ART IN THE CINEMATIC IMAGINATION

One of the perks of searching for new exhibitors for my vintage fairs is that I get to meet so many wonderfully creative people along the way, and to see how their interests fuel the creative fires. One of my latest discoveries is Nichola Clarke who, having graduated from Queens University Belfast with a degree in Art History and Film Studies, designed and recycled cards for a local charity but has more recently had the desire to create something unique whereby she could use both her skills and her interests. Thus Nik's Vintage was born.

Nichola designs and creates greetings cards using vintage cigarette and bubblegum cards, stamps, postcards, recycled greeting cards and pretty much anything else she can get her hands on. She also sources original unused vintage greetings cards to sell to customers who want to buy 100% vintage. Nichola prides herself on the uniqueness of her cards and in giving these vintage images a new lease of life she does her utmost to preserve them as best as she can.

Nichola says "Nik's Vintage stems from a number of passions of mine that somehow all manage to play a part in the creative process of my card making. Less obvious passions such as music from the 1920s-50s and classic cinema have a huge influence on my work, as well as an obvious passion for vintage graphic design. Take for example my cinematic and musical influences. I always make my cards to a pre 1960's playlist as it is the lyrics to many Fred Astaire, Al Jolson and Perry Como numbers for example, as well as film knowledge and dialogue, that give me the right greeting for the right vintage image. For example, pairing Joan Crawford with the greeting 'Dearest' or a pretty young actress with 'Babyface'."

Nichola will be bringing the Nik's Vintage range to our next Vintage Sunday at the Empire on 1st August where you can view and purchase her work.

The next, and last, of our Vintage Sundays at the Empire takes place on Sunday 1st August at the Empire Music Hall, Botanic Avenue, Belfast from 12 - 4.30pm. Admission costs £2.