Nicole is a Kangarilla-based artist who works across multiple mediums, with a continuous focus on the natural environment.
Her work was recently selected to feature on a new range of Australia Post greeting cards.
How long have you been painting and what sparked your interest?
I have been painting and art-making my entire life.
I was passionately pursuing art interests through my schooling years and was fortunate enough to have this nurtured and encouraged by my parents.
After-school art classes provided a foundation for my art practice.
How did you develop your painting style?
Through lots of trials and experimentations.
I think it is foundational as an artist to spend time trying new mediums and approaches until you find forms of expression that resonate with you.
Even though I have invested time in this experimentation over the years, I find it interesting to look back and see the through-lines that connect the work.
I believe these through-lines are the painting style or inclination, but are not always obvious in the earlier years.
How did your paintings come to feature on Australia Post’s greeting card collection?
It was actually a recommendation from a collector who put my work forward.
I have always found the randomness of who comes into contact with and engages with my artwork so exciting.
How does the Adelaide Hills influence your work?
I’m a nature-kid at heart. Growing up I felt like I lived in a forest and loved going on drives through the Hills.
Leaves and botanical elements feature a lot in my work, so they must have had an impact.
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?
I am incredibly interested in the human mind, psychology and spirituality. When I am painting in my studio I am often listening to audio books or podcasts around this topic. So I imagine that I would naturally gravitate towards a career in these fields.
What’s your favourite way to unwind when you’re not painting?
I love to spend time in nature – walking through natural spaces is so rejuvenating for the soul and we are so lucky here in Adelaide to have these spaces at our fingertips. I like to maintain a yoga practice, but am also quite content in my home space with a cup of tea and a good book.
Who is your artistic inspiration?
I am constantly inspired by contemporary artists that are out there making their creative lives their reality.
In recent years, avenues like Instagram have really expanded our access to creatives making and creating all around the world. This has been incredibly motivating for me to witness the possibilities. As well as following contemporary artists, I do have artists that I love the work of historically and will make an effort to get along to the art galleries whenever possible to see these in the flesh.
If you could meet any artist through history, who would it be and why?
I think David Bowie would be an incredible artist to meet.
Despite being known primarily for his music, he really explored many areas of creative expression, which I find intriguing.
