Confessions of a Colorful Artist: The Wild Ride of Running My Own Gallery
By Nicole Blake
Welcome to the vibrant, slightly chaotic world of Nicole Blake House of Colour, where every day is a blend of creativity, colour, and the unexpected. Running my own gallery as a colorful artist isn’t always as glamorous as it sounds, but it’s definitely never dull. Here’s a peek behind the scenes of my beautifully messy life.
The Colour Explosion
When visitors step into my gallery, they’re greeted by a riot of colour that could wake up even the sleepiest of souls. But behind that bright, inviting space is a daily hustle of keeping things together. Picture me, multitasking between painting, answering emails, chatting with visitors, and maybe even chasing a runaway canvas or two. It’s a bit of a juggling act, but somehow, it all works.
Conversations with Visitors
One of my favorite parts of the day is interacting with visitors. They come from all walks of life, each with their own story and often, some interesting questions. "What’s the story behind this painting?" or "How do you come up with these colour combinations?" are common, but occasionally I get the more unexpected ones like, "Is it okay to hug the painting? It just looks so friendly!" While I love their enthusiasm, I gently remind them that hugging is usually reserved for people, not paintings.
My Not-So-Glamorous Wardrobe
Now, let’s talk about my fashion choices – or rather, the lack of them. While the gallery bursts with life and colour, my wardrobe is more... practical. Most days, I’m in my old, comfy clothes, covered in layers of paint. These aren’t just any splatters; they’re badges of honor from past masterpieces. I like to think of it as my own signature style – paint chic, if you will. Fancy? No. Functional? Absolutely.
The Studio Sanctuary
Tucked away at the back of the gallery is my happy place: the studio. It’s here that the magic happens. I spend hours immersed in creating, often with visitors peeking in, curious to see the process. There’s something special about having an audience while you work – it adds a touch of performance art to the painting. And sometimes, you hear the best comments from those watching, like the time a kid exclaimed, "She’s painting the sky, but better!"
Embracing the Madness
Running my own gallery is an adventure – a beautiful, colourful madness that I wouldn’t trade for anything. It’s about more than just selling art; it’s about sharing a piece of my world, welcoming people into a space that’s as vibrant and lively as the art on the walls. Yes, it’s messy, and yes, I’m usually covered in paint, but that’s what makes it all so wonderfully real.
So, if you’re ever in the neighborhood of 8N Derby Street, Walcha, drop by. You’ll find an explosion of colour, a slightly paint-splattered artist (that’s me), and maybe even a story or two about the latest masterpiece in progress.
Nicole Blake – artist, gallery owner, and proud purveyor of colourful chaos. Come join the fun – it’s a wild, wonderful ride! Xx