Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Alvarez.
Nicole, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Growing up in Northern California, I found I had an artistic inclination when it came to my hobbies and spare-time activities. After graduating from CSULB with my BFA in Drawing and Painting, I really started to appreciate the relationship between art and the community. For the past five years, I worked as a Mural Conservationist for the City of Long Beach. Through that, I gained great opportunities instructing art classes with kids as well as assisting with PowWow murals. Now, I find myself wanting to go even further in bringing art and the community closer together.
We’d love to hear more about your art.
I try not to limit myself with just one way of creating. As a visual artist, I enjoy painting whether that be on a canvas or a wall. I work with collages, fabric, creating zines, as well as pins. Outside of murals, my personal paintings focus on the use of color and light through abstraction in a polychromatic palette. My color palette is inspired by the world around me; through people, memories, and places. The work I do is intuitive-based and I try to create a sense of space within each piece. I enjoy working with multiple mediums because certain inspirations work better for different styles.
My process for paintings are initially with acrylic and finished with oil and oil pastels. My collages are done with a mix of watercolor, soft pastels, gouache, and paper collage. When people view my work, I hope that they feel a connection, whatever that may be. I want the viewer to form their own opinion, if the colors remind them of something or someone, then that’s what it is. Maybe it’s just aesthetically pleasing, and that’s ok too. Ultimately, I hope my work sparks conversation between people.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
I believe the biggest challenge for traditional artists today is the growing influence of technology. The increasing demand for digital art and graphic design is creating less opportunities for artists who work in handcrafted mediums.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Currently my art account on Instagram is the most efficient way to view and purchase my works. I am currently painting murals in Sacramento
Follow my art and my journey at @handmadebynicole_
Contact Info:
- Email: nicole_alvarez3@hotmail.com
- Instagram: @handmadebynicole_
Image Credit:
Clayton Steacker
Nicole Alvarez
Suggest a story:VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
