ABOUT THE ARTIST
Nicola is known for her brightly coloured Australian abstract landscapes. Her work has an energy and vibrancy that is recognisable. She creates for the joy and excitement of the process, but also to find the heart of things, the light in the universe, and give it voice. This is true of her landscape paintings but also of her abstract work.
Her work has a strong spiritual aspect and the ideas for many paintings come to her in meditation. Nicola feels passionately about the raw beauty of the Australian landscape. The vibrant colours, especially the reds of the earth, the blues of the sky, and the cobalts and aquas of the sea, are an inspiration to her.
She grew up on a farm in NZ and, as a child had a deep love of, and connection with the land. She had a pony and spent endless summer days roaming the Canterbury plains alone, and with her friends. The hard physical work of farming, along with the extraordinary beauty of the place, cemented her soul in the countryside.
When she was young her mother painted with watercolours. Nicola says that her mother inspired her greatly and that they still have many chats about art. Earlier in life she was a graphic designer, then she moved into more caring roles. She speaks of being lucky enough to facilitate art groups, where she can share her love of creativity, and loves this immensely.
She reconnected with the joy of creativity later in life when, as a design student she discovered Photoshop. The layers, the textures the brilliant colours! She was in heaven. Being asked to have a solo exhibition led to her picking up a paintbrush and beginning to play with paint in the real world.
Many artists speak of being afraid of the white of a new canvas. To Nicola this is the most exciting stage of painting. The sense of freedom and joy in letting loose on a new canvas is what keeps her hooked. The love of nature is intrinsic to her painting style.
Her current work is largely acrylic/mixed media. She loves experimenting with textures, glazes, colours and new materials. She is driven by curiosity to explore new approaches and techniques. She is excited to keep learning and growing as an artist. Nicola has exhibited as a solo artist, and been involved in group exhibitions.
She has awards for both her digital and traditional artwork:
Winner, Mitcham Art Prize, 2019
WinnerAshburton Art's Society Art Award, 1988 (NZ)
Merit Award, WetlandCare Australia National Art and Photography Competition, 2010 Various awards, RSASA, Royal Society of Arts, South Australia
