I got introduced to work of by `tracie76. When I saw her work at first my eyes opened right up, I could not help but stare at amazement at abstracted nudes, and incredible textured landscapes, and I was honoured to be able to see Nic's work develop over time, to an amazing artist she is today. I had the amazing privilage to interview her as a part of the interviews I have been conducting as a part of the International Women's Week celebration on DeviantArt and I am hoping you will get to know her and enjoy her work as much as I have. ~ooopy-doopy has this amazing spirit that shines though her work, that is honest, and trully beautifull.


Can you please tell me a little bit about yourself?

For as long as I can remember, I had to create. Not just enjoyed, but HAD to create, it is really what gives me meaning and purpose. I am by nature restless and easily bored, so I have experimented with many different mediums and art forms before finally settling on painting and poetry, which are really good friends and play nicely together.


What do you enjoy about artwork?

The process. I love approaching a canvas with no idea what will come out and just randomly start applying colour and texture, adding and scratching back, slowly finding images and ideas that suggest themselves to me. Sometimes everything comes together so quickly and with seemingly little effort, others times I scratch at a canvas for months and almost despair that I have forgotten how to paint. When it finally comes together, it is the most satisfying feeling.


What inspires you?

Capturing emotion fascinates me. I am amazed at how memory, experience and imagination create a story all of their own which has parts of you, but doesn't belong to you.


Can you name me few inspirational artists on DA and why they are inspiration to you?

I have found some truly amazing artist on DA. By far my favourite artist is Sej, aka Red lights.Her work just never ceases to amaze me. Apart from being visually stunning, they have a wild, emotionally charged feeling to them, that often makes me feel like I am standing on the edge of a cliff and not sure if I will fall.
I also love Her photography has such a wonderful sense of whimsy which she creates with style and ease.
work has such an ethereal sense of light on texture that has always delighted me.
writes the most captivating poetry and has a wonderful knack of juxtaposing the sublime with mundane, touched by an ironic wit.


Which are your 5 favourite works of yours and why?

my memories of you are red was the first work I did that felt like it belonged to me.
Not Today helped me explore the power of negative space
Trust in evolution painting this piece and writing the words with it was a really organic process, I felt like I knew exactly where I was going. Finishing it felt like coming to the end of a novel that you love, you want to go on reading forever.
What I don't tell you was the first portrait I had done for a long time and I was happy with the way it meshed with the abstract background.
Creation was the first time I let go of form and painted a purely abstract piece. I felt unsure and a bit nervous creating it, but was so happy when it came together despite me.


Which themes do you like exploring with your artwork and why?

I guess I like to find beauty in unexpected places, which is why I largely take inspiration from an introspective place. I like to explore humanity's enduring spirit that finds hope situations where it would seem there is none. I look retrospectively and see what was missed in the moment.


How do you find yourself as a woman in the artworld?

I have only recently started to display my works to others and have had positive feedback so far.
For me I guess I would still do what I do even if no one ever saw or bought my work, but it is a definite bonus to be able to do so.

Can you name 5 of favourite works on DA and tell us why they are your favourite?
Red Zen Sun , because just WOW, this work makes me want to paint better.
After the act, is stunningly executed and had me straight away with the colour combo and the way the paint seems to swirl into form.The models pose fits the title perfectly.
Nestation. I am amazed when people use subtle colours with such impact. This piece is soothing and uplifting all at once.
two bears in a bath tub two bears in a bath tub, just stunned me. It's detail,composition and unique story telling truly made me realize just how talented this artist is.
I want to visit this place. The mossy green over rusty bark is wonderful.


Lets debunk few myths. Which is your favourite colour and why? How do you feel about pink colour especially it being used with everything girl?

I used to hate pink, but now I don't mind it in small amounts and in the right shade, but I certainly wont be painting any walls in it. Cherry red is my fave colour and I use it liberally.

What do you think needs to be done so women around the world would be able to stand on equal footing with men? Do you think we are equal? Why do you think when one talks about masters in art there are no women mentioned? What do you believe needs to be done to change this?

I have many wonderful, caring men around me who respect and value me as a person not as a gender. I also deal with men who discriminate by ignorance, not even aware that they are doing so and others who discriminate, disrespect and undermine women intentionally. I am absolutely certain that institutional sexism is still a powerful force that affects womens lives in many fields and occupations. In many cases it is not overt, which makes it harder to deal with, it's much more subtle, its more a general discounting of women's ability, and generally undermining remarks. I think women are more harshly judged than men, especially in previously male dominated arenas, and that women have to work harder to achieve the same respect as their male counterparts. The solution, well there is not easy quick fix solution. We can legislate against overt discrimination. We can continue to campaign for women's legal and ethical rights. We can not police people's minds or hearts. We can only educate.

Who is your favourite woman artist and why?

Frida Kahlo, her work reflects the strong, non conformist women that she was, she lived life as she choose, she painted the same way.




Please refer to for the full list of all articles and journals written to celebrate this special week.