Nicole Havekost
[1994, Printmaking]
Based in Rochester, Minnesota
I have always made doll-like bodies. These bodies have been a kind of self-portrait that explores different phases of my life and bodily experience. Some years ago I gave birth to a son and my relationship with my body and my world changed. I wanted to create dolls that embraced joy and innocence; figures that explored my son’s growing identity and experience. Using Paper clay, tissue paper, cotton thread and acrylic paint, I have sculpted another family of animals that stand on hoofed feet with human hands. These figures have both an awkwardness and beauty that both my son and I are learning how to grow into. These animal dolls are the small totems of a family.
What are some of the most important practices for your creative process?
Showing up is the most important part of my creative practice. Some days I will make dumb things and other times I might make better things, but it doesn’t get done if I don’t show up to do it. Repetition and process are particularly important to me as well; I find slow, fussy and layered as a way of working to be meditative.
Tell us about some of your main sources of inspiration.
The experience of my body has always been an inspiration to me. Motherhood and aging have also become areas of exploration for me.
Is there a work/body of work that you are particularly excited about sharing with us at RISD Craft this year?
I have been working on a series of anthropomorphic animal dolls over the last several years that I am excited to bring. I am hoping to create a few more with masks and capes to see how their character changes. Honestly, I am just really excited to see the work my fellow alumni bring and be immersed in that creative culture for a weekend.
Any recent press, exhibitions, achievements or awards you’d like to share with us?
I am a 2018 fiscal year Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant recipient as well as a 2018 fiscal year Southeaster Minnesota Arts Council Advancing Artist Grant recipient. I have recently exhibited work in group exhibitions in New Orleans, Chicago and Dallas and will soon be sending work to an exhibition in Tasmania, Australia. I will have a solo exhibition at the Morris Graves Museum of Art in Eureka, California in March 2019.
