bridge their message with our vision. We always create with the public in mind: What is the purpose? What message are we putting out? How does this benefit the people? As we’re usually hired by cities, Samantha and I typically study the key words, site, geography, and anything of interest. Then we sit in front of a white board and brainmap for days, narrow it down to the best 1-3 ideas, and then create the artwork. It’s really a partnership between us and the hiring entity; we come together to bring an impactful, meaningful vision to the public eye, so we mitigate our differences in vision until we have something we’re all proud of. It’s quite the process. It’s also always rooted in that original intention.

Do you have any other projects coming up that you’d like to share anything about?
We have a few exciting projects coming up, but a notable one is scheduled to take place in Tucson, Arizona, where we are contracted to bring a community painting event to one of their districts. This is the first time we are selected solely for the community component. We’ve had about a dozen community murals, but it’s always a portion of the project and not the focus. This time is different, and we certainly hope it’s the beginning of a big wave of similar projects because we really love working with people. Nothing like standing back and watching ten or twenty people, of all different looks and shapes, painting a wall at the same time. It’s such an equalizer.

See more of Anón’s work:
Instagram: @art_of_anon
Facebook: facebook.com/artofanon
Website: artofanon.com

"The Healing Force", Wadsworth, Ohio, 54’x17’. 2700+ triangles. Painted using Golden Paintworks Mural & Theme paint.

"Flowers for Maria", Odessa, Texas, 16’x13’. 2300+ triangles with community participation. Painted using Golden Paintworks Mural & Theme paint.

"Love, Montclair", Montclair, New Jersey, 96’x26’. 2500+ triangles, community portion with over 300 participants. Painted using Golden Paintworks Mural & Theme paints.

"One Giant Leap", Cape Canaveral, Florida; 80’x23’. 1900+ triangles. Painted using Golden Paintworks Mural & Theme paint.

You might also be interested in:

Follow @GPWMuralPaints on social for more featured murals, events and more,
or head to our store to shop our Mural & Theme products.

Behind the Texture with Kass Wilson

Behind the Texture

with Kass Wilson

from WallsTreat

Share this article

Kass Wilson is the owner and creative director of WallsTreat, an award-winning decorative artistry studio in Alpharetta, GA. Kass has had a lifelong fascination with depth of color, dimension, and design. This is what motivates her ongoing journey as an artist in the world of advanced level decorative finishes. She has been involved with the design industry for over 25 years and appreciates the opportunity to work with some of the most talented designers, architects, and builders in the area.

Inspired by a love of nature and a flair for the unconventional, Kass combines multiple mediums and advanced techniques to create innovative effects on virtually any surface. The vast array of options provides solutions that are suitable for any style. This is what elevates her finishes to a level of artistry. She is passionate about her work and it shows. “I love it when my finishes offer both visual as well as tactile intrigue. Success for me is when you want to touch my art.”

How did you get into decorative arts and was it a career you saw for yourself early on?
Torn between the love of design vs. the fascination of science and medicine, my choice was the safe traditional role of Nursing. After 8 years working in the ER, then the coordinator of an air ambulance company, my next move was medical sales. Then there comes a time when your true passion takes possession of your heart.

My entry into the design industry began when my next adventure was a job selling commercial office furniture. My previous sales skills transferred nicely and it fed my hunger for design. During that time, one of the advantages was the opportunity to work with some of the most talented designers and architects in Atlanta. It was a lesson about the layers of design, what inspires each element and how they come together to create stunning interiors. It was apparent that a key element is the detailed finishes on each surface. This observation started my quest to learn decorative finishes.

These columns are an integral part of the design of this foyer. kasswilson.com/is-it-real-faux-marbled-columns/

The goal was to paint the columns to create an upward extension of this natural element.

What influences do you think shaped your approach to decorative art?
The creative mind never sleeps. Being somewhat “inventive” and having a fascination with form, color, texture and nature, it was always fun to create anything that incorporated these elements. Talented resources crossed my path who were willing to share their processes. This not only included outstanding finish instructors but also other trades on jobsites. You can learn from every craftsman … carpenters, flooring contractors, painters, tile setters and concrete artists to name a few. Architects and designers appreciate my desire to learn. They have been willing to share the reasons behind their selections because I do not compete with them. I just do one piece of their puzzle … but I do it well.

Plain double doors at the end of a hallway become a piece of art that appears like aged copper. https://kasswilson.com/walk-this-way/

These intricate beams follow the curves of the arched ceiling. Their graceful shape and interesting architecture is possible because they were constructed out of fiber board and painted to match the wood cabinets! https://kasswilson.com/high-expectations/

This client was not only serious about their collecting but wanted to actually recreate the experience of being transported to a subterranean wine cellar. The walls are surrounded by the dimensional aged plaster walls that appear to be authentically weathered over centuries. https://kasswilson.com/believable-old-world-wine-cellar-walls/

What would you say is the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome?
Courage…

Being in commission sales prepares you for times of feast and famine. So, you just plan ahead. But I was also accustomed to having a full support staff available. It was intimidating to think of being the chief cook and bottle washer and wear all of the hats that are needed to run a business.
Having no formal art or design training meant having to be self taught. The challenge was the extensive gathering of knowledge about everything from design theory to construction basics and, of course, the plethora of products that are available to achieve innovative results.
It has been a lot of work. But, if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. I have never looked back.

What are your thoughts on Pantone’s color of the year Pantone 18-1750 Viva Magenta?
In the past hundreds of years we have repeated history in design and style. These days, everything moves at warp-speed. Interior design is no different. Most trends start with inspiration from the past. What is old becomes new again. How many dining rooms did we paint back in 2007 with Chili Pepper red?

Over the past couple of years, the trend of everything in gray and muted tones has been a reflection of the general attitude during COVID. Viva Magenta seems like a rebellion to our boredom. But with plenty of turbulence in our future, I don’t see the calm of the muted tones going away quickly. Punches of this bold color in small doses will bring some excitement and energy back into our homes.

What are some of your guilty pleasures?
One of the perks of having your own business is that you control your own schedule. Mine gets planned according to the 5-10 day forecast. On pretty days, you can find me out at a farm riding horses through lush pastures and wooded trails. This is my place of solace that completely clears my mind of concerns. It always leaves me refreshed and filled with creative energy.

Any words of wisdom for those just starting out?
To evolve into a lucrative business, you need to become comfortable wearing many hats with all aspects of business. As artists, we are not wired with this mindset but it is necessary to succeed. It can be intimidating to learn about budgeting, sales and marketing, accounting and legalities. You also need to take on the role of fireman, crisis manager and sometimes even a family therapist!

One of the most valuable time investments has been learning Photoshop. This is such a visual industry. For what we do, seeing is believing. When you meet someone, you have only 30 seconds to capture their attention. Good photos tell the story of your talents and can be used for many facets of your business. These include sales, social marketing, brochures, websites, publications, idea files as well as articles and publications.

It is not uncommon to take 20 images of a completed project and end up with only 1 or 2 “money shots”. If you know some Photoshop editing tricks, the odds get much higher. You can use them over and over, keep them forever and even change the color tones as current trends evolve.

Hiring a professional photographer is tough on the budget. Fortunately, today’s cell phones take GREAT quality photos so no need to invest in professional equipment. There are unlimited videos on line that will make your learning curve easier. Just become committed to taking plenty of images to document your beautiful work.

Explore more of her work at www.kasswilson.com.

You May Also Like