Member of the Month

Member of the Month
Nicole Maxwell

Full Name: Nicole Maxwell

Medium Acrylic Mixed Media

How long have you been doing your art: 21 years

What got you originally interested in the art you do: When I was 17 and full of angst my art teacher, a wonderful woman named Tree, encouraged me to explore my feelings through art. I’ve been called to create art ever since.

What is something you have learned about yourself through your art: I’ve learned that I HAVE TO create in order to stay sane. I struggle with mental health issues, and art is always there for me. Any thought, feeling, problem, or anxiety can be released onto canvas or piece of paper. I am so grateful I have art to express how I feel, without it I would be lost. I am also grateful I have a supportive husband/family and a community like KAC to share my art with!

What do you enjoy the most about your art: I enjoy sitting down and letting the paint, marker, pencil, or ink take me away. I love the feeling of shutting everything off and just creating – no judgement, no worrying over how it looks, just letting go and allowing the medium to speak for me. My favorite is when the piece actually looks good afterwards and the feeling of pure joy/pride I feel when I look at it. This is the moment all artists chase and hope for every time they sit down to create art. Because I wasn’t formally trained and don’t know the art “rules”, I have less noise in my head when I create, but I’m becoming interested in the possibility of taking a class. I saw a class at Selkirk College that teaches you how to use greens in landscapes! That sounds like fun.

What is your favorite joke/quote: Any Dad joke will do 😉

What do you think makes art important: Art is important on many levels, for culture, history, social change, and so much more. Art is important to me because it is always there – waiting for me to join in the fun. I’ll never be alone as long as I can create my own art and enjoy the art of others. It’s an expression of who we are, what we think and how we see the world around us.

Why are you a member of the Kamloops Arts Council: When I finally had the guts to share my art with the world last year, KAC gave me the opportunity to share my art through SMALL//works 2020. I was so nervous, and have usually shied away from putting my art in public spaces. KAC was welcoming and encouraging. I even submitted some pieces to Art Exposed 2021 because KAC really is a community of artists that support each other. I will continue to renew my membership because being a part of KAC challenges me to be a better artist. Some of the members are so talented and brilliant! I want one of those ribbons too 😉

What are you looking forward to the most in this upcoming year (A special show or project you’re working on): Right now, I’m looking forward to painting Louise from Bob’s Burgers for my son’s 11th birthday. I am also looking forward to other opportunities to share my art through KAC. I have some ideas about a theme for SMALL//works 2021 that I want to implement. Other than that I will sit down at my art desk when the mood/muse calls. I’ll chase the moment when the piece turns out perfectly and the smile on may face radiates from my heart.