Name: Lydia Nichols
Location: New York City’s largest borough, Brooklyn
Website: http://lydianichols.com
How about a brief introduction?
I’ve lived on the east coast my whole life (which will be a quarter century this summer!) and couldn’t imagine living someplace without the ocean or lakes. My dream is to return to school to study printmaking, languages, and bits and pieces of science until my head feels so full it might explode. In the meantime, I love illustrating and generally making things.
Who/what inspires you?
Oh so much! Mid-century art and design are the biggest sources of inspiration, but I also love looking over old animations, pop art, packaging, hand painted signs–it sort of runs the gamut. Barry McGee and Margaret Kilgallen are huge influences right now (even if it doesn’t seem it), as is street and folk art in general. It’s always evolving which keeps it interesting for me!
What message would you like to send out about your work?
My work says hullo to you from me. I can’t say it’s trying to be anything more or less than it is and hopefully you find something in it you can connect with.
What is your biggest accomplishment to date?
2010 has been a good year for me–many small accomplishments that all add up. I’m currently working on something top secret that I suspect will constitute my biggest accomplishment to date…but I can’t say what it is yet!
Share a secret with us!
Sometimes I’ll choose the mixing bowls over the pencils and bake up a storm. There are often moments where I wish I could be a baker/illustrator and open a shop with edible goods!