About

Nikki Burfield Artist

About Me

I have been upcycling pinball machines for a decade. I began by trying to fix broken games, which ended up filling my house with unfinished projects. Over time, people began giving me leftover parts they were sending to the landfill. I began repurposing this into art. I now get bulk scrap material by the truckload from various salvage companies. My aim is to save what’s left and give these pieces a second chance.

ABOUT MY PRODUCTS:

My work appeals to anyone looking to add a slice of nostalgia to their living space. I like to choose bold, bright colors. Vivid colors represent excitement, energy and optimism.

I clean everything thoroughly and seal chipped paint with a polymer clear coat. I’m also careful to sand and remove any rough edges, finishing off everything with a panel and adding a wire for the wall. I sell only what I would want to hang in my own home. The lighting is American-made UL Listed. The majority of items I have in stock are smaller and easily shipped. Most of the year, I take custom orders for just about anything people can imagine.

Nikki Burfield Artist

Watch my introduction video

Artist Statement

My work evokes nostalgia and reminds you of a joyful past. Combining the old with the new, it directs your attention to long forgotten beauty now slated for the landfill. My mission is to preserve and rescue and to leave a legacy of beauty revived. Through the repurpose of broken and discarded materials, I challenge the viewer to focus on the details and in doing so reassign their value to art.


Curriculum Vitae

Untitled Road Comedy, Ethan Coen Film, 2022
The Killer, David Fincher Film for Netflix, 2022
Face Value, The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, 2021-2022
This Sacred Thing, SPACE Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA, 2021
Pinball Famous, Solo Exhibition, Artsmiths Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA, April 2019
Off the Wall, Penn State New Kensington Art Gallery, New Kensington, PA 2019
Kickback Pinball Cafe, Pittsburgh, PA, 2018-19
History Inspires Art, Fort Pitt Museum, Pittsburgh, PA, 2016
Tiltcycle: A Pinball Revival, Solo Exhibition, Studio 2091 Mothersbaugh, Akron, Ohio, 2014
Insert Coin to Play, Wildcard, Pittsburgh, 2011


Current Galleries

Artsmiths Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA, 2017-current
Pittsburgh Pottery, Pittsburgh, PA, 2018-current


Selected Fairs

Handmade Arcade, Pittsburgh, PA, 2020
Replay FX, Pittsburgh, PA, 2018
Replay FX, Pittsburgh, PA, 2017
Holiday mART, Sweetwater Center for the Arts, Sewickley, PA, 2016
Lucifer’s Gallery, Pittsburgh Tattoo Company, Pittsburgh, PA, 2016
Art Brew, Sweetwater Center for the Arts, Sewickley, PA, 2016
Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pittsburgh, PA, 2016
Crafts & Drafts, East End Brewing Co., Pittsburgh, PA, 2016
Pittsburgh Retrogaming Convention, Pittsburgh, PA, 2016
Replay FX, Pittsburgh, PA, 2015


Retailers

Mezelmods, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Efikio, Seattle, Washington
Wildcard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
E Street, Cleveland, Ohio
Chain Link Addiction, Cleveland, Ohio


Awards / Honors

Best in Show – History Inspires Art, Fort Pitt Museum, Pittsburgh, PA, 2016
Emerging Artist, Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pittsburgh, PA, 2016
Grand Prize, Pittsburgh City Paper ArtBox Contest, Pittsburgh, PA, 2015
Best in Show Vendor Award – Replay FX, Pittsburgh, PA, 2015


Press / Media

Retrofied Magazine, January 2021
Pittsburgh Magazine, December 2020
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Buzzfeed
Upcycle That
Cheezeburger WIN!
Pinball News
The Arcade Archives
Pinball Profile with Jeff Teolis, 106.3 FM, Ontario, Canada
Fun With Bonus
PAPA TV live stream
The Pinball Podcast, guest
Bro, Do You Even Talk Pinball?
4 the 412 video studio interview, WTAE, Pittsburgh, 2016
Reloved Magazine, Jan 2016
Shore Home & Garden Magazine, March 2015


Education

The University of Akron Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, 1995