Biography
Nicole Wallin was born in Roscoe, IL, which is just north of the city of Rockford, IL. Even though she struggles to remember her childhood, art and the art making process as always stood out to her, even from a young age. Nicole was an only child and was restricted in her socialization prospects, so she has struggled with social interactions and cues throughout her life. She uses her artwork as a bridge between her own verbal and visual communication. “I've always thought in my mind that if I can't speak eloquently or if I can't convey what I'm trying to say through speech, maybe I can do it better through drawing - through a nonverbal way.”
Because of a combination of her childhood, which can be described as turbulent at best, and genetics, she has suffered with many different mental health issues that she still continues to deal with to this day. Although she gains inspiration from a multitude of subjects, mental health issues and mental health awareness is one of the subjects that she tries to delve into frequently, whether it is the main focus of the piece or just a component. “I like to use my own experiences and feelings that I have trouble verbally communicating and try to express them in the way that I know best.” Because of this, she tends to take a realistic style and tries to bend it enough to convey a surrealistic feeling in the viewer. Whether it be more obvious or subtle, she always tries to add that specific surrealistic twist to her focal point and/or surrounding area. |
Nicole began her high education journey through Rock Valley College, located in Rockford, IL, which she attained an Associates degree in liberal arts in the Fall of 2016. Afterwards, she made her way towards Northern Illinois University, moving to Dekalb, IL to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in Art, as well as attain a minor in Psychology in the Spring of 2021. |