2021 Highlights
Golden Hour at Baker Beach, San Francisco, California. Spring 2021.
(READ UNTIL THE END FOR 2022 EXCITING NEWS!)
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When reflecting on 2021, I can genuinely say I feel blessed, and my heart is grateful despite the highs and lows. I had many “low” moments including starting the year with health setbacks that continued throughout the year.
I became reacquainted with the feelings of exhaustion and hopelessness. For days, I kept asking myself the same questions: Why do I keep getting sick? Why do new issues keep coming up? What am I missing? Why does my body refuse to cooperate? I want to do so many things, but I feel my body doesn't allow me to. Why?
Some weeks, I could not paint or do anything creative (or get out of bed). Yet, I still found moments of light amid those dark days. Beautiful days when I gathered my energy, focused on the good and the many blessings in my life, and dived deep into creating new work.
Abstract Paintings titled “Blush I & II” from The Calm Collection
Grateful
I appreciate the love and support I've received for my work this year. Thank you for every like, share, email or DM you've sent. It is humbling and always exciting to hear from you.
I compiled a few highlights of my year—including INCREDIBLE SUNSETS LIKE THIS ONE. If you follow me on IG, you know I am always chasing sunsets because I am eternally captivated by the deep color combinations of cotton candy skies, which I later use as a reference for new works.
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Before I continue, I want to take a moment to express my deepest sympathy if the pandemic has directly impacted you or a loved one. My thoughts and my love are with you. And if you need someone to talk to, please reach out.
TRAVELING
Soaked up the sun in the beautiful state of California. Witnessed mesmerizing sunsets in Big Sur, Carmel, and Napa Valley. Walked the steepest streets and enjoyed seeing the seals at Pier 39 in SanFran. All that was amazing; however, this moment was one of my favorites!
Visited Asheville, NC for my cousin’s wedding, it was a beautiful day surrounded by loved ones. Plus, the weather was perfect: Sunny and a bit cold.
Fell madly in love with Nashville, TN! The good vibes, the music, the smiles in every corner, it was so colorful!
Traveled to my hometown, Barranquilla, Colombia, and had a chance to go to Bello Horizonte in Santa Marta (which I had not visited since my childhood years!) It was a great opportunity to see old friends and enjoy some much-needed family time.
A day in Napa Valley, California - Spring 2021
ART SHOWS
Participated in the 70th edition of @beauxartsfestival a juried art show that takes place in Coral Gables, FL, every year in the month of January. During this show (virtual in 2021) I connected with incredible people and was able to host a Studio Visit and Q&A LIVE on Instagram. A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who watched, liked, shared, and collected my work during the festival!
Debuted my surrealistic painting ‘Silent Premonition’ at a virtual collective exhibit hosted by the @dyerartscenter at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in NY. The exhibit included more than 60 contributions from 16 deaf and hard-of-hearing artists. I was invited to the artists’ pannel during the opening night to discuss how my hearing loss experience inspired the creation of this unique piece. Learn more about this piece & the exhibit HERE
‘Cotton Candy Skies’ Custom piece commissioned by Shanna for her home in Tennessee.
COMMISSIONS
I was able to work on beautiful commission projects for several collectors. I genuinely enjoy the process of custom projects—from the initial conversations to the installation day, it is such a rewarding and joyful moment to see the piece finished and living in its new home. My favorite part of the project is getting to know my collectors on a different level, learning about their families and their homes is truly a privilege.
My commission calendar will open again in February 2022. If you are interested in learning more or would like to put your name on the waiting list, click below.
MUTED TONES.
SOFT MELODIES.
THE CALM COLLECTION.
Despite the many setbacks, being in the studio was a calming and healing experience—even when I felt mad and frustrated with my body and the world. And this is precisely the beauty of art. It makes you forget your sorrows and makes it all better. So, when words failed, I got busy in the studio, let it all out, dealt with my emotions, and through my paintings, I aimed to transform the pain into the light to help bring calm into my mind.
