Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Elisa Perez.
Hi Nicole, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Like most artists, my journey in the arts started at a very young age with some adult encouraging my horrible version of a cat or a hideous portrait of said adult. I had all the confidence of a Baroque painter at the age of 4. I road that confidence into adulthood, always creating alongside my degree in the sciences. There was a never ending struggle for me to choose art or science. Art prevailed, I left behind a research position and started my journey in tattooing. I managed a studio and had a two year apprenticeship in 2015/16. I now co-own a private tattoo studio called Last Moon Tattoo with tattoo artist Natalie Davis.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I would say the journey has been beautiful but yes definitely with its rough patches. The obvious struggle is finding my footing in a male dominated industry, another is finding my artistic voice or style. It took a lot of exploring and getting things wrong to find what felt right and I am still learning every day. The most important lesson is that the best kind of artists are forever students.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in fantasy/abstract colorful work. I have an unusual but fun imagination along with synesthesia. Synesthesia is a rare sensory condition that is different for those who have it. For me I see a kaleidoscope of imagery and colors when listening to music or in a heightened emotional state. Some see numbers as assigned colors or can smell colors. It took me some time but I have been able to take the chaos I see and turn it into something readable for my tattoo designs as well as my paintings. I will be exhibiting in a group gallery show this May at 934 Gallery here in Columbus Ohio.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In the next few years or decade I see the industry becoming more welcoming. I think tattoo styles will ebb and flow like the fashion industry, pushing and pulling from the past and influenced by the present. I see my studio hosting events and growing into something the Columbus community can be proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nicoleelisaart.com/
- Instagram: @nicoleelisaart
