With Chinese New Year fast approaching, Tiger Beer have launched the Tiger Lucky 8 to celebrate 2010 – the year of the tiger.  Leading up to and following entry  to the new Chinese year, the Tiger Lucky 8 are a series of events including five separate nights representing different elements of the Chinese zodiac of earth, wood, metal, fire and begins this Wednesday with a water theme at Brighton West Pier.  The events have been curated by Josef Valentino and Wednesday’s event will utilize the charred remains of Brighton pier as a focal point for art images to be projected on.  We quizzed artist Niki Best about her involvement in the first of the Tiger Lucky 8 events.

Wonderland: How did you become involved in the Tiger Lucky 8 project?
Niki Best:  I have worked with Josef before on a smaller project, and really wanted to work with him again, and so when this came up, and as I’m based in Brighton, it seemed the ideal opportunity, especially as I’ve worked with Tiger before, when I had my art gallery.

What Chinese symbol were you born in?
I am a Rooster – cock a doodle doo.

What does the year of the tiger mean to you?
A year of new beginings, exploring new avenues, and pushing the bounderies, more so than the last 7 years…

You’re involved in the water aspect of the Tiger Beer celebrations – can you water ski?
Um… no.

What can people expect at the Brighton Pier show?
A truly amazing, breathtaking image, one that will stay with them for a very, very long time.

Do you have a lucky number?
Number 13 of course

Do you have any good luck charms or rituals?
Yes I do, lots of pink for healing, gold for protection, and touching the front door five times before leaving the house. ( it can take me a while to get anywhere…) and my wedding ring is a horseshoe.

What attracted you to becoming an artist?
Being told at secondary school by my art teacher Mr.Smith that I didn’t have a creative bone in my body.

What are the main influences when you are making art?
Hmmmm…conversations are a good starter. creating something that makes people smile is another. Working with other peoples art too, I love to curate….

Chinese New Year this year falls on Valentines Day – how will you be celebrating the events?
In NYC with my husband and our son, hopefully eating bar-b-que and having a few drinks in the snow, that and having a good shop at MOMA and new museum.