Creating, just as living, is more than a gift but a way of being. As one is in a relationship with another, one must choose and accept the other as if it were itself. Acceptance is the beginning of this journey, for many have traveled this long road, but still chose not to be.

I appreciate when I get the opportunity to interview people who are using their gifts to make an impact in their local community. Nicole Malcolm is a friend of mine who is doing her thing on the art scene in Chicago. She is a humble and genuine person that you should definitely know more about.

Check out our conversation below.

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How would you describe your artistic style?

I would describe my artistic style as a concoction of emotional energy, infused with the seduction of advertisement. Its purpose is to capture the individual in that very moment and open their minds to…possibility, inspiration, encouragement, power, etc.

Did you always know you wanted to be an artist? When did you know you were supposed to create art?

My mother would often tell me a story about the time I was a child, not even two years yet, when I painted a perfect smiley face with nail polish on a piece of cardboard. I remember that day like it was yesterday.

As a child, I was always interested in the performing and visual arts. My grandmother made sure she kept me involved in some type of activity (mainly ballet). As I got older, I had the desire to draw on my free time, but hadn’t fully embraced the “artist” label until I went to Chicago State (2002) where I met a woman who would change my life forever. Rainee Ruffin was her name, and whenever we met for class, she would tell me how I needed to be an artist. Many people thought of me becoming a secretary or educator, yet deep down inside, I knew that wasn’t the life for me. I eventually listened to Rainee, and began my journey as developing myself as an artist. SIDENOTE: Needless to say, she’s currently a motivational speaker and I’m an artist, LOL.

It wasn’t until around the year 2007 when I realized my purpose was to be an artist. During that time, I was exposed to high levels of gang/gun violence that caused me to create art pieces to voice that pain. Exhibitions gave me the opportunity to hear the voices of others and observe how our voices matched. Coming from a community infested with violence, I realized our voices needed to be heard. It was not long after that the pressures to create began to overtake my entire being, totally subjecting me to its will.

Are there any artists who have inspired you?

There is a spectrum of inspiration that I’ve received from many artists of multiple genres of art; but the 2 artists that have directly affected my style are the shading techniques of Paul Cézanne and the vibrant palette of Archibald Motley.

Do you have to be in a certain mood to create your artwork?

No, I do not have to be in a certain mood to create art. Moods are only needed to create specific pieces. Energy is mainly needed to create.

You have created really beautiful and memorable pieces. Do you have a favorite?

Yes, I do have pieces that I have fallen in love with. They include: The Seduction of Violence (2007), I Am (2015), Tears for the Lost, and The Untitled Woman.

What’s on the horizon for Nicole Malcolm the artist? Are there future art projects you are planning?

I’m currently working on my counseling degree so I can utilize art with therapy (art therapy 🙂 ) to help people in the community in efforts of minimizing the violence and maximizing our people’s potential. There are definitely some other projects coming up. I”ll be participating in the Delta Show I believe sometime in March. I plan on exhibiting at UIC in the near future and I also may be doing live painting once a month starting at the end of February with a Hip-Hop show.

Some things are still in the making but it will be a very busy year for me.

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Connect with Chicago artist Nicole Malcolm at the channels below.

Facebook: Madd Painter1204
Instagram/Twitter/SnapChat: MaddPainter1204