Artist ~ Erika Scilipoti Nichols ~ Rumford

Artist’s name: Erika Scilipoti Nichols

Shop name: Erika S. Nichols Photography 

Website: http://www.erikascilipoti.com/ 

Instagram: @erikasnichols @naturesatelier 

LinkedIn: Erika Scilipoti Nichols 

Tell us about your work: 

I am a photographer with a PhD in Cognitive Science. I use my expertise in visual perception and cognitive psychology to work with clients and create stunning visuals that tell the story of their product and promote their brand. I specialize in food and lifestyle photography and enjoy creating plant based recipes with local ingredients. I am also the founder of Nature’s Atelier, a line of products and curated experiences that promote mindful living inspired by nature. My workshop experiences developed in collaboration with my husband, Khipra Nichols, focus on the contemplative states of mind and the creative experience through arts and craft activities. 

 2. Is there a story behind the name of your business? 

Nature’s Atelier is a celebration of mindful living and our deep connection with nature. It’s where we find inspiration to reconnect with our Self, mind, body, and emotions. 

3. How did you come to be a professional artist/crafter/designer? 

I have been doing research on visual perception for over a decade, learning about the visual system and how it interacts with our higher-level cognitive functions. Later, I started practicing meditation and studied how it affects our brain and our perceptions. Then one day I asked myself: What moves me? What really inspires me? I looked inside myself and it came to me... I wanted to share with others what I felt was inside of me, the feeling of being in the moment, of breathing the colors and sounds, and the extraordinary sense of oneness with nature. My photography is the process of understanding with all the senses and the body: feeling like the flower in the sun, being the drop of rain, savoring a juicy tomato on a hot summer day. 

4. Where do you draw your inspiration? 

My approach to photography is contemplative, emphasizing simplicity and the aesthetic experience of the natural environment. I find inspiration in nature and a sense of oneness and joy in the gifts it provides. To me photography brings a sense of intimacy to the sensory experience by inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the complexity of textures and colors that often go unnoticed in every day perception. The images that I create embody the beauty of the sensory experience in the present moment: light, composition and colors reveal the natural beauty and harmony in our environments, celebrating the sensual experience. 

5. What’s your favorite item to create? 

Food art. I love creating compositions with fruit, vegetables, and flowers to celebrate the seasons and the beauty of their colors and textures, it’s like tasting with our eyes. 

6. What’s your best seller? 

It’s a set of meditation cards that I created for Nature’s Atelier. The botanical images and qualities have helped my clients support their mindfulness practice. This product is very dear to me as it was conceived as a daily practice and a way to quiet and relax the mind and connect with the beauty of nature. 

7. How long have you been in Rhode Island?

I have lived in Providence since 2004 when I started graduate school. Then I taught in Boulder, Colorado for a year and returned to the Ocean State to pursue my new career as a photographer and creator. I now live in East Providence with my lovely husband and pup. 

8. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island? 

The ocean and the food at the lovely local vegan restaurants. I love visiting the arts and crafts shows during the holidays, I always discover many beautiful and unique creations! 

9. Favorite place to take out-of-towners? 

Block Island for its gorgeous beaches and definitely Wickford Village for shopping at the locally owned gift shops. 

10. Any advice for new/wannabe makers? 

Always connect with what you feel called to do especially in the most difficult times. Trust that feeling and one step will carry the next. 

11. Please include anything else you’d like to add: 

I value the importance of an inclusive business model and working in a more connected and healthy way with my community, to create social value by helping and sharing. This is why I am committed to making my work accessible to everyone by offering a PWYC (Pay What You Can) option to my photography services in support of creatives and entrepreneurs.