I have traveled and fallen in love with much of the world, but nothing compares to how grounding and mesmerizing I find the Rocky Mountains. When I explore these elevations, I am captivated by the vibrancy of the land and the physical challenge of exploring the often-steep terrain.
Bio
Nicole (she/her) is a Calgary based abstract landscape painter who expresses personal moments through compositions of vivid colours on unique surfaces. Nicole has a diverse background composed of a Bachelors in Business Administration from Acadia University, a Post-Baccalaureate Degree in Fine Arts (Painting Major) from NSCAD University, a Yoga Teacher Certification, played as a Varsity Volleyball Athlete, and is now a mother of two. This diversity in education and lifestyle has cultivated her unique artistic process. Nicole’s landscape paintings incorporate an athletic element by hiking her chosen subjects and allowing herself to become absorbed by the energy of her natural environment. The abstract qualities of Nicole’s paintings are inspired by meditation learned from her yoga practice. Finally, Nicole draws from her formal art education at NSCAD to paint her creations. Now as a mother, Nicole includes her daughters (3.5 years old and 1.5 years old) in her outdoor adventures, adding new inspiration and patience to her process.
Since returning to Alberta after graduating NSCAD University in 2018, Nicole was accepted into the RBC Emerging Visual Artists Program (RBCEVAP) in Calgary 2019-2021. In 2020, Nicole received a municipal grant to paint for the City of Calgary’s Community-Initiated Public Art Microprojects, completing her first outdoor mural. Nicole’s mural had an important component to inspire creativity from local residents, which resulted in the participation of over 150 people. Nicole is now pursuing opportunities to further her involvement in the Canadian art community, especially mural work.
Artist Statement
I express personal moments and conversations through painting abstracted compositions in vivid colour on unique surfaces/murals. I first physically explore a location or research my topic, then I meditate to soak in the subject, and then I sketch what arrives in my mind. My compositions and colour pallets are formed while meditating during the planning process as well as during my time painting. The combination of my love for the outdoors, yoga, and art has resulted in my unique painting process.
I have traveled and fallen in love with much of the world, but nothing compares to how grounding and mesmerizing I find the Rocky Mountains. When I explore these elevations, I am captivated by the vibrancy of the land and the physical challenge of exploring the often-steep terrain. I enjoy sharing these moments with others by communicating in vivid colour, abstract shapes and confident mark making.
While the majority of my paintings are landscapes inspired by my outdoor hikes and travels, the last two years of my life has greatly shifted my motivations to create. The birth of my daughters in May 2019 and March 2021 not only changed my lifestyle but gifted me the new title of Mama. I am so grateful for these little lights of humans for their love and their guidance in my artistic practice. My vivid pallets and love for abstracted compositions still stands, but now I weave motherhood into my paintings as well.
