https://voyagela.com/interview/check-out-evan-nies-story
"Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Nie
Hi Evan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up I was always very hands on; constantly building, drawing, cooking, creating. I discovered my passion for lighting early in high school while studying at a local theater and dance program in New Jersey. At Drexel University I expanded my lighting repertoire working with other artists in the community and designing multi-media experimental theater, lighting short films, and live events along with honing fine arts skills. After graduating in 2009, I moved from Philly to Los Angeles to pursue a career lighting film and television. But in a chance encounter, I was introduced to the artist communities around Downtown LA and got to work installing LEDs on a 50ft replica of a spaceship headed to an art festival. I knew I had found my way. I quickly began forming relationships with glassblowers, welders, and artists across mediums to find a creative lighting solutions to a multitude of challenges while gaining skills and momentum. In 2012 I founded NieLights as a professional artistic venture to design and fabricate light-centric art. Since then, I have been collaborating and crafting unique sculpture and lighting for retail, restaurants, homes and galleries. I have helped create lighting exhibited at The Ford Amphitheater in Hollywood, Cayton Children’s Museum in Santa Monica, Pann’s Restaurant in Inglewod, Goodr in Venice; and lighting and sculpture around the country.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My path has been littered with struggles. Much of the adversity I’ve faced was directly of my own making. I try not to regret the steps that led me to where I am today, even the actions that caused others pain. It has made me who I am, and I hope I’ve gotten better at recognizing when I’m creating unnecessary struggle. The 2nd biggest challenge in my life are my skills not being proficient enough to create the sculptures in my head, but I am working on closing that gap every day.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in lighting and light-centric art. My experience across many mediums and venues has given me a perspective on not only the sculpture, but how it effects the space; the relationship between the art and its environment. I’m most proud of the work that pushes me technically and creatively. I have been experimenting with resin and mold-making; and for a 10ft mosaic backsplash in my kitchen, I ended up casting hundreds of colored epoxy tiles, plasma cutting metal overlays and pouring gallons of resin into a functional sculpture I really enjoy seeing every morning.
My current collection uses bamboo and found objects to explore ideas of growth, rebirth and purpose. The bamboo that makes up the majority of my work I harvest in Eagle Rock, where I process it and cure over an open fire by hand. The cut glass petals encompassing the light source radiates a kaleidoscope of color and form on its surroundings. I am excited as I am become more familiar with these materials and am able to fold them together more fluidly.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I love music; I grew up playing saxophone and bass guitar, so there is always music playing at my studio. I like upbeat instrumental music, jazz, blues, ska, hip hop; my go to is probably The Budos Band Radio on Pandora.
The last book I read is “Native Grassland Plants from Southern Illinois” an old book I picked up from a second hand store. I’m doing research on how plants grow, and the patterns of leaves and branches. Whenever I see an interesting old book with lots of pictures and sketches I’ll try and grab it."
Sep 16
3 min read
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