Rising Stars: Meet Nicole Ricci-Reynaga of North Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Ricci-Reynaga.

Hi Nicole, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. My mom still has childhood drawings framed on the wall—bright rainbows, blooming flowers, and crayon-colored dreams. I can still picture myself spending afternoons sketching Disney princesses, often taking “commissions” from classmates who wanted portraits of their favorites.
As I grew older, my creativity evolved. I began thrifting old clothes, deconstructing and transforming them into one-of-a-kind designs I sold on eBay. At the same time, I immersed myself in traditional art—taking life drawing classes and creating custom pieces for friends. My subject matter shifted, too, leaning into darker, more mysterious, and macabre themes.
After high school, I followed my passions to Northern California, where I pursued a double major in Visual and Public Art and Psychology. During that time, I had the opportunity to work as an assistant to acclaimed visual artist Amalia Mesa-Bains. Assisting her in creating contemporary altars was a transformative experience that continues to influence my work today.
Now, my art has become something deeper—a reflection of life, the situations we navigate, and the quiet, powerful ways the universe moves through it all.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life is a journey of constant highs and lows, each step an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. For me, the greatest challenge in my art has been navigating the process of finding the right mediums and themes that truly resonate with my message. It took time to understand not only what I wanted to express, but also how I wanted to communicate it. Recently, I’ve reached a place where I feel confident in my choices, both in the materials I use and the messages I wish to share. My art now delves into profound, personal inquiries—questioning my place in the world, as well as exploring existential themes about humanity and the universe. The next challenge I face is how to translate these deep, introspective ideas into visual form, creating work that speaks as powerfully as the thoughts behind it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a visual artist driven by a deep curiosity about our place in the universe and the intricate connections we share with it. Through my work, I explore these existential questions, often incorporating Earthly or human elements, monotone color schemes, reflective surfaces, and layers of transparency. I’m drawn to reflective materials because they create a dynamic interaction with light and allow the artwork to reflect back something personal to the viewer. Transparency serves as a metaphor for how we complicate simple ideas or offer glimpses into new perspectives. These elements, I believe, define my style and set my work apart. Recently, I’ve begun experimenting with recycled glass, which adds an intriguing layer to my practice—it not only reflects, but also evokes a sense of fragility and destruction, making it a powerful medium for exploring both beauty and decay.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I will be showcasing a new modern altar design at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery Day of the Dead celebration this October 25th.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nicolericcireynagaart.com