The Photography and Photo manipulations of Nic Burgess

By: Danailya Reese

**Featured in Absolute Underground, Volume 9-2 Issue 50**

http://absoluteunderground.tv/au-magazine/volume-9/item/300-au-vol-9%E2%80%932-issue-50

Do you have a taste for horror and all things off beat? Do blood and gore really get your blood pumping? If the combination of beauty and grotesque is your thing then the twisted work of Nic Burgess is probably for you!

Nic uses his exceptional talents in photography and digital media to deliver sensational art that is sure to leave you with the best kind of goose bumps. As a self taught artist he is a connoisseur of the dark manipulation world. He has been known to combine beautiful images with sinister undertones to create hauntingly beautiful masterpieces.

“I first became interested in photo/horror manipulation when I started seeing the work of Patrick Byers showing up in my home town. He was the first person to introduce me to Photoshop.”

Nic believes in a natural talent and true connection to ones self in order to create art.

“A true connection to yourself is needed before anything else”

Nic believes that a person can achieve anything they want if they believe in themselves. He is a strong supporter of dedication and passion as vital tools for any artist.

“I have the most rad fans EVER!”

Nic’s biggest wish with his art is to inspire others and help people when he can. His one piece of advice for up and coming artists is “To not create art for anyone other than yourself.”

I got a chance to ask Nic how it feels to be inside his head and how things in his daily life are affected by his need to create the dark, twisted art we all adore. He said “I cannot do anything with out it triggering some kind of response that is created by being an artist or from being so buried in my art.” He draws inspiration from everything- from the editing of a magazine cover to the color temperature of the lights in the produce section of the grocery store. This is a man who is fully and completely entrenched in his art. And aren’t we all glad.

So how does he do it all? I had a chance to chat with him about his process and here are a few words- “I’m really laidback and try to keep my shoots really chill so everyone can bring out their most creative sides. I don’t like to take 100’s of photos per shoot. I like to take a couple then change what I don’t like and build from there. This process usually leaves me with less than 20 shots per shoot. Photoshop to me is an extension of my camera and more so my mind. When I plan a concept I usually already know what I want to add/do to the image with Photoshop. I refuse to use premade actions or presets in Photoshop.”

“I like the up-close, hands on detail, and the individuality each images takes on by not using a formula or preset process.”

Nic is constantly looking for new collaborations. He welcomes a quick email with an idea and works with people from there. He had a chance to tell me about a few of his favourite projects: “That is a hard one. I’d have to say my collaboration with Andy Hartmark earlier this year, as he has been a huge inspiration since I started. And the other would be my recent shoot for Oddmonton.ca. It was amazing to see, hold, and learn so much about such interesting stuff.”

Nic has worked with many of the talented individuals in Edmonton and all over the world as well. He is always drawing up new concepts and ideas. If he had a chance he’d love to work with “Iska Ithil” – but he has a big list. His hopes to see his work allow him the chance to travel and shoot with people in more places. He also plans to spend this coming year focusing on video projects.

If your fancy is tickled by the work of this fabulous artist please make sure to check him out on other sites and keep updated on his upcoming projects.