Meet Maree Nic Art. Her art hits you with pops of vibrant colour, a distinctly boho feel and exotic charm. We sat down to chat to this talented artist about where she pulls her inspiration from and learn how a single artwork can take months to create.
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Maree Nicolaci of Maree Nic Art, is a creative soul through and through.
“I live in Northcote, inner-city Melbourne with my husband John, son Jude and fur kids — Bocelli, a poodle cross, and our cat, Flicky. We’re surrounded by many creatives, culture, bars and cafes,” explains Maree.
“We’re all about that good life. Coffee brewing, authentic food, cooking, dinner parties and a glistening pool with swaying palm trees and large bird of paradise plants. Our home is always buzzing with music.
“My husband is a creative too, having been a DJ since he was 13. Our house is known for his Sunday sessions on our front deck. We started them during lockdown to give our community some feel good tunes.
“As for my art, my art studio is a converted roof space with skylight windows, light and airy with gorgeous views. Our entire home is a bit of a vibe!”
Full of bold colours and tropical vibes, Maree pulls inspiration from all around her.
“My paintings evoke a bohemian, exotic charm. I outline decorative mystique figurative subjects amongst luxuriant palms and summer foliage.” Maree muses.
“My background is Italian and I’ve always been drawn to the Mediterranean laid back lifestyle. Travel and preserving memories of exotic locations and faraway lands inspire me.
“Things like village life, cocktail hour and sunsets. I want my paintings to give that sense of serenity and culture gained while traveling in tropical paradise locations.
I see beauty everywhere around me.
A talent with her paintbrush, Maree was born into a creative family.
“My Mum studied fashion at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and I just loved looking at her sketches in her work journals. My Dad also painted, and used to be a tailor. His work room was full of creative canvases,” Maree remembers.
“As a child, I would find scrap metal in Dad’s garage and create jewellery pieces. Funnily enough, I was accepted into the gold and silversmith course at RMIT. But instead, I chose art and design.
“My art journey started in Year 11. My art teacher was amazing. She guided me and believed in me. I just knew that somehow, art would become my career as well as my passion.”
Maree’s boho artworks can take months to create.
“I create in my home studio which allows me to work at all hours. Although it does tend to overtake my social life!” laughs Maree.
“When I’m working on a commission piece or on an artwork with a deadline, I’m can become quite reclusive until it’s complete.
“A painting can take months to create. I’m a perfectionist and until I’m 110% happy with a painting, it doesn’t leave my studio.
My favourite part of a painting is the first outline stage. It’s raw and real.
“Sometimes I wish I could leave it that way! My paintings feature bright bold outlines, traditional motifs and subjects. These will always make an appearance in my creations.”
We just love the exotic vibes of Maree’s art! To see more from Maree Nic Art, visit her website, or check out her bold, bright and colourful Instagram page.
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