Artist Nicole Headlines ‘Flow’ at MACoM
Steffi Nicole’s lively and expressive mural and exhibit are on display adjacent to Congregation B’nai Torah in Sandy Springs.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Art mavens know that Atlanta native Steffi Nicole is one to watch as a burgeoning artist emblazing her own unique brand of spirituality, bold colors, feminism, and splashes of happiness in both small and huge offerings.
In late December, MACoM chose her to be the featured artist with a presentation and stimulating exhibit — which is still available for public viewing through the end of February — with her 30 original pieces ranging from $63 – $3,600.
MACoM, Metro Atlanta Community Mikvah, allows a sacred space for Jews to encounter ritual immersion and sponsors an annual art exhibit at their Mt. Vernon location in Sandy Springs.
Steffi Nicole was featured in the Atlanta Jewish Times Chai Style art column on Dec. 23, 2021, and has earned her credentials in both the Jewish world and public and private home installations around the city and BeltLine. She earned a Master of Art in women’s spirituality and studied at SCAD for a Master of Art in design management after receiving a BA in communications. She now labels herself as an “environmental, digital, and mixed media artist.” Thus, multiple folks in the Jewish community mentioned Steffi Nicole to MACoM who was seeking a new artist in residence.
Steffi Nicole stated, “My artwork incorporates my scholarship of herstory. The last 5,000 years we have been living within history at the cost of exiling and rejecting the Feminine. I channel the Feminine Energy which is translated in my pieces. The female themes that many people see are a reflection of this energy.”
In the last six months, her installations have included the art room at the Berman Center, basketball court for Michelob Ultra in the West Side, eight murals for the Kiddo’s Learning Center, a lobby entrance mural for First Step, and embellished wallpaper for a private Jewish residence in Morningside. Her primary work is interior installations from wallpaper, murals, wall art, fine art for private and commercial clients primarily from word-of-mouth. She operates an Etsy shop where she sells fine art, clothing, planners, and prints, and is exploring how to expand her e-commerce presence.
Steffi Nicole has been contacted by out-of-state corporations — most recently, a nonprofit from Philadelphia for headquarters/lobby design. She said, “I first engage in a full discussion about what emotions and mood they want visitors to feel when they come in. Then, I make a digital presentation for their approval.”
Steffi Nicole works with acrylics and mixed media often layering found objects like discs off a flapper style dress and thick ribbons of luscious paint. She works on multiple pieces at a time and usually sits down in front of a canvas with no firm plan in mind.
She said, “When I do murals and installations, of course I do digital plans and mockups; otherwise, I lean on my ‘deep flow.’”
Some see her work as women through portals discovering themselves which aligns with an arm tattoo she got in Tulum, Mexico. She takes inspiration from the late Swedish artist Hilma af Klint whom she attributes to being her “expander” and seeing similarity in their mystic styles.
Her pieces utilize the energy of Shekinah and have specific prayers incorporated. She created Judaic pieces including an “October 7” piece that sold at the MACoM exhibit; and “Be the Light I,” “Be the Light II,” and “Returning to the Flame,” that memorialize the first Chanukah after Oct. 7 to express “our Jewish ability to be the light despite such dark times.”
MACoM Executive Director Michelle Day stated, “At MACoM, we value the concept of Hiddur Mitzvah, enhancing the beauty of Jewish rituals. Steffi, our resident artist, brings dynamism, vibrancy, and beauty to our space, creating a welcoming environment. Her work reflects the feminine spirit and encourages inner connection. We’re honored to have her. Steffi’s open house was a success, with art sales and meaningful discussions on Mikvah with an engaged audience.”
For more information, visit www.SteffiNicole.com or @SteffiNicoleB on Instagram or email hello@steffinicole.com.
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