Tell us about yourself and what you do?
My name is Nicole and I am based in the Yarra Valley, Victoria. I am an artist who finds inspiration in nature, the Australian landscape, hand-picked floral arrangements, poetry, colour and story-telling. I paint still life paintings (flower studies), landscape and abstract paintings. In the past year my arts practice has also expanded into hand built ceramics, cushions, tote bags and greeting cards.
Past exhibitions have included solo shows; ‘Into Dreams’ 2017, sponsored by the Art Seed Pods and the Yarra Ranges Council, ‘Falling into you, Falling into me’ 2018, at Dot Space Gallery in Northcote, ‘Flower garden of your heart; 2019 at Corner Store Merchants Gallery Castlemaine. In 2020, I was thrilled my work was picked up by Jumbled Online. I also sell my work via Instagram. When I am not in the studio creating, I work at Deakin University in the Marketing Division.
Why did you decide to start painting?
I first discovered my passion for painting seven years ago, when I assisted to paint (by chance) an abstract mural. Soon after, I joined a painting group, found a painting mentor and never looked back.
What’s your creative process?
My creative process begins on Saturday morning, foraging the garden, bushland or local growers for foliage, flowers and colour inspiration. I then take the materials back to the studio (located in back shed) and arrange everything into vases. From there I then mix the acrylic paints; taking colour inspiration from the flowers I have in the studio or what I have seen on the land that day. Once I am set up, I am ready to start painting. I paint with the roller door up, so the light floods through the Shed. The studio view looks out onto a paddock.
The biggest advantage of painting in the shed is the brilliant natural light and the luxury of leaving my paints and materials scattered across my large studio table, ready to come back to, the very next day. Over the course of the week the flowers die. Sometimes I find more inspiration in the new colours and shapes that form during the drying/ dying process. If I’m not in the studio, I can be found painting en Plein Air in the Australian bush. The most precious gift as an artist is being able to translate the magic of the land and nature in paintings, cards, ceramics and homewares.
A fun fact about yourself?
I collect words, if I read or hear something interesting or moving, I will write it down in my phone. I am also a runner.
When do you feel most inspired to create?
I feel most inspired to paint when I come back from a trip somewhere. Lately these trips have been in regional Victoria. I often return with the desire to paint the feeling of the land and my experience of place. In these times, inspiration often flows easily into a series or paintings or a body of work. That said, what I have come to learn in my arts practice, is even when I don’t feel inspired to paint, it’s really important I push myself to paint anyway. A few years ago, I would only start a painting when I had a strong desire to create. But over time I have come to realise that the most important part of my painting process is having a consistent practice. I paint several hours a day and this allows those moments of inspiration (when they come) to flow more easily and regularly because I am painting more.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
My intuitive approach to painting allows the paint on the canvas to form a feeling or moment. The painting process often studies life’s truths; both joyful, melancholy and the everyday. I use colour to evoke emotion and meaning and to tell a story in a painting.
A word of encouragement for beginner artists?
To be an artist takes hard work and discipline, if you have a calling to create I would also encourage you to surround yourself with other creatives, and work on your practice every day. I would encourage you to find a painting mentor and join a local painting group. I was also once told -- everyone is born to ride their own horse. So, if you were born to ride a corporate horse; work hard and ride her. But if you were born to ride a creative, work hard and do everything you can to honour your horses own special talents and gifts. Because I believe if you honour your horse, they will take you on a great adventure. Also, follow your heart.
Who are some other artists that inspire you?
My favourite painter is Australian Artist, Jenny Watson. Jenny’s exhibition ‘the Fabric of Fantasy, at Heidi Museum of Modern Art in 2018 was one of the most inspiring exhibitions I have been to. Even today, years later, I am still moved by the work in that exhibition.
Artists: Elizabeth Cummings, ileigh Hellier, Idris Murphy, Justin Lee Williams, Rachael Castle, Kate Eliza, Katy Smail, and recently Johanna Dumet Poetry by Liana Flinck, Mary Oliver, Darby Hudson Floral Designers: XX floss, LLB Florals Ceramics: Jessilla Rogers, Hilary Green and Bridget Bodenham. Fashion Design: Molly Goddrard Photography: Jenna Faye White, Lilly Waters
What kind of flowers bring you the most Joy
Since I was a little girl, my favourite flowers have always been, forget-me-not flowers. A close second, would be a blue hydrangea. I feel both flowers have a special feminine quality to them.
What do you hope to achieve in 2021?
I’m in the process of completing a beautiful website on Shopify.
I have recently completed a photoshoot in a country cottage in Victoria with the amazing Jenna Faye White (who has had work published in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar- so talented). It was a total thrill to collaborate and I can’t wait excited to get those photographs out into the world!
Paint everyday
I am collaborating with some amazing creatives this year – interior stylists and an online exhibition (but unfortunately, I can’t give too much away right now).
Spending more time away from tech – spending more time reading, writing and running. I am also knitting a scarf and jumper for the first time this year, which has been so enjoyable.