Today we’d like to introduce you to Nic Greene.
Hi Nic, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Art, the quality of communication, is what I strive to create in all aspects of life.
I spent my early years in London, moving to LA as a teenager. These days the two countries have more in common, but back then it was a real culture shock. I was in awe of the variety of ethnicities, cultures and of course food. My biggest discoveries – burritos, bagels and thai food! Coming from a relatively conservative environment to one with seemingly no boundaries found me very productive in art school, in various underground bands and activities. I went on to work as a silversmith, gallery assistant, musician, artist, actor, digital retoucher, vfx artist, as well as a counselor. I’ve worked with all kinds of people from celebs to regular folk on the street.
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?
I am at heart a creative person and this is not the easiest path to walk. I struggled for many years, even when things were outwardly good. I didn’t have a lot of self-confidence and I wasn’t always an honorable person. That came back on me. A turning point in my life was when I accepted that at some level whatever was less than optimum in life had something to do with me. I found a practical spiritual path and am happy to say I gradually and completely overcame these difficulties.
Helping others, whether paid or voluntarily has similarly been a cornerstone of happiness for me. Having money and things doesn’t guarantee happiness as much as it’s nice to have stuff… Financial commitments can pin you down, but it’s very hard in another way to have little or nothing. So some work you do so you can do the things you love.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Work, having something to do, is in itself intensely therapeutic and I’ve been lucky to work on some great projects including the movie poster for the Matrix, the London Olympics, and the milieu of bands and creatives from which emerged acts like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Janes Addiction.
The last 20 plus years, I have worked as a digital retoucher in the entertainment and advertising industries. It is an exacting and technical field, but one with which you can express so much. I keep learning and expanding my craft, now also working in the Visual Effects Industry.
The common denominator of these experiences is being a part of some original creative moment. It doesn’t happen all the time, but when it has there’s nothing else like it.
My job is to make things look good, extraordinary or unexpected. If the job is well done
The artists who inspire me include Rothko and Turner. I aspire to bring that kind of transcendental quality to work.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The events of the last year amplify the fact that nothing can be taken for granted, and the factors that make life seem stable and predictable can vanish in a moment. I learnt that sitting on the couch freaking out was not a good idea and spent a lot of time volunteering and helping others when all my work lines dried up. I went out to businesses with information about how to stay well and I found that it was intensely rewarding to help people feel a less out of control.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nicgreene-retoucher.com
- Instagram: @nicgreeneretoucher
Image Credits:
Nic Greene, personal photography
