Model Tobacco Collaboration with Nicole Bourgea
Overview
Nicole Bourgea, a prolific muralist from DC, invited me to collaborate on this fun and decorative piece for the Model Tobacco Lofts in Richmond. After chatting online for a few years, this was an opportunity to meet in person and jam on a design together!
The complex is an impressive brick factory from Richmond’s notorious tobacco-based economic history, with many hints of art deco design throughout the property. We took the excuse to get inspired by local history, visiting the Valentine Museum and the VMFA to find some examples of tobacco ephemera and art deco design. Our custom tobacco tin references this time period, the cash crop itself, and the luxurious feel the developers aim to provide for their tenants.
Nicole Bourgea
nicolebourgea.com
@nicolebourgea
Nicole is a DC area native artist and muralist. Nicole believes strongly in the power of public art to inspire, advocate inclusion and foster community. She grew up as the oldest child of a single mother with little financial security but access to the many free museums in DC. The experience was an early education in the vital importance of art to uplift the heart and encourage positive change. Today, Nicole enjoys using her skills as a painter to work in partnership with businesses, organizations and communities to spread love and hope through publicly accessible art.
Location: Model Tobacco Lofts, 1100 Richmond Highway, Richmond VA 23224
Inspiration & Reference
Execution
