Nikole Cooney, “The Forest’s Edge”
January 11th – February 16th, 2025
Northport, NY– Haven Gallery is pleased to present “The Forests Edge, a solo exhibition of new sculptures by Illinois based artist Nikole Cooney. “The Forests Edge” features eight relief sculptures of different animals, botany and insects sculptured into their frames. One can find natural fauna details overlapping the ornate framework, providing a window of the natural world and its inhabitants, to the viewer. Nikole’s experience and affection for animals continues to inform her sculptures, highlighting the grace, heart and story of her woodland sitters.
Artist Statement:
The Forest’s Edge is a collection of work very dear to my heart. Most feature wildlife that is often overlooked or hidden. Trees, wildlife, insects and flowers reach beyond the frame to beseech the viewer to take notice. Nature beckons for time to reset, replenish and ground. It asks for stillness.
Each piece acts as a portal connecting us to our wildness. In the age of information we often neglect to remember that Mother Nature has timeless and infinite wisdom to share. It is true and honest. It is
connected to who we are and how we function. As you step to The Forest’s Edge I hope it leads you down a wandering, winding path where your connection to all that is reveals itself.
About Nikole Cooney:
Nikole Cooney is a contemporary painter and sculptor living in Illinois. Nikole is best known for her surreal and fantastic imagery reflecting her connection with animals and deep appreciation for the natural world.
Nikole grew up in a country setting of the small town of Green Valley, Illinois. This sparsely populated but densely wooded environment along the Mackinaw River nourished a long-term appreciation for nature and wildlife. Her formative years were divided between caring for strays, pets, and creating images of the animals she admired.
College years proved to be a continuation of this lifestyle. Nikole obtained a degree in Veterinary Technology from Parkland College moving on to work with exotics at zoos in St. Louis and Peoria. Simultaneously she crammed as many art classes as possible into her schedule. The relentless pull of the art world never ceased. Nikole decided to pursue her artistic education by attending The School of the Art Institute of Chicago on a Presidential Scholarship.
Today Nikole is a full-time artist residing in Illinois. Her work has been exhibited extensively in several galleries in Chicago, Peoria, Baton Rouge, New York and more.