In 2021 I focused on creating abstract paintings in muted colors. Deep in my heart, I knew I needed that soothing color palette as I was looking for a place to put my mind at ease. And I found that place in each canvas while creating the paintings of THE CALM COLLECTION. I only hope I was able to successfully convey that sense of stillness and calm through my paintings and the behind-the-scenes I shared with you during the process.
THERE ARE ONLY A FEW WORKS LEFT FROM THIS COLLECTION, CLICK BELOW FOR DETAILS
MEDIA FEATURES
I was featured in Hecho En Magazine, an independent publication highlighting LatinX creatives' work in such a refreshing and colorful way. The interview and article were written by the curator, gallery owner, and writer, Alicia Puig, highlighting my SUPERNOVA Collection. During the interview, Alicia and I discussed my experience with Sudden Unilateral Hearing Loss and she focused on how that incident brought me closer to art in a dark moment of my life and how my career has developed since this life-changing event. Read the full article HERE.
I was interviewed by my fellow (and brilliant) Surrealist artist Halie Torris. Her work is amazing, and if you still don’t follow her, you should! She has an incredible story and I had the pleasure to share mine during episode #24 of her podcast “The Closeted Artist”
COLLABORATIONS
Proud and honored to have been part of this magical collaboration with KJ Design Collective based in Miami, FL. I created a custom painting for their space at Palm Beach’s Home Design & Remodeling Show. Watch the full video coverage HERE
Fortunate for the interactions and learning from other amazing creatives in my community. I would like to highlight many of them, but it would be impossible. Instead, I will focus on incredible interior designers and photographers in FL and NY who inspire me every day:
I feel fortunate because this year I met so many incredible people. We all know the internet has a bad reputation of spreading too many polemic views and instilling hate at times, YET, it is also a powerful tool that allows us to connect and get closer to wonderful people from all over the world, especially during a difficult time like the pandemic.I am so glad to continue sharing my passion with you!
HEALTH
Last, but not least…
The highlight of my year was being part of the cast of The Life Rebalanced Chronicles a docuseries by Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA), directed by Kimberly Warner from Unfixed Media. I feel so lucky to have met my Vestibular brothers and sisters, my ‘Vesties’, they are all truly inspiring. During the filming of the documentary, we stripped our souls and discussed painful moments from our vestibular journeys. If you haven't watched the docuseries yet, I strongly recommend it as each episode is packed with information you or a loved one may need right this second. Thank you Cynthia from Veda and the entire LRC family for making this a reality and thinking of every vestibular patient out there. I love you guys! Learn more about the cast members and watch the 6 episodes HERE
I had the opportunity to visit the NeoMedicine Institute for chronic pain management. I was pleasantly surprised with how much Dr. De La Hoz and his team care for their patients. Since Day 1, I have felt seen and understood. There you are not just patient, but a human being who is looking for answers and they are always ready to give you those answers and lend a hand. They understand and help alleviate your pain. I am impressed by the variety of treatments they offer, the technology they use, the science behind each treatment, and their extensive knowledge and experience treating patients with severe chronic pain.
Watch the video of one of my visits HERE & another about Botox for migraines & neck pain HERE
Before I go, I would like for you to read these daily affirmations I wrote with the intention to remind us that despite the difficult times, there is always something or someone to be grateful for. And, I am grateful for you.
Also… I have some exciting news! An opportunity to connect in real life:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
I'm delighted to share my exhibition schedule for Winter/Spring 2022.
January 15 - 16, 2022
Beaux-Arts Festival of Art
University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
March 10 - March 13, 2022
Superfine Art Fair
1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, Florida
I look forward to seeing you (or meeting you if we haven’t met yet!) Stay tuned for additional details about these art fairs and other events in the upcoming weeks.
*Unfortunately, some of my emails may not be landing in your inbox due to email settings 😞 To prevent this from happening, I suggest adding my email address to your 'Favorites' so you don’t miss my next updates. Details about art fair locations, hours, and other info will be shared in my next newsletter 📧
thank you for reading &
following my journey
Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season & a healthy and productive 2022!
With love,
Nicolle