Nicole Grosjean, “Grand Carousel Menagerie”
June 8th – July 7th, 2024
Opening Reception with the Artist: Saturday, June 8th, 6-8pm
Haven Gallery is pleased to present new work from Colorado based paper illustrator Nicole Grosjean for her mini solo show “Grand Carousel Menagerie”. “Grand Carousel Menagerie” is the artists second show at the gallery and features six meticulous, laser cut and layered collage works focusing on the enchantment and technical splendor of the carousel. Evolving further, Grosjean explores animals beyond the horse, as she handpaints and engineers a polar bear, tiger, elephant, camel, giraffe, and mountain goat. Nostalgic yet mythological, the carousel represents historical and modern innovations of movement and amusement, and call for the multifaceted splendor and innovation Grosjean is known for achieving through her layered works.
Artist Statement:
There is something very special about carousels that invoke the imagination and innocence of childhood. The image of these gorgeous carved animals dripping in gold gilding and glass jewels, shimmering in the warm light of a thousand lightbulbs, is enough to transport anyone to a fantasy that exists only in the imagination. I have always been fascinated by the superb craftsmanship and decedent decoration of these vintage carousel horses. This collection is a homage both to the artisans of the past, and the fantastic dreams of our inner child.
About:
I grew up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with a passion for art and nature. My mother, a sign artist, instilled a deep love of craftsmanship and painting that drove me to an artistic career.
I graduated with a BFA in illustration from the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design in Denver, Colorado in 2008. Originally working in digital mediums, I began investigating more traditional watercolor and gouache painting several years ago. I liked the freedom of working with ‘layers’ in Photoshop illustration and endeavored to carry that through to the more traditional mediums.
All of my paper illustrations are hand-painted in watercolor and gouache and are occasionally accented in 24k gold or 21k white gold. Each design is laser-cut and layered to create various depths depending on the size of the piece.
