We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Hitchcock. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.

Nicole, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I have completed to date is a body of work called Elemental. This collection of art was inspired by the tapestry of the unseen that spans across cultures, eras, and the vast expanse of our world—acknowledging the enduring presence of an entire invisible existence. Many find solace or place their faith in the magic or power of the unknown. In this body of work, I extend an invitation to the observer to join me in exploring the invisible threads that connect us.

Following the completion of this art collection, I created a small coffee table book that pairs beautiful visuals of the works with the inspiration and stories behind each piece.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a dyslexic left-hander who grew up in Northern California and now resides in Idaho. My passion for visual art ignited at a young age. At eight years old, I eagerly participated in my elementary school talent show, choosing to work backstage as the event’s makeup artist. This early experience laid the groundwork for my artistic journey, initially focusing on hairdressing, creative photography, and editorial fashion.

Over time, I ventured into experimenting with various fine art mediums, eventually finding my niche as a mixed media and resin artist. Through my work, I aim to transport observers into moments of color and texture, evoking a sense of their own connection to the world.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Before transitioning into a full-time artist, I owned and operated a luxury salon with the intention of building it up and eventually selling it. After years of dedicated effort, I reached the stage of marketing the business and securing a buyer. However, just as we were nearing the final stages, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, leading to a mandated closure of salons for seven months. Understandably, my buyer withdrew, and I was forced to shutter my investment. It was a humbling, disheartening experience that dealt a blow to my ego. Yet, in hindsight, it was perhaps the greatest catalyst for personal growth.

During those months of isolation, I found myself in a vulnerable state, which fueled my desire to create and share my artwork. This period of reflection provided me with the necessary space to process and evolve. Through embracing this new direction, I unearthed a profound aspect of myself that had remained dormant.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Supporting living artists and nurturing a vibrant creative ecosystem is crucial yet complex. Historically, art values tend to surge posthumously, driven by scarcity in the market. However, this phenomenon often overlooks the financial struggles many talented artists face during their lifetimes. While some advocate for increased education among collectors, I believe the solution requires a broader approach.

To truly support artists today, we must encourage a shift in how society perceives and values contemporary art. This involves cultivating a culture where the artistic contributions of living artists are esteemed and financially supported. It requires fostering environments where artists can thrive economically and creatively, not just in retrospect. Educating collectors is important, but equally essential is advocating for policies and practices that ensure artists receive fair compensation and recognition during their careers.

By investing in living artists and their work, society not only enriches its cultural landscape but also ensures that creativity flourishes in real time, benefiting both artists and the broader community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.NicoleHitchcockVisualArts.com
• Instagram: @nicolejamesd
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.hitchcock3?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits

Jan Schmidt