Intersections of Tech and Art: Nicky Billovits

Nicky Billovits is a junior studying Computer Science and Art & Design at the University of Michigan hailing from Midland, Michigan. A computer scientist “in practice,” Nicky also a talented artist who enjoys creating unique jewelry and learning about ethnical technical design.

He first got his formal introduction to art in high school, when he had some free space senior year and decided to take a 3D art class. He gained experience working with sculpture and metals, which sparked an interest in pursuing art further in college. To him, art is an escape from his technical studies, and allows him to “pursue a study into form and intentionality.” Although he doesn’t particularly see himself as an artist “inside” the art world, his he likes using his diverse perspectives and draws inspiration from others.

Nicky is also inspired by the environment around him–particularly society, nature, and humanity. He is intrigued by the future of technology and its growing role in our daily lives. One of his favorite projects was a collaborative effort with guest artist Chico MacMurtrie among other students that involved creating a large inflatable robotic sculpture. Nicky says, “It was the first time I had my two realms, computer science, and art, combine… it was something I found deeply fulfilling and enjoyed it a lot.”

As for the future, Nicky sees himself as a software engineer by day and perhaps starting a jewelry or rock-carving business on the side.