Nina Bellucci is one of 12 artists selected as a Gallery 263 2023–2024 Small Works Project artist. This project presents artwork in flat files at the gallery and on our website. Visit Bellucci’s Small Works Project page →
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am originally from Florida, but I’ve lived in MA for about 17 years now. I am married, and we have two silly kids and one crazy dog. I have a studio at Waltham Mills where I’ve been for over 6 years. I absolutely love working there- I have tall windows on the South side of the building that allow me to see some of the sunrise and the sunset! I am a spiritual person. I enjoy going for walks in the woods, playing my bass in our family band, and I love punk rock.
What kind of art do you make?
Currently, I’m working on some mixed media paintings on canvas and free-hanging collaged paintings that I sometimes refer to as “see-through banners”. Additionally, I often work on paper with gel-printing, collage, and gouache, especially in times of transition between bodies of work. I tend towards the abstract with references to words, patterns, and images found in nature. I love exploring with color and texture, and I try to employ as many techniques as I can in a single work.
What concepts does your art explore?
My work explores the practice of mindfulness as a means for both myself and the audience, in making and in looking, to slow down and to fully engage with the world around. I use moments I’ve observed in nature to direct attention towards something awe-inspiring and inexplicable, offering hope as well as an opportunity to stay, to think, to dream just a little bit longer.
Can you tell us about the work you have on view in your flat file drawer at the gallery?
The small collages on view are part of a larger series entitled, “Daily Affirmations”. These works began during the winter of ‘23, when my visits to the studio were few and far between, and I felt stuck. By stripping down my practice to the essential techniques, like printing color and cutting paper, I was able to uncover a new way forward. These collages utilize a combination of images such as clouds, grids/nets, and music symbols, with the repetition of phrases like ‘I Can’ and ‘Now Be Here’ to offer encouragement to the viewer, to take more time to look, to wonder, and to be present.
Where do you make your work?
Sometimes I have to work from home if I want to get anything done that day. Windows are key!
What are your favorite materials to use? Most unusual?
I really enjoy working with cut-up canvas that I’ve painted:
I love the process of piecing/gluing/sewing together a work with various shapes and scraps of this material, as well as with other things I’ve collected, such as sticks from my hikes or packaging material.
Perhaps the most unusual material I have worked with is the nylon netting that produce sometimes comes in:
My favorite tool is a pair of tiny scissors!
What historical and contemporary artists inspire you?
It really changes based on what I am working on- I’ve always got my eyes open. Currently, Faith Ringgold, Janet Echelman, Sister Carita Kent, Matthew Wong, Michelle Segre, Tory Fair, Agnes Martin, and Philip Guston (always).
When did you decide you wanted to be an artist?
There was a specific moment in college when, after struggling during my first year as a pre-med major, I had a conversation with my dad (who also loved to paint). He encouraged me to follow my passion, the thing that I enjoy doing the most, and I haven’t looked back!