About the Artist
BIO
Shelbi Nicole is a Houston based artist, designer, and muralist, with her paintings both collected and exhibited worldwide. In addition to her namesake line “Shelbi Nicole,” she has collaborated with many major brands including the NFL Super Bowl, Kendra Scott, Vans, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Café Bustelo, Budweiser, Thrillist, Lexus, NASA, Free People, Kimono Zulu and more. She also manages a creative firm called Shelbi Nicole Designs that has helped create art for over 100 Houston businesses. She works with the City of Houston on a number of public art projects and was one of the original artists selected to paint electrical boxes for the Mini Murals Project. In 2014 Houston Press named her one of “Houston’s Top 10 Painters.” She’s also a creative director for RozenDove Luxury Scarves and designs textiles for the brand. Her most recent endeavor is launching her first two locations of The Whimsy World, which is an interactive art experience that has had wild success since it launched in 2019. When she’s not painting she serves as a social ambassador for #NasaSocial, The Greater Houston Partnership, #HoustonInsider for Visit Houston and helps raise funds for a number of non profits through art sales. For more information on her visit or follow her @TheShelbiNicole
ARTIST STATEMENT
As an artist I am most centered when I am creating, so I work hard to develop artwork that speaks both to others as well as myself through vivid color patterns and abstract imagery with 3D components. The work I create is done with acrylic and even some collage elements at times. Texture and color are very important aspects of my work in order for each painting to achieve the very profound and compelling presence I strive for. My inspiration usually comes during the actual creative process itself. I add color, then remove color, add layers and then manipulate the work to a point of completion. I start first by introducing color, shapes or lines, and respond to their development. Constantly rearranging shapes, adding and subtracting, it comes together after many layers have been added. The work pushes and pulls itself to completion. Interpretation is left to the individual viewer, with the hope that the work elicits positive “feel good” vibes and makes one want to smile.