AS IS | Nicole Tijoux

Artist

From Santiago, Chile

Based in Santiago, Chile and Madrid, Spain

Nicole's work is centred around the transformations the human form experiences in relation to its surroundings, specifically water. The vastness of the water spaces around her subjects also point out the smallness of the human in the face of nature and its elements

A: Please, tell us a bit more about yourself. What brought you into art?

N: Since I was little I have been attracted to art. I think it was the solitude around the process and how safe I felt painting. Then at university I found it very interesting how your unconscious mind is reflected in your work; it was amusing to know myself through colors.

A: What inspires you the most?

N: The notion of deformation is present in my work nowadays; how the human figure changes form constantly in the relation with its surroundings, such as water, and sometimes looks like a ghost.

A: Do you have any specific rituals while working (creating)?

N: Not much, just coffee and quiet music.

A: What would you recommend to someone who's new to art (whether artist or just an admirer), what to begin with?

N: First I would recommend to learn the basic techniques to avoid future frustration over not getting the wanted result in the first paintings, then observe your gallery and photos, screenshots in your phone etc., and observe the patterns in them. In some cases it's beautiful to discover inspiration in the middle of your personal images, for example a specific kind of lighting, composition, situations, colors... and then apply on them the technique that you love the most play!

A: What are your three favourite adjectives related to art?

N: Encouraged, calm and beautiful.

A: The best angle to look at art is: ...?

N: ... with an open mind.

A: The perfect phrase to start any conversation about art is: ...?

N: "What do you think about this?"

A: Must-read books to help us talk about art (or do we even need them)?

N: There are two books that I read all the time, they are from Martin Gayford and David Hockney: Spring Cannot Be Cancelled and Bigger Message. The two are a constant inspiration. Trattato de la pittura by Leonardo da Vinci (this is my Bible), Lo real y su doble by Clement Rosset and many more.

A: If you could change one thing in the art world - what would it be?

N: Maybe the speculation in the prices.

A: Please, share your favorite quote (not necessarily related to art).

N: "Inspiration has to find you working."

Thank you!

For more: visit or IG

#art #artist #interview #contemporaryart #artmagazine #personality #profile #lifestyle