“FRIEND CITY – HUMAN INTEREST” FUSION POP UP, WHERE FASHION/ ART MEET AND WHY NICOLE IS ONE OF TORONTO’S MOST UNDER-RATED ARTISTS

When one envisions what art looks like, you search for something that moves you, pieces that enlighten your inner creative wheel and someone that creates work more than just what trends and mainstream media tells them, these are just a few reasons why Nicole ( on instagram: @artcnik) is one of the cities most under-rated artists. Her ‘artwear’ at Fusion Pop Up, is where we were first introduced and discovered the dreamland of what fashion and art combined is missing.

“Art has always been an integral part of my life” states Nicole “My earliest and most fondest memories involved winning a coloring contest at Dairy Queen (that picture hung on my family’s fridge for years) and creating portraits of people I admired. I also daydreamed about becoming a fashion designer. I would wrap my bed sheets in different ways imagining an array of designs.”

After years of straying from her true passion, Nicole felt there was something missing in her life, so she gravitated to painting without technical and institution-like boundaries. “Painting became an outlet for me to express myself unapologetically. I focused my energy on developing my own style. My inspiration stems from the strength of Mother Nature, the female form and the workings of the brain. My artwork aims to deconstruct dualist views”

Paint stroke after paint stroke and exhibiting around North America, Nicole wanted to challenge herself and also dive into the waters of fashion. Having what she calls that “pivotal moment” with personal shopper/stylist Wendy at Wdxclusive, ‘fused’ their creative endeavors, Nicole’s hand paints clothing and accessories for men and women while Wendy sources out goods from around the world, to form a sizzling mix of fashion and art. “We believe in bringing affordable art and fashion to our community”. 

What does Nicole’s crystal ball predict? well, in this case, the cards are in her hands “I envision Fusion opening a boutique style storefront in the core of Downtown Toronto, where we continue to bring pieces that are as unique as each of our customers. As well as having Pop Up Shops in other cities around the globe”

Nicole dreams of one day having her own fashion line, creating statement pieces that can be collected like art. Can we foresee a fashion styled art gallery from this artist in the future? No doubt.