We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Schultz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, what role has risk played in your life or career?
In my practice as an artist, I feel risk has been a catalyst for growth. Not without its own anxiety and discomfort of course, but often followed by greater reward. Combining painting with the sculpturally-driven fractured framing technique was a huge leap for my work in terms of literally breaking the framing traditions to pursuing something unfamiliar and unorthodox, but truly authentic and exciting! It was an open door to something completely new that I hadn’t seen before, and to something that felt so very honest and natural to my background both as a professional framer and an artist. Watching the two mediums and passions come together felt like I had finally found myself in my practice that for years were so separate. It is such a rewarding discovery that I couldn’t have found without pushing myself into unfamiliar territory, and taking that initial risk to move outside my comfort zone, learn new ways of working and trusting the flow. It’s always scary venturing into the unfamiliar, but I think when the pull of excitement is there, it is something to pursue. I have to trust I’ll figure it out.

I think it has helped me to start to meet risks or challenges a little more openly in life and my career – and to look past the fear and doubt and really see some ‘risks’ as possible departure points to new growth, new opportunities, new learning.
And as an entrepreneur, and a creative, I think there is always a little thrill in taking risks! No risk, no reward, right?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I work full time as a custom framer, running my own framing business, Lemonade Frame Studio in London Ontario Canada. Lemonade operates inside the Benz Gallery which showcases incredible Contemporary Canadian Art!

My practice as an artist and abstract painter explores line, shape and geometry with bold color in a flat, hard edge painting style. In terms of aesthetics I am broadly inspired by early abstract work as well as street art and design. Conceptually I am interested in the relationships that develop in the works between all of their components. How line, shape and colour interact with one another and what emotional narrative and complexities they convey. The paintings mix with my passion as a custom framer, and are housed in various colored fractured or broken frames that are inseparable from the painting both in design and construction. The paintings finish their process in the wood shop, where they are fitted with intricate slices and combinations of frame cuts and corners which transform the painting into more of a 3-Dimensional wall construction.
These works began from pure free-play in the framing studio, and have transformed now to deliberate constructions that incorporate multi-panel pieces, custom drilled panels, irregular shaped frames, corner wrapping pieces, etc.
It’s been really rewarding to ride this wave of creative energy that keeps shapeshifting and building in the work!


If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Nature: Dorchester Pond, Komoka Trails, Pinery Provinvial Park/Lake Huron
Food/Cocktails/Wine: Los Lobos, Pizzeria Madre
Coffee/Breakfast: Reset Cafe, Early Bird, Nova Era Bakery
Art/Music: Benz Gallery, Grooves Records, London Brewing Coop, London Music Hall
To name a few local faves!


The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I was lucky enough to grow up in a family of professional musicians and artists. They all cleared a very open path for creative expression and a love of the arts. I am continually inspired by each of them and their own unique bodies of musical or visual work. Art was seen a necessity and brought colour and depth to life – and if we were able to explore this as a means of making a living, this felt like the ultimate gift, and we were supported. That has given me a really strong connection to, and gratitude for my practice.
I will shout out the team at the Benz Gallery here in London ON. who have been such a joy to work with over the course of this new body of work, and to have allowed me the privilege to be framing on site! I am so inspired by all of the Canadian artists represented on their roster, and it has been monumental in my career as an artist to be included among them!
I am grateful for all of my friends and clients for their ongoing support of my work – and for those close to me, for their fresh eyes and perspective, their encouragement and love, problem-solving, troubleshooting, constructive feedback… all of it.

It is all of this love that feeds the work!

Website: https://www.nicoleschultzart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole.schultz.art/

Other: https://www.lemonadeframestudio.com

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