Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Russell-Schlesinger.
Hi Nicole, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My fascination with art goes back as far as I can remember. My childhood spent with a crayon or a paintbrush in my hand. Playing with Play-Doh and clay for hours at the kitchen table. My mother recognized my talent and signed me up to audition for Rollings School of the Arts, which I attended for 5 years. I continued my practice through high school and college but never with the idea that I could actually become a working artist. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, I began teaching elementary school – always infusing art into my lessons and even starting an Art Club amongst the students.
Years later, after having my first daughter, my husband gifted me a potter’s wheel – knowing my love for art and the need to find some more “me time”. This began the true journey of where I am today. Friends and family supported my slow journey from making simple vessels into the amalgamation of what I create today. I released my first collection of pieces March 2022 and I’m proud of all the opportunities, introductions, inspirations, and work I have made since then.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think the road can be as smooth as you want it to be. I, of course, like many others, have faced rejection (lots!) amongst all the acceptances and accomplishments. But, I try to always frame it as, “meant-to-be”. The universe said “no” to this but will say “yes” to something else. Maybe even something better. If making art isn’t fulfilling me or making me happy then there is truly no point in doing it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a mixed-media artist creating handmade porcelain clay accents on acrylic works on canvas. My focus is on florals, small insects and creatures, such as butterflies, snails, bees, and ants. My work explores organic forms through the contrast of three and two dimensional to create a whimsical, peaceful feeling – an immersion into nature and fantasy all at once. I am most proud of the relationships I have made in the art community and the variety of subject matter I continue to explore.
How do you think about luck?
Probably all of my success is owed to a combination of good luck and hopefulness. Of course, hard work, too. But I don’t think there are any artists or creatives that aren’t working hard on the thing that they love. So, being supported and accepted is definitely a bit of good luck; and, I’d like to think – talent!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nicolersstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole.rs.studio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Nicole-RS-Studio/100064472841311/
