September is always a month of reflection and introspection balanced up with a healthy dose of street art. If you've been reading the blog for a while then you might have seen me post about my friend Nicky and the roaring black and white bear image. Way back in the mid 2000's as street art scenes we're developing in London and New York, Nicky was quietly putting up work right here in Aberdeen. Any regulars at The Tunnels during that time might recognise the bear from the tunnels signage which was made infinitely better by the addition of a bear paste up.
You could almost trace a path from where Nicky had been from the small paste ups left along the way from Queens Cross to the Tunnels. I was totally unaware of these artworks, only finding out about them later from friends after Nickys passing. When I got the phone call with the news of his passing I was changed as a person. The quite happy go lucky 23 year old was gone. I lost the innocence of youth and was thrust into a world where you can't escape the pain of losing someone. This was the first good friend I'd lost. Suddenly the messages and chats on myspace we'd shared became important and the stories of Nickys creative adventures. I'll always remember walking into the church for his service and seeing a box with the bear image placed over Queen Victorias head. This caused a bit of outrage amongst local conservative conservationists in the area. Nicky would have laughed I'm sure.
I've often thought about that time in my life and the impact Nickys friendship has had on me. A talented artist, musician, designer, Nicky embodied the creative spirit, gladly passed down by his mum and dad who themselves have lived incredibly creative lives. I found some solace in the act of putting up bears as a way to remember my friend and also to show his family that I along with all his friends are thinking about them. Regular meet ups with Nickys dad Bob also helped spur me on greatly, always intently listening to my stories and providing feedback and suggestions for new projects. I feel a little choked up just thinking about the kindness and love that the family have shown me over the years.
Of course heartbreak is never far off. Since Nicky we've said farewell to a few friends under quite tragic circumstances and it doesn't get any easier. Perhaps this is the price we have to pay to have our lives touched by exceptional friends. Certainly for myself, Nicky left the first bread crumb for a journey into a creative world which up til that point had alluded me. Almost everything I've done over these past 14 years from street art to the blog has come from the traumatic events of 2006 but also a deep respect for Nicky and all he did in his short years. My own journey from the bears to lego bricks, police cells to even Nuart, all of these events and my own ethos around art has been guided by Nicky and the simple act of putting up bears.
The bear has become an important symbol, a reminder of Nicky and all the warmth and friendship he shared with many of us and as a symbol for all the friends who we carry with us, Nicky, Bob, Moose, Peter PMC and many others. The sadness of this time of year is strong but taking positive actions, remembering how lucky we are to know such amazing friends and appreciating all those we have around us always brings a strength to endure even the toughest of times. Love to everyone who's hurting at this time of year and love to those who have supported me through the darkest of times. Be kind to each other and let those you love know it regularly 💓
