An interview with Nicole Duennebier as told to Valeria Amato.
What’s a brief overview of what you do?
I generally work with acrylic on panel. Although I've been doing some projects with my sister Caitlin using paper cut-outs. Both have a similar effect of intricacy and luminosity.
Is there anything new you’re working on, or an event that’s coming up?
Most recently I've been working on large clay sculpture that I'm using as a still-life set-up to paint from. After my last solo show I felt that I needed to develop my technique in regard to shadow and perspective. I decided that for my next set of paintings I would build the subject before I painted it.
This is the piece (right) that I'm working from right now. There is a mixture of fake plants and real ones as well as gourds I grew this summer.
Why do you do what you do? What’s something you get out of it?
There's always fulfillment in relating an abstract thought to another person. To look at the practice from a distance I think that's what art making does for me. Although the vague idea of self-expression through art has never really satisfied me or felt true to what I am trying to accomplish. I work to eventually be a better artist technically and conceptually. Unfortunately, this only yields a fleeting sense of achievement especially if it's not combined with monetary rewards but it's enough to keep working.
What got you involved in doing what you do? Is there someone or something that was important in getting you on your way?
Growing up, my parents were both creatively inclined on top of working full-time. That's likely an important learned behavior; to put time aside for your own projects.
Any thoughts on the local Somerville, or Boston-area creative scene?
Since I didn't go to school in the Boston-area it's been a little harder to get involved with arts scene in Boston. The time I spent working in a studio at Vernon Street was incredibly helpful in getting to know the creative people in the area. Although I feel Somerville in particular has a little more outreach to artists then anywhere else I've lived. It seems like I'm constantly hearing about some kind of opportunity to apply to.
More Artists of the Month from 2015
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About the Artist of the Month
This program is inspired by the Nave Gallery’s “Featured Artist” program, which ran from 2005 to 2009.
SAC’s Artist of the Month program is a way for us to celebrate the enormous wealth of talent in our city, by shining a spotlight on a different creative Somervillian each month.
This program has been put together by a whole raft of people: Coordinators Jenn Harrington (2013-2014) and Kellie Veiga (2013), Gilmore Tammy (2017) and Somerville Arts Council board members Matt Kaliner, Tim Devin, Valeria Amato, and Michael J. Epstein, Bill House (2019-2020), Charan Devereaux (2019-2025), Tori Weston (2019-2025) and Andrea Read (2022-2025). Current coordinators, are Kerrie Kemperman (2019-), Seth Garcia (2025-), and Ben Cuba (2026-).
Know of a great Somerville based artist who should be recognized, please nominate the artist for consideration. We seek artists who contribute to the community through their strong work and community collaborations. Artist should either reside in the City or contribute to the City’s vibrant art scene.