Life & Work with Nico Amortegui

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nico Amortegui.

Hi Nico, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory. 
I began as a full-time artist in January of 2011. Before that, I worked primarily in construction, and before that, I had a good run as a photographer. My sister and I started an art & culture magazine called Blü, and it was popular between 2007 – 2008. In 2009 my first child was born, and then the economy crashed. In 2010 all the construction work I had going on pretty much came to a halt. I started drawing and painting again as a distraction. I had always done it privately, but one day, I decided to travel to Winston-Salem and participate in a street market. I sold a piece for $20 and then another, and then another. It was a great day, and that was it. I committed to my art as a practice and a profession. My wife was skeptical mainly because she was a teacher at the time, and teacher salary plus artist doesn’t sound like making ends meet hahaha. For me, it wasn’t a stretch, probably because I had grown up watching my uncle and other family members pursue the arts. So, in January 2011, I made the decision to do art full-time and haven’t looked back since. I would say I am where I am today because I practice my art every day. I view it as a constant process of evolving and improving, and most importantly, I keep doing it. I keep doing it after rejection, after dislike, or after I mess up… I keep going. 

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?
“Aller Anfang ist schwer” is my favorite saying, which means “Every beginning is difficult.” There were plenty of naysayers but also supportive people who encouraged me. I think you just have to make a conscious decision of how much you’re willing to compromise while still making ends meet. For me personally, I had a family to support – & my second child was born in 2012 – so I was driven because I couldn’t let them down and didn’t want to go back to construction. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I paint, build sculpture pieces, and dabble in ceramics. I like painting and building big, so much of my work is large-scale. I am most proud of the jobs where I have gone outside my comfort zone and it ended well. Sometimes I think, “damn, what did I get myself into haha,” but it usually pays off – not without some headaches – but I’m proud of the completed installations. I guess I am most known for my style. I am told it’s distinct, and people recognize it as my work. It’s typically colorful, whimsical or bold, and raw. 

What are your plans for the future?
I want to achieve my personal next level in building sculpture. Thanks to the Arts & Science Council and Mecklenburg Co, I am attending a week-long concrete sculpture workshop this fall. I have always loved building and using everyday materials to create art – that’s exciting to me! 

Contact Info:

• Website: nicoarte.com
• Instagram: @nico_malo1
• Facebook: Nico Amortegui
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ODeMdw_Gw0

Image Credits
Nico Amortegui