About Nicole Hanusek

Nicole Hanusek
    Nicole-octopus-artwork

    Bio

    When I was growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, I lived with my mom, my aunt, and my grandfather. My grandfather was an alcoholic. He wasn't physically abusive, but he was often emotionally abusive.

    To escape abusive situations, I would make art. I started drawing mermaids at a really young age, and I drew other fantasy creatures through high school. Creativity was one of the few things that I had control over, and I would become totally absorbed in little worlds of fantasy creatures, which made me feel safe.

    I eventually went to art school, where I majored in Illustration, although my career has been in web design. I started my own company in 2008. I never gave up on art and recently decided that it needs to take priority in my life.

    I finally found my style and inspiration, creating colorful sea creatures, animals, and abstract paintings.

    I live in San Francisco with my husband and two dogs.

    Artist Statement

    A long time ago, I met a dog who was overflowing with personality. She made me realize just how much we share with animals. Not just dogs, but all kinds of creatures. With a little curiosity and research, I uncovered countless stories of animals who play, love, and even hurt like we do. They’re not just objects to own or sell; they have intelligence, preferences, and emotions.

    Inspired by animals and how they exist in the world, my art aims to draw attention to them and make you pause. I hope the playfulness of each piece conjures up childhood feelings of wonder and joy, and maybe, somewhere in there, a little more curiosity about the creatures we share the world with.

    For over twenty years, I’ve been exploring with watercolors, and occasionally with acrylics, to create my vibrant, colorful style. I’m fascinated with the way the colors blend together, creating tiny worlds and galaxies throughout each piece, mesmerizing me. I hope my art also touches your emotions in some way.

    Education

    Cleveland Institute of Art – Cleveland, OH
    Bachelor of Fine Art, 2000
    Major: Illustration  |  Minor: Graphic Design

    Exhibitions

    Artistonish Magazine: Issue 64, page 41, November 2025

    Vanishing World exhibition, organized by Exhibizone, November 2025

    SF Open Studios, San Francisco: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2023, 2024, 2025

    Mirada Art, San Francisco, 2024, 2025

    Castro Art Mart, San Francisco, 2023, 2024, 2025

    Head West, San Francisco, 2025

    FURRY and Feathered Friends, Red Bluff Art Gallery, September 2024

    Union St Festival, San Francisco, June 2024

    Castro Stroll, San Francisco, May 2024

    ArtGasm, San Francisco, May 2024

    C.A.N. – Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival, Concord, October 2023

    Holiday Art Show, San Francisco: 2010, 2011

    2220 A Spaces ODDyssey, Cleveland, November 2000

    Awards

    Luxembourg Art Prize, Certificate of Artistic Merit, December 2025

    6th Annual Women in Watercolor International Juried Competition, Finalist, July 2025

    Luxembourg Art Prize, Certificate of Artistic Merit, December 2024

    Honorable Mention in the “9th ANIMAL” TERAVARNA art competition, May 2024

    Overall Honorable Mention in Animal Portraiture, Wild Heart Gallery, February 2024

    "Laurel" in the 3rd Unreal & Non-representational Juried Art Contest, Gallery 4 %, March 2024

    Values

    I value excellence in the work I do, the things I create, the way I treat each others and communicate, and the way I affect the world.

    I value curiosity because it leads to growth, knowledge, compassion, openness, and risk-taking.