We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Driscoll recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

My project, “You Can’t Eat Your Feelings…,” is a series of Polaroid photographs documenting my experience with binge eating disorder (BED). Growing up, I struggled with using food as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety, often consuming snacks in secret and hiding the evidence. This behavior continued into adulthood, and the isolation of 2020 exacerbated my BED.

During this time of reflection, I acknowledged the unhealthy relationship I had with food and sought a creative outlet to express my experiences. Using Polaroids allowed me to capture and instantly reflect on my binge eating episodes, each paired with a handwritten phrase expressing the emotions I was processing.

“You Can’t Eat Your Feelings…” has been a therapeutic and eye-opening experience for me, as well as a platform to raise awareness about BED. By sharing my journey and creating a safe space for others to connect with these experiences, I hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of this often-hidden eating disorder.

This project’s significance lies in its ability to create a dialogue around the complex emotions and traumas associated with BED. As an artist, this has been a transformative process that has allowed me to grow and connect with others on a profound level.

Nicole, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a videographer and photographer based in Charlotte, NC. I’m deeply passionate about exploring themes of identity, memory, and the interplay between personal and collective narratives through my work. I’ve had the privilege of showcasing my projects in various galleries and festivals, including The Light Factory, The Curated Fridge, Goodyear Arts, and the Click Photo Festival.

One of my proudest achievements is having my photograph, ‘Hands in the Sky,’ featured by ArtPop Street Galleries on multiple billboards in Charlotte and even made it to Times Square. This recognition has been incredibly humbling and inspiring, fueling my desire to continue creating.

I work as a teaching artist at Studio 345, a free after-school art program, where I have the opportunity to share my love for visual storytelling with young artists. I also collaborate with various clients in the greater Charlotte community as a freelancer, lending my expertise in videography and photography to bring their visions to life.

In 2014, I founded Films on Tap, a film festival that pairs regionally made short films with locally brewed beer. Our mission is to support independent filmmakers and local breweries by bringing communities together.

I have always been committed to creating authentic and visually engaging narratives that challenge perspectives and foster connection. Through my work, I aim to contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of the human experience.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a passion to connect with people on a deeper level and to challenge the notion that art is reserved only for “artists.” I believe that everyone has a creative side, and that self-expression is an essential part of the human experience. Through my work, I hope to inspire and empower individuals to explore their own creativity, regardless of their background or perceived artistic abilities.

Art is a tool for communication, self-discovery and connection. My mission is to demonstrate and educate that art can be accessible, transformative and a vital part of our shared humanity.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

To foster a thriving creative ecosystem, society must prioritize financial support for artists and creatives. This includes increasing funding opportunities through grants, scholarships, and community initiatives, as well as ensuring that artists are fairly compensated for their time, talent and effort. By investing in people and their passions, we not only empower individual growth and success but also cultivate a vibrant, diverse cultural landscape that benefits society as a whole.

It’s essential to recognize and value the intangible contributions that artists make to our world, such as fostering empathy, sparking dialogue, and enriching our shared experiences. By supporting and championing their work, we can create a more compassionate and interconnected society that truly understands the power of creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nicoledriscollfilms.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoledfilms
• Other: Tiktok: @Nicoledfilms

Image Credits

RCPairing_FilmsOnTap.jpg credit is Films On Tap