About Me (Art Portfolio)
As a multidisciplinary eco-artist and environmental advocate, the work embodies over 15 years of creating transformative installations that explore the interconnectedness of nature, culture, and community. Artistic practice spans sculpture, mural design, and immersive installations, centered on inviting reflection and fostering a profound connection to the environment. Inspired by global Indigenous teachings, natural materials, interactive elements, and storytelling are used to reawaken a sense of belonging to the Earth. From large-scale public installations to intimate community projects, the work aims to inspire mindfulness, ecological stewardship, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and sanctity of the natural world.
My Story
Growing up, nature was my sanctuary—a place where I felt grounded, connected, and free. As a Black woman with bi-cultural roots and children with Indigenous status, I’ve navigated a life shaped by diverse cultural narratives and a deep respect for the land. Overcoming personal challenges, including trauma and systemic barriers, I’ve transformed my journey into one of healing and empowerment through art. My work reflects this path, merging ecological themes with cultural storytelling to bridge communities and inspire action. From building food forests to creating eco-art installations, I am passionate about using creativity to regenerate both the environment and the human spirit, reminding us all that we are not separate from nature but a vital part of the story.
Multidisciplinary Art Portfolio
by Nicola Jane Thomas
“Enter The Drum” (2023)
A temporary installation
ESCARPMENT ERASURE AWARENESS PROJECT
BROKEN FORESTS, ECO ART GROUP
“Enter The Drum” frames the beauty of the wild, leading you to mindfully step on ancient stones/stories, through the drum (symbolizing the spirit of the tree, the animal and the instrument maker.) into waves of mossy rock, awakening inner stillness gazing on fish in the pond, in the wild. Ceasing mind chatter, the simple, quiet,untouched beauty and nourishment of nature. RE-MEMBERING, WE ARE NATURE.
Location: Blue Mountains, ON, Canada
Medium: Leather, galvanized steel water, plants, fish, wood, wind chime.
Frame: 10'ft
“Spiral School Daze Fedge” (food hedge) (2017)
ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY AWARENESS PROJECT
“Spiral School Daze Fedge” (food hedge) designed and installed in collaboration at an elementary school to encourage children to engage with nature through play and exploration. This interactive food hedge, shaped in a spiral, creates a dynamic environment where students can learn about sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and the importance of local food systems while interacting with the plants. The design provides hands-on l nature in a playful, immersive way, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
Location: Waterloo, ON, Canada
Medium: Acrylic Spray Paint on Concrete
Building: 10' X 5’X 7’
“Eco-Inclusion” Mural (2015)
ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY AWARENESS PROJECT
“Eco-Inclusion” was a collaboration mural on a park building that serves as a vibrant representation of eco-art, blending nature, community, and sustainability. The mural promotes the values of environmental consciousness and celebrates the beauty of the natural world, while also highlighting the importance of youth engagement in ecological initiatives. The artwork was designed to inspire young people to connect with the food forest and participate in environmental stewardship. It became a focal point for community gatherings, encouraging dialogue about sustainability and fostering a sense of pride and ownership in the local ecosystem.
Location: Kitchener, ON, Canada
Medium: Acrylic Spray Paint on Concrete
Building: 10' X 5’X 7’
“BLM Collection - Soul To Soil" (2022)
"Soul to Soil: Stories of Resilience and Regeneration"
Drawing from a multidisciplinary artistic practice, this evocative collection blends personal narratives, and poetic reflections to explore the historical struggles of the African Diaspora through the lenses of land, identity, and liberation. Rooted in resilience and renewal, "Soul to Soil" examines the connections between social justice, environmental stewardship, and the healing power of nature, inspiring reflection on equity, dignity, and humanity’s bond with the Earth.
Location: Kitchener, ON, Canada
Medium: "Ancestor Literary Prose: A Journey from Soul to Soil"