Nicole Melnicky is a queer interdisciplinary artist and fashion designer based out of Vancouver, British Columbia. She received her MFA at OCAD University in Interdisciplinary Art, Media, and Design. She obtained her BFA from Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a major in Fine Art, along with minors in Textile Design, and Art History. Melnicky was hosted as an artist-in-residence at Vermont Studio Center, Toronto Biennial of Art, Otis College of Art and Design, The Ou Gallery, and Studio H Canada. Nicole's studio is located at the Or Gallery in Vancouver, BC.

Artist Statement:
During the Contingencies of Care, A virtual artist residency, I worked on this painting series Sol Santiatem (Sun Healing). In my painting practice, I view paint as being undeniably in tandem with the forms of self-care, self-love, meditation, and healing.
Painting is a visual language that allows me to express Queer Emotion; as a means to recognize and reconnect with the deeper part of my true nature. The obscured forms and shapes found within my paintings exemplify abstract bodies and echo sexuality. My painting practice is an intuitive process, as I allow the paint to flow freely. By responding and listening to the painting, I allow the paint itself to guide my process and unfold naturally. As the artist, I become the sole vehicle of its completion; permitting the paint to guide every painted component to culmination.
By applying the methodologies of Queer Abstraction by David J. Getsy and Chromophobia by David Batchelor, I heal and transform the pain held in my body into an empowered state of being. Through the use of color and vibrancy in Sol Santiatem: "Sun Healing," I boldly claim my identity and courageously manifest queer pride.