Frida Ticehurst
We took a moment with muralist, mixed media and visual artist Frida Ticehurst as she shares about her return to Nevada City, redefining her creative flow after motherhood and the inspiration she finds in the GVNC.
GVNC Cultural District: What is your medium?
Ticehurst: I am a mixed media artist mainly using botanical inks and dyes, watercolor, and acrylic on paper, wood, and textiles.
GVNC: At what point in your life did you realize your calling?
Ticehurst: I’ve always known I was an artist. I have a photo of me making art in diapers with my godmother, who is also an artist. I think being named after Frida Kahlo had a big impact on my interest in art. Part of my childhood was in Mexico and I lived two blocks from Frida Kahlo’s house. I also had very supportive parents who always encouraged me to explore my creativity and got me fun art supplies to experiment and express with. As a family we moved a lot, and art was always a safe space for me to be with myself. I think my parents saw that and encouraged it as a way of expression for me.
GVNC: Tell us about your creative process.
Ticehurst: I am very visual and tend to always see universes as visions and dreams. I receive a lot of visions daily and many times these are parts of the art I make or ideas of things I want to create. For commission work, I tend to sketch out my ideas but other times I just flow and map it out on my canvas as I go. Since becoming a mother my art-making practice has changed.
Before I would be very calculated, measure, and map out my piece before painting. Now I allow my hand to lead and flow as I go. This new way allows for more “imperfections” which I appreciate. I like my art to remind us that there is a human hand creating the work. A pulse that sometimes trembles, capturing my breath in the moment of creating the work. I want to remind people of that by letting my work be more organic and natural. Another big influence on my creative process is my spiritual practice. This has opened my visions and desire to capture the beauty and spirit of life through my work. Sometimes in a more abstract way as with my “Shapes of Creation” series, and others in a very obvious way like with my hummingbird paintings. Overall I want to bring people closer to nature and spirit through my work.
GVNC: What inspires you?
Ticehurst: Nature!!! I am forever fascinated by the beauty of natural ecosystems and landscapes.
I see a lot of connections with all of them and from there, I can access infinite ideas and inspiration. I am very inspired by hummingbirds and butterflies. Partly because hummingbirds have been a strong presence in my life since I was a kid. I have countless memories of getting visits from hummingbirds by my window especially while making art in every country I have lived. Butterflies mean a lot to my Mexican heritage, they connect us with our loved ones and carry such a profound message of beauty and transformation. But out of all, I would say my biggest inspiration is water. Whenever I need inspiration, ideas, clarity, or just a reset, I go to water.
GVNC: What are you most proud of?
Ticehurst: Currently, I am most proud of my ability to let my hand lead in an organic way when I make art. It requires a level of trust in myself that I don’t think I had until after I became a mother. I feel proud that I am genuinely interested in how I will make my next piece without too much control but rather letting my hand lead. GVNC: What do you love best about our creative community?
Ticehurst: The talent, commitment, and appreciation of the arts are something I love about our creative community. Art is celebrated here and appreciated as a valuable component of our community, which for me, is essential for its health and wellbeing.
GVNC: Name two Nevada county artists you admire and why. Ticehurst: It’s so hard to narrow it down, but if I have to choose only two they are Viine Creations- I love her commitment to her craft and passion so much! She makes beautiful things. Sora Onyx - I really appreciate the wide range of creative expression! The details and colors are beautiful.
GVNC: What’s coming up for you? Ticehurst: I recently launched my website fridaticehurst.com and I’m excited to offer new artwork and apparel. I am also looking forward to larger projects like more murals, workshops, and collaborations for 2025.
This story originally appeared in the December 14th, 2024 edition of the GVNC Culture Connection newsletter.