Behind the Welding Helmets
Jackie Nipper
As an Arizona native, I have been fortunate to be surrounded by a strong, loving and supportive family of accomplished artists. My father, Gary Johnson, was an award winning metal artist, my mentor, and my inspiration. My grandparents and uncles are also accomplished artists in a variety of mediums. I inherited a love for nature from my father. He introduced me to the wilderness at an early age; teaching me to not only to recognize the beauty in it but to also know the scientific names of the trees, bushes, lizards or bugs. I have found memories of my father teaching me how to fish, camp, change a tire but most importantly- how to weld. My first welding lesson came about by him refusing to make me a metal flower. At the time, he had no interest in making flowers. He said he would show me how but I would have to get out there and make them myself. So, I did and fell in love with it. I love creating beauty with my hands and working with metal. During this time, my focus was raising two young boys and there busy schedules, so welding was just a hobby with my dad and a local art show every now and then. The spark was lit, a dream was discovered and now we are creating full time.
Charles Nipper
An Arizona native as well, I too grew up with a supportive family of talented tradesmen. My father was my idol, my rock, my mentor, and my inspiration. At a young age, through my father, I learned the art of lighting. I learned I could create dynamic visual effects that everyone loved through electricity. This talent led me to different areas throughout the construction world where I began to envision ordinary things transforming into magnificent art sculptures. My father-in-law taught me how to turn my visions into creations. He has enabled me to create beautiful art pieces using scrap metal, wiring, bolts, nuts and stone. I love the transformation of repurposed material into something special. This is what drives my passion every day.
NIPPER METAL ART ~ jNc-Jackie and Charles Nipper, fast forward 15+ years...
We are celebrating 23+ years of marriage and have raised two boys into becoming wonderful young men, both presently serving our country in the Army. Our creations are inspired by nature and faith; two things that are very important in our life. We use steel and stone as the medium to express unique character and fun in each art piece. We both contribute on each art piece by collaborating and sharing the creative process, along with my father in spirit (our maestro and mentor). One of Dad’s last requests was for us to carry on the work, specifically his bird. It took us a few tries for him to say we got it just right.
We would like to thank God, our family and our friends for all the support and encouragement on our adventure. We are truly blessed and grateful for you all.
With God, all things are possible. Matthew 19:26