Person of the Week: Candice Nicole

“I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart” -Vincent Van Gogh

Name: Candice Malveaux Andrews aka Candice Nicole

Age: 35

Occupation: Teacher and Artist

City: Originally from Columbia, Missouri

What project are you working on?

I am finishing up back-orders and working on art journaling.

What is art journaling?

Art journaling is basically just utilizing a plain journal to create illustrations. It’s therapeutic. Just like some people write in a journal to unwind at the end of the day…we draw.

I actually ran across it on Pinterest, where I’ve been learning a lot of different techniques. I self-taught myself how to paint using acrylic. Now, I’m practicing water-color.

How has your work developed over the years?

It started out as a punishment as a teenager because I had a bad mouth. The only thing I had in my room was pencil and paper. So, that’s how I started drawing. I would sit there and trace things in my room.

As an adult, I picked it back up. Social media has taken it in a totally new direction. It’s no longer just a hobby.

“Mommy, you have to imagine it so you can be it. If you don’t imagine it, you will never be it. God gave me those words to tell you.” – Kingston, son of Candice Nicole

Many of your paintings are faceless. Why is that?
They are faceless because I’m not confident in the details of faces. When I draw them, they don’t seem as real.

Because I’m so nervous about drawing portraits of people, I am striving to perfect this through practice and journaling using art pens.

In what way has art changed you?

I am used to seeing myself as a mom, friend, and teacher. Although I struggle with seeing myself as an artist, art has redefined me and made me see myself differently. Some may consider it a mid-life crisis, but I see it as a rebirth.

Do you prefer painting on a small or large-scale?

This is all new to me. It really doesn’t matter. I’m just excited about art supplies!

Who is your favorite artist?

I really don’t have one. In the past, I liked Van Gogh because of the way he painted. More recently, I am influenced by Black Art, Black Pride, African-Americans…. I always strive to paint African-Americans in a positive light.

Where do you get your ideas from?

Pinterest, Google Images, and other people. A lot of my work includes recreations from other artists’ work. In order to avoid copyright infringement, I piece together concepts for inspiration.

What’s the first painting you ever sold?

In 2008, I made a door sign on a canvas for my classroom. A request from a teacher led to the creation of five pieces.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

I am struggling to keep up with orders because it’s all happening so fast! I have so many people who have been supportive of me.

After careful research, my goal is to open an Etsy account.

To find out more about Candice Nicole, follow her on FACEBOOK. You can also contact her at artbycandicenicole@gmail.com or 601-454-1736.