Meet Nicole Nelius
Nicole Nelius’ work is a celebration of colour, memory, and intuition. With roots in Mexico, she blends bold palettes and strong forms to create pieces that feel nostalgic yet playful — capturing the magic in everyday moments.
For our Ola Mexicola Art Series, Nicole brought her signature vibrancy and emotional depth to the brief, creating work that feels both personal and joyfully expressive.
We spoke with her about her creative process, cultural influences, and how she approached this colourful collection.
How did the Ola Mexicola brief and its Mexican influences inspire your work?
I’ve had a long love affair and history with Mexico. When I was 18, I moved from Canada to Playa Del Carmen to work at a resort. I was the only non-local on the entertainment staff - I worked at the pool and on the beach everyday, danced in shows every night, learned Spanish and made some life-long friends.
Did you draw on any particular elements—colour palettes, textures, architecture, or culture - from Mexico when creating your pieces?
When I think of Mexico I think of bold. Colours. Murals. Strong colour choices and shapes. A simplicity in strong choices.
What story or mood do you hope your work brings to this collection?
A sense of nostalgia and that feeling of serenity that comes over you when you’re visiting a new place - collecting seashells, trying new foods, pastel coloured houses. Taking it all in.
What role does colour play in your work, and how do you decide on your palettes?
Colour is a huge part of my work and the best, most harmonious colour-ways come instinctively as a feeling with no formula. It’s a synchronicity - when the paintings sing, I get a little buzz.
Where do you imagine your Ola Mexicola piece living - in what kind of space or setting?
I imagine these pieces could be a standout in a living room or bedroom, obviously suited to the kitchen too. A pair of shells in a kid’s room would be cute!
How do you hope people will feel when they live with your artwork?
A sense of curiosity, charm and playfulness. A little ‘just because’ life can be good, feeling.
If you could spend a day in Mexico, where would you go and why?
I’d go back to Mexico City for the day - I would eat street tacos with fresh lime, oranges with a bit of chilli powder on top for dessert, re-visit the Museum of Anthropology and be giggling, drawing mermaids while out for dinner with mi amigo José - an actor friend and artist who I worked with and have known since I lived in Mexico.
Name three words that sum up the feeling of Ola Mexicola for you.
Vibrance. Organic. Play. (Playa).
Explore the Ola Mexicola Art Series and discover Nicole’s exclusive works, created in celebration of this new collection.
