ABOUT NICOLE
“Art Making is very cyclical. You have to read everything you can get your hands on, go to museums, watch movies, listen to music, take photos and travel. These things need to percolate in your bones before it comes out in your art.”
Santa Fe based sculptor and designer, Nicole Merkens, is a figurative clay hand builder who intertwines her love of metals and found objects into her mystic themed work. Nicole’s graphic design background lends itself to her creative surface pattern designs and offers licensing of her work.
Nicole graduated with a BFA in book arts and printmaking from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pa and has been honing her skills ever since. She ran a highly successful graphic design and web business for 20+ years.
Nicole’s evolution into ceramics has come about through her passion for using her hands and tooling material with marks and symbols to reveal the magic and wonder of the human soul.
Nicole founded “Cowgirl Studios” in 2012 with three colleagues and ran a successful gallery and studio complete with workshops, exhibitions and camps until 2019 in Roswell, Ga. She now makes art and reads tarot cards in her studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Nicole currently shows her work in New Mexico, Georgia, and Florida galleries. She teaches mixed media courses and exhibits regularly in international and national exhibitions. She is a member of the New Mexico Potters and Clay Artists, The New Mexico Women in the Arts, and Eldorado Arts and Crafts Association.
ARTIST STATEMENT
As far back as I can remember, I was never alone. I heard them , I saw them, I dreamt of them.
My work is about spiritual guardians, rebirth, the soul and its energies. I draw on metaphysical as well as catholic iconography to portray my spiritual journey.
I feel through my work I am able to document my mystical path which is too emotional and profound to put into words.
Sometimes the work gets dark but its always with a sense of humor...if I give into fear; I lose my insight and become a beacon of restless energy.
Through mixed media and design, I piece together images, shapes, colors and symbols; all chosen to produce specific effects. Their interaction with each other conveys an essence of being.
I believe I am working from a higher consciousness and a passionate drive possesses me. My work comes from the depths of my soul. The past dances with the future to correct itself.
Journey with me.
Nicole graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia in 1994 with a BFA in Printmaking and BookArts.
GALLERIES & SHOPS WHO CARRY MY WORK:
Nicole’s Resume
Follow my journey….Download my resume below
