Meet Nichole Blackburn Manthe: Fine Artist and Muralist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nichole Blackburn Manthe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nichole Blackburn Manthe, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Hi, thanks for chatting with me. Well, most people don’t realize how much pre-planning goes into each mural. It’s truly a labor of love! I appreciate the chance to share art that can look effortless, especially if you watch the “big picture” process in time-lapse photography. However if you peeked behind-the-scenes, you’d see that tons of research, planning, and preliminary work goes into my design process. In fact, the amount of time I dedicate to planning the mural is triple what it takes to actually paint it. From the initial sketches to choosing a custom paint palette and fine tuning the design, each step is crucial to executing a successful mural. The result is a piece of artwork that tells a story and inspires emotion.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Creativity is my heartbeat. I’ve been drawing and painting my whole life. In my twenties I started Celadon Studio Fine Art, a boutique studio that specializes in large scale murals, custom canvas art and hand-painted children’s spaces. As a muralist, I love the opportunity to constantly paint something different and bring my client’s ideas to life.

In addition to designing the pieces, my job is also physically demanding because I specialize in large-scale murals. This involves painting on scaffolding, negotiating outdoor elements, and creating massive artwork that scales in size. Creativity and quality are paramount. There are many elements to consider. I’ve refined my work and techniques with over 25 years of experience. I truly love my job.

A rewarding milestone was launching my nonprofit, Big Sky Countries, over twenty years ago. I started Big Sky Countries because I wanted to be a socially responsible business that gives back to the community. As corny as it sounds, I wanted to make the world a better place one painting at a time. Most artists can relate to this. Our job is to share inspiration. I didn’t want to just make money. I wanted to help others. Big Sky Countries was the perfect platform for me to create murals for children’s facilities such as elementary schools, special-needs facilities, orphanages, hospitals, teen shelters and many more. The children and staff at each venue also help me paint the mural. It is a collaboration. The goal is to empower, inspire, and educate others through art. This is especially true for schools where art programs are not available. Art gave me a voice and an identity. I want others to have that opportunity. Some of the most artistic children I’ve met were also the most withdrawn and anti-social. I relate to these kids. I actually paint the best with them. We understand each other through art.\

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love showing people around my hometown! I live in the South Bay, which comprises Los Angeles’ southern beach cities. There is so much to do! I’d share unique experiences, which intertwine my passion for scuba diving and spearfishing in our local waters along Palos Verdes. I love diving with friends of all levels in the kelp forests off Terranea cliffs. If it was lobster season, I’d take them to net lobster from a chartered boat. Thrill seekers can join me at night free diving for lobsters  where we’d catch them with our hands.

I’d also take friends on fun beach walks through Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach. Of course, we’d stop for beers, bites, and photos along the way. Bonfires at Dockweiler Beach turn a regular sunset into an evening adventure. If it was a Sunday, we’d rent beach cruisers and ride along the Strand to people- watch and hunt for dream homes. I just learned to sail, so we’d also spend time on the water and depart from the beautiful Redondo Beach Marina.

The South Bay has an exciting social scene. I’d take them to classic spots like happy hour in the bird’s nest at Tony’s at the Pier (Redondo), live reggae on Sundays at the Lighthouse (Hermosa), burgers from the Standing Room (Redondo), PostMB for dinner (Manhattan), sunset summer concerts at Nelsons (Palos Verdes), and the omakase menu at Sushi Chitose (Redondo).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m giving a shout out to my high school art teacher, Mr Kooper. In high school, I ditched classes to hangout in Mr. Kooper’s art class. He had a cool art studio in the back of the classroom where I’d work. He let me stay as long as I created art. Mr. Kooper encouraged me to build a portfolio, which eventually got me a scholarship to Otis Art Center in Los Angeles. Thank you for believing in me, Mr. Kooper! As activist Malala Youssef said, “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” I am grateful to my art teacher. He changed my life. Art is powerful!

Website: www.celadonstudio.com, www.bigskycountries.com

Instagram: celadonstudiofineart

Linkedin: Nichole Blackburn Manthe

Facebook: Celadon Studio Fine Art

Image Credits
Charlotte Lea Photography (Photos 4, 5, 6)