Meet Erica Nicol | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Nicol and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Life is all about taking risks, without them the reward is never as gratifying. With all risks or choices for that matter there is a possibly of failure, but you cannot allow the thought of failing hold you back. When starting the Frisco Art Collective, it was a huge risk for everyone involved but never the less we wanted to have a place that was ours, and that we could run the way we saw fit. Now that is exactly what it has become, not only do we have a place to display our art work as the owners but also give other artists in our community a place to showcase their work as well. Within a year of opening the Frisco Art Collective, I had the opportunity and the risk of opening a second shop in Silverthorne, The Summit Locals Art Market now both are thriving. It is incredibly gratifying to know that your hard work and risks are worth the effort. Without my business partners, the support of other artists and our community, these risks could have easily become a disaster, but together it has made it possible for me to make a career doing what I love. It is fulfilling to be a part of a community of like-minded creative individuals. Over the years Summit County has become a place that truly appreciates and involves so many of the talented artists that call these little mountain towns home.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an artist I am driven by my tools and materials. Capturing bold colors and the beauty of nature by locally sourcing items and using tools in unconventional ways has made unique art my specialty. I never know what the end product will be. Starting with just an idea in my mind, it is the process that creates the artistry. Changing what you see with your eye into a completely unique piece of art, like a fox made up of the forest where it lives or a mountain that melts into sacred geometry is what drives me. I strive to make art that is full of hidden details that reveal themselves each time you view the piece. Each medium presents its own set of challenges, I make mistakes all the time. With each misstep I learn. Sometimes it’s the happy accidents that make it a success. I like making functional pieces of art, glassware, ceramics, cutting boards to name a few but that are unlike any you have ever seen. Surrounding yourself with things that are functional and beautiful is comforting, it allows you to express who you are without words. I’ve been fortune to work with teams of artists to make large-scale ice and snow sculptures at the International Snow Sculpture Championships as well as at other resorts and events all around Colorado. I’ve done pumpkin carving for both the Denver and Grand Junction Botanic Gardens. Some of my unique custom artwork includes many individuals and businesses in Summit County. Breckenridge is home to many. The Empire Burger bull made up of 20,000 individual hand hammered construction nails that make up a single image, is just one of many giant custom murals. The sculpted and painted fiberglass animals and figures at I Scream Gelato and Blue Stag Saloon or the superman at Flip Side Burger. Old-growth redwood wood siding from the original Robinson Dairy made into an original wood mosaic in the entrance to The Pad in Silverthorne. A nine-foot sculpture of wings made entirely of trees and plants sits inside of Pure Kitchen in Frisco. Making a career out of my greatest passion has been a long and difficult journey. I have learned first and foremost to just be a good person, you never know who you will meet and how they could influence who you are and what you do. Any situation you go into with an open mindset and a good attitude can result in your next opportunity. Every piece of art I create is a direct result of another person or project I have worked on. It’s rewarding that my success has allowed me to help others that are at an early stage of their own journey, I enjoy making art for charity or for the public to enjoy. If something I create puts a smile on someone’s face then I have accomplished my goal.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Seeing that I live in the mountains, depending on the weather and time of year I would take them out to enjoy the beauty of nature. Snowboarding is what drove me to live here, but I love the outdoors year round. Taking people down to the marina to paddle board and fish on lake Dillon, or hiking a local trail is my go to for anyone that comes to town. The quick hike up to the Breckenridge sculpted wood troll is a must. There are so many little towns that make up the area of Summit County so I like to spend a day going to each town. Main Street in Breckenridge and Frisco can fill up a day in no time. Walking around to see local businesses, eating and drinking then killing time before you eat again seems to be what makes up all vacations. Local breweries like Highside and Outer Range are great places to hang out with dogs and people and see some amazing local bands. Tavern West, Uptown on Main in Frisco have great food and a good atmosphere. Pug Ryans in Dillion is just the place to go before seeing a concert at the Dillon Amphitheater. In summit county if you just look for it there is some sort of event, musician playing or activity that you can find to have just the experience you are looking for.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people in my life that without them I could not be where I am today. Most importantly are my parents Rob and Noreen Nicol, who have always supported me through my unconventional life choices, while encouraging me to express my creativity in any way possible. My art teachers in high school and college really gave me the tools necessary to grow as an artist, by nurturing a passion that became my career. Over the last 10 years I have been given the opportunity to work with teams of artists to create ice, snow and pumpkin large-scale sculptures and large murals. Working with Keith Martin and these other artists to create one fluid piece has increased my art abilities as a whole. Seeing others creative process is an amazing way to hone in your skills and humble you. Beth Smith who owns her own art business, shared her wisdom, creativity and support. Finally, my friends and business partners at both of the shops that I am fortunate to be a part of, Jessica Johnson at the Frisco Art Collective, Shannon Jakoby and Mary Anderson at the Summit Locals Art Market. Each person or artist I have had the pleasure of working with over the years have been integral in my success as a business owner and artist, while giving me friendships that will last a lifetime.

Website: www.coloradonativestudios.com

Instagram: instagram.com/ericanicolart

Image Credits
Main Photo, Summit Locals Art Market- Elaine Collins