Austin, Nick

Nick Austin (born 1948, Nassau, The Bahamas) also known as the "Copper King", fashions small-scale and large-scale sculptures from the copper he became familiar with through his work as a plumber. His sculptures range from plaques and boats to elaborate three-dimensional and life-sized pieces. He is especially renowned for his intricate Junkanoo figures that feature realistic costumes and dramatic decorations. One of his monumental sculptures, Junkanoo Queen, graces the gardens of the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, and leaves a lasting impression on visitors as they enter and depart from the Gallery.

Austin attended Western Senior School (now C.R. Walker High School), and never received a formal art education. His work has been exhibited in the United States and The Bahamas and is in the collection of Dawn Davies, the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, and numerous other private and corporate collections. In 2000, he was one of a handful of Bahamian artists selected to send works to Washington D.C. for the On the Edge of Time contemporary Bahamian art exhibition at the Inter-American Development Bank Cultural Center.