Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Salcedo.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born and raised in Miami to parents of Cuban origin. I studied fine arts and object design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and returned to Miami in 2010. I have been working in the design industry for the last six years, creating ceramic accessories, textiles, furniture, and currently, wallpaper patterns for local firms, as well as steadily evolving my fine art practice.
My life-long interest has always been in the more subtle parts of reality, such as the movement of energy, mysticism, and spiritual development. This was due to my strict Christian upbringing, interwoven with Caribbean folk traditions that my grandmothers passed on to my mother and I. My journey has since lead me down the path of working with plants and plant imagery, and finding ways for people to connect more deeply to themselves by increasing their connection to Nature.
Please tell us about your art.
My work is primarily inspired by the healing powers of Nature. I draw my inspiration from plants and our innate ability to connect to them. I mostly enjoy illustration and mark making, when it comes to expressing a vision.
My drawings have evolved into mandala-like compositions, the process of creating them being very detailed, and meditative. I use mainly graphite or oil paint on paper. The imagery is always a centered anthropomorphic plant figure (or spirit), placed within an ecosystem. For me, the figures act as a bridge between the microcosms within us and macrocosms that surround us.
My practice has also lead me to develop guided meditations that invite participants to envision themselves as plants, sunlight, or rock formations.
I spend a lot of time researching plants that call to me throughout my travels in the city. I then bring them into my drawings, and designs. I have found myself increasingly working with and including native Florida plants. I want to educate people on the plants we have within and around Miami, and all the gifts they have to offer us.
Essentially I want to bring awareness to our inherent connection to Nature, through the lens of our local ecosystems. I believe that through the strengthening of this connection, we can begin to heal ourselves and in turn, heal the land simultaneously.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
It can be yes. I don’t mind solitude, but I also love connecting with people.
My advice would be to stay active within your local art scene, and follow your intuition when it comes to networking. I prefer when collaborations or connections happen in an organic way, through beautifully cultivated friendships especially. The internet and social media are also amazing tools for reaching out to people, but use them responsibly.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I post most of my work on instagram and my website.
I recently became an resident artist at the Bakehouse Art Complex where I will be locating my studio as well as hosting more guided meditations.
I have new wallpaper designs up at wynwoodwallpapers.com
In September I have a solo show at Flowerbox Projects in Lemon City, which Im really excited about.
Contact Info:
- Address: Studio: 561 NW 32nd St, Miami, FL 33127
- Website: nicole-salcedo.com
- Email: nicolesalcedo@gmail.com
- Instagram: chachichinikki
Image Credit:
Portrait image: Monica Uszerowicz
Image of group meditation in the park: Barbara Bollini
Image of me on Black and Silver jungle: Ian Patrick Oconnor
