Lovers of Leisure
Nicole Nelius
Photography by Anna Pihan
A creative conversation with artist Nicole Nelius –– born and raised in Canada, known as Little Nicki. She now lives in a quiet coastal town outside of Sydney, Australia with her filmmaker husband and their two little boys. A daydreamer who loves to spend her leisure time painting and photographing fruitful palettes.
“I’m a daydreamer and love, love, love that curiosity and invigorating feeling of being anywhere that isn’t home.”
Hi Nicki! Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m Nicole Nelius, often known as Little Nicki. I was born in Canada but now live in a quiet town outside of Sydney, Australia with my filmmaker husband and our two little boys.
How do you spend your leisure time?
I love painting, photographing little still life compositions, cuddling with my kids, reading in bed, beachcombing in rock pools, watching light dancing on the walls...
In what way is leisure important for your creaitvity?
All of the best things come to me when I’ve given myself space to disconnect and just be open to new, unexpected thoughts and ideas. For this, I’d say leisure is crucial to creativity.
“My favorite travel treasure would have to be my Matisse exhibition poster I found at a flea market in Antibes.”
What’s your favorite leisurely destination and why?
I’m a daydreamer and love, love, love that curiosity and invigorating feeling of being anywhere that isn’t home. I love visiting my family in Canada of course, but my very favorite place in the world to visit is Provence and the quieter parts of the South of France.
Sunrise, midday, or sunset?
Probably sunset…I love that cozy knowing feeling of slowing down in the afternoon/early evening.
Was there a project that was inspired by your leisure time?
I started documenting my travel destinations with mementos found in situ and taking photos of still-life compositions while I was away. Some of those photos I sell as limited edition prints and many continue to inspire and be the subjects of my paintings.
“Istanbul was one of my most unexpected favorite cities to have ever visited.”
Your favorite hotel stay?
L’Orangeraie in Marrakech was very special; it was such a welcome reprieve from the busyness of the Medina. There was a resident turtle, a dreamy rooftop for languishing over breakfast and they played Casablanca on the main wall of the pool every night. I love a bit of that cheesy romanticism.
Also, we went to Japan for our honeymoon; Wanosato in the mountain village of Takayama was very special and The Park Hyatt in Tokyo was all I wanted it to be and more. I got to live my Lost in Translation dreams.
If you could spend a day with any artist, who would it be?
Oh, there are so many to choose from. For the sake of choosing one, I would say a day spent painting and cutting out colored paper shapes with Matisse would be so inspiring and magique.
Have you ever traveled to a place that completely exceeded your expectations?
Istanbul was one of my most unexpected favorite cities to have ever visited. The people were so lovely, with great senses of humour and the sights, sounds and cuisine was so delicious.
Daydreaming about…
Finding the perfect clawfoot tub for the backyard, looking out to fairy lights in the trees; inspired by one of my favorite stays at a beautiful home in Provence.
“When you have enough space in your day to appreciate a rainbow reflected on the wall, laughing until you cry…all these beautiful cheap thrills.”
What is magique for you?
Magique to me is all the small serendipitous moments in life that are unexpected. When you have enough space in your day to appreciate a rainbow reflected on the wall, a found shape in nature, a funny coincidence, a favorite song playing on the radio, bumping into an old friend, laughing until you cry…all these beautiful cheap thrills.
What does photography mean for you?
Photography to me is a lovely documentation of a time, place, and feeling; it can transport you. It’s such a versatile and far-reaching medium when you think about it. It has the ability to inspire. It gives a voice to an individual or collective’s perspective or story. To keep it simple though - it can be pretty. I really love pretty pictures.
Shop Nicki's Favorites
