HoneyBee Meet Artist Nik Boivin
By Patric Stillman
In San Diego’s vibrant art scene, where colors dance, stories unfold, and bold voices shine, an emerging artist is creating a buzz that’s impossible to ignore. Meet Nik Boivin, better known as HoneyBee, an artist whose work radiates passion, purpose, and an unshakable devotion to the LGBTQ+ community. Inspired by the industrious spirit and communal nature of bees, Nik has turned his personal journey into a movement—one brushstroke, one portrait, and one hive at a time.
The Birth of HoneyBee
Nik’s roots as an artist trace back to his childhood in upstate New York, where long afternoons at his grandmother’s house sparked a need for creative escape. But life, as it so often does, nudged him in another direction, toward a career in finance and away from his artistic ambitions.
Everything changed in 2017 when news of the honeybee population’s decline hit home. For Nik, it was more than just an environmental issue, it was an emotional mirror. Just like the undervalued honeybee, his creative spirit had been overlooked, pushed to the sidelines. This awakening became a turning point. Nik embraced the moniker HoneyBee, symbolizing his return to art with a mission to foster connection, celebrate resilience, and inspire change.
Art Meets Advocacy: ‘Portraits of Drag’
Three years ago, Nik landed in San Diego and wasted no time deepening his creative commitment. His vibrant oil paintings, marked by bold hues and unapologetic energy, provided a starting point for his studio practice with an eye on his ambitious project Portraits of Drag.
In this celebrity studded series, Nik is collaborating with 30 established drag performers, from local favorites to global stars like Sapphira Cristál, Nymphia Wind, Jaymes Mansfield, Coco Montrese, and Todrick Hall. Each oil portrait captures the essence of each queen.
Set to be released next year as a stunning coffee table book, Portraits of Drag goes beyond art. With interviews and proceeds benefiting LGBTQ+ charities chosen by the performers, the project is as philanthropic as it is celebratory. This is drag immortalized—fierce, beautiful, and deeply meaningful.
Nik’s work has already earned the support of organizations like San Diego Pride, where he’s made his mark as an art vendor. Through Portraits of Drag, he’s not only fundraising but also amplifying the drag community’s unapologetic brilliance.
The Bee as Metaphor
For Nik, the honeybee isn’t just a muse, it’s a metaphor for life itself. Bees work tirelessly, pollinate growth, and create sweetness. Through his art, Nik sees himself as a pollinator of ideas—spreading creativity, building bridges, and nurturing community connections.
This philosophy is at the heart of his developing nonprofit, Bee the Change. Much like a hive, the organization will channel collective energy to uplift marginalized voices and inspire transformation through art. Leading this mission is the Portraits of Drag project, which stands as both a creative triumph and a blueprint for using art as a force for good.
The Hive at Home
Nik’s life, much like his art, thrives on connection. His decade-long partnership with his husband, Patrick, is a testament to balance and love; Patrick’s steady pragmatism anchors Nik’s creative spirit. Together, they’ve built a family that embraces joy and authenticity, welcoming their third partner, Jordan, into the hive.
This polyamorous triad, full of laughter and mutual support, mirrors the harmony of bees working together. Rounding out their family are two beloved dogs, Harper and Hunter, who add loyalty and a little chaos to the mix.
Looking to the Future
As HoneyBee continues to grow, so too does his vision. With dreams of exploring new mediums, deepening his connection to San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community, and expanding Bee the Change, Nik is just getting started.
Through his work, HoneyBee exemplifies how personal experiences and passions can coalesce into art that not only captivates the eye but also enriches the soul. By embracing the qualities of the honeybee—diligence, community focus, and the creation of sweetness—Nik fosters a more inclusive and compassionate world, one brushstroke at a time
Want to feel the buzz?
Visit Nik’s vibrant portfolio at thehoneybee.org, where you’ll find Portraits of Drag and updates on Bee the Change. Follow The HoneyBee Arts on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes glimpses into Nik’s process, his hive, and the stories he’s bringing to life. Better yet, stop by The Studio Door, San Diego’s premier art gallery with artist studios, where Nik paints, connects, and invites the community to celebrate art that matters.
Because like the honeybee, Nik reminds us that even the smallest acts of creation can make the world a little sweeter.