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About

In my work I'm thinking about the people in my community in rural Northern California, their connection to me, and the home we share. When I paint individuals in my community I see myself in these people, using these images as both an autobiographical and observational expression. I relate to their experiences, stories, lives, homes, and objects, and find these connections and relationships to be integral to my personhood.

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I explore the rural American experience through a feminist lens, using color to challenge and feminize the traditionally masculine narratives of rural and small-town America. Navigating life as a woman in small communities can be challenging, where masculine norms and conservative values often prevail. I’m interested in people, why they do what they do, why they are who they are, and how that connects to the space they inhabit and that space's culture and natural landscape. I'm particularly interested in class distinctions and the stereotype of the "white trash" persona and their role in both rural area's and America's collective culture and identity. I question the positioning of rural, impoverished, working, and middle-class communities within America’s history, natural landscape, and overall identity. In my work, I infuse my identity and joy into the rural environment, while also allowing my sense of humor to emerge and invite fresh perspectives.

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EDUCATION

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2024         BFA, Painting and Drawing, California College of the Arts, San Francisco, CA

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2021         College of the Redwoods, Eureka, CA

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SOLO EXHIBITIONS

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2024         Humboldt Beginnings, Studio 424 Gallery, Eureka, CA

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GROUP EXHIBITIONS

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2024         Showstopper, 2358MRKT Gallery, San Francisco, CA

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                 Reclaimed 2: Voices For Freedom, Brenda Tuxford Gallery, Eureka, CA

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                 Summer Dreaming, Art Works Downtown, San Rafael, CA

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                 Food Chain, The Drawing Room, San Francisco, CA

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                 Atomic Tangerine, California College of the Arts, San Francisco, CA

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                 Nature: Holding Space for Celebration and Grief, PLAySPACE Gallery, San Francisco, CA

 

                 Joy is Here, Brenda Tuxford Gallery, Eureka, CA

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                 We Just Wanna Be Somebody Someday, California College of the Arts, San Francisco, CA

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2023         Open Studios, California College of the Arts, San Francisco, CA

 

                 Halloween Exhibition, Redwood Art Association, Eureka, CA

 

                 Self-Portraits, California College of the Arts, San Francisco, CA

 

2021         2021 Juried Student Exhibition, College of the Redwoods, Eureka, CA

 

2018         Deviance in Art, Outer Space, Arcata, CA

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CURATORIAL

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2024          Nature: Holding Space for Celebration and Grief, PLAySPACE Gallery, San Francisco, CA

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PUBLICATIONS

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2024          The Art of ‘Summer Dreaming’, Isabella Cook, Pacific Sun

Artist, Painter, Story-teller

All images and text © 2023 Nicolette Reinsmith

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