Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Carmody.
Hi Nicole, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My love for creating art started at the age of 4. I was always bullied by students and teachers throughout my years in grade school. So, for me, art was an escape from the harsh reality I was dealing with on a daily basis. Including a high school art teacher at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School during freshman and sophomore year. This particular art teacher said to me, “You know, Nicole, with the kind of art you are making, you aren’t going to go anywhere in life.” I yelled at them in front of the whole class. After me yelling at this art teacher, they ended up kicking me out of the class and for me to continue art assignments the rest of the year in the library. Then in my junior year of high school, I went on to an independent high school. I completed 2 years of work within a year and graduated before everyone in my class in 2008. I received the art award from the independent study high school because the art teacher believed in me, along with a scholarship for one art class at OTIS College of Art & Design. Shortly after I graduated high school, my husband came into my life unexpectedly. He was always supportive of my artwork. But as for me, I had wanted to give up. Also, this was during a time when we were in a recession, and it was hard to find any sort of stable job. Especially in the art field. I decided to go back to community college, working at a few part-time retail jobs and taking a good amount of classes, but with no degree completed. I originally wanted to get a degree in sociology and culinary arts, but I ended up being pregnant with my son in 2014. Unfortunately, multiple tragedies happened in my life in the months of May and June 2015. I ended up giving birth to my son via scheduled c-section on May 11th, 2015. At first, everything seemed all fine and jolly until 12 hours after my son was born. The doctors had said my son’s breathing was “off.” Sure enough, my son was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and needed to get rushed by ambulance to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. He didn’t need surgery right away, but he needed to remain in the hospital for further observation. Just when I had thought having my son’s permanent diagnosis of his heart defect was the worst of everything, I was absolutely wrong. 3 weeks later after my son was admitted in the hospital/after giving birth, especially as a new mom I had received the most devastating news. As I was spending time with my son in Children’s Hospital LA, I got a call from the sheriff. “Your husband Sean passed away in your apartment.” I was in complete shock. I screamed throughout the hospital hallway “MY HUSBAND IS DEAD WHAT DO I DO WITH MYSELF!” I had to make funeral arrangements while my son was in the hospital. 2015 was the worst year of my life. I felt as if I had been shot through the heart more than once. Throughout the time, my husband hasn’t been here, and me taking care of my son as the only parent alive has been a rollercoaster. Which in 2018, I randomly created my art Instagram. I didn’t know my art would get noticed so quickly after making the Instagram especially a few months later I would be featured in my first art showcase in Hollywood. At first, I didn’t know what to believe when I was offered to show my art. After my first art showcase, I was offered to show my art in a few more art showcases, except when 2020 took another step backwards for my art career. I was upset but I said to myself, “This is only temporary, I will go back to showing my art more in the near future.” I didn’t give up, and I don’t want to give up. I know now I am stronger than I was before. I will be featured in more art events until I die. This is my story of where I am at now.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. With all the tragedies that happened along with the pandemic, I was struggling. Mentally, physically, and financially. I thought the peak of my art career would take off in 2020.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I create all types of art. Whether it’s painting, drawing, printmaking, digital illustration, you name it, I know how to make it happen. The genre of art I create is mostly abstract, pop, and modern art. I set myself apart from everyone else because why should I be like everyone else?
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice for everyone who’s starting out is don’t give up. Don’t make the same mistake I made for having doubts within your creativity. You might not be where you are at right now, but you will when the timing is right.
Pricing:
- Prints: $7-12
- Mugs: $25
- Tote Bags: $20
- Custom acrylic paintings: To be determined
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/nicolecarmodyartdesign
