We recently had the chance to connect with Nicci Sevier-Vuyk and have shared our conversation below.
Nicci, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately I’ve been carving out a little time each day to really focus on the good in my life. I’ve been reading about the power of positivity and gratitude, and how those thoughts can actually reshape the brain. It’s been fun to put these ideas into practice.
Our recent move back to Texas gave me plenty of opportunities to test this out. Moving is always a challenge, but keeping my eyes on the goal of returning home made the whole process lighter. I realized I had never practiced positivity so intentionally in the face of discomfort before, and it has shifted the way I see my everyday life.
I find my mind automatically looking for the good and finding it. I get excited about things as simple as feeling of the sun on my skin, the buzz of a good workout at the gym, or the freedom of wearing whatever outfit makes me happy that day. Gratitude no longer feels like something I must “remember” to practice, but a natural evolution of experiencing the wonder and joy of living my life.
So outside of my work as an artist, which I truly love, joy has been showing up in all the little moments. I feel lucky, grateful, and honestly kind of proud that I’m getting the hang of this positivity thing.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Nicci Sevier-Vuyk, a Houston-based contemporary artist who loves transforming nostalgic, everyday objects into something bold, playful, and thought-provoking. My work often revolves around the unruly chrysanthemums I grow in my garden, candy hearts, and vintage toys. These objects may seem ordinary at first glance, but I reimagine them in vibrant, pop-inspired paintings and sculptures that invite people to rethink ideas of beauty, desirability, and joy.
What makes my practice unique is the mix of nostalgia and rebellion. I lean into things that are imperfect, overlooked, or even a little kitschy, and then elevate them into icons that carry both humor and meaning. For me, it’s about finding depth in the playful and revealing how much our everyday memories and objects shape how we see ourselves.
Right now, I’m expanding both my Conversation Heart series and my floral portrait series into new forms, including sculptures, prints, and apparel. I’m also building partnerships with galleries, interior designers, and collectors who share a love for colorful, joyful art that sparks conversation.
At the heart of everything I do is the belief that art should be fun, a little cheeky, and willing to challenge society’s stereotypes. I want people to walk away smiling, reflecting, and maybe even seeing beauty in the imperfect parts of themselves and the world.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child I was fortunate to have caring parents. Like many people of their generation, they carried certain limiting beliefs about what was possible and what was expected of them and me. As I’ve grown, I’ve come to see that many of those ideas were not only untrue but sometimes even harmful. I still catch myself working to unlearn them today.
Some of the beliefs I now approach critically include the idea that being polite means putting yourself last, that money is always scarce, and that life is meant to be hard. These ways of thinking shaped me early on, but I’ve realized they don’t have to define how I live now.
At the same time, my parents also gave me one powerful belief that has stayed with me: that I can achieve almost anything if I’m willing to work for it. That mindset has served me well, both in my art practice and in life. It’s the balance of unlearning the limits and holding onto that sense of determination that has helped to shape who I am today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh yes, there have definitely been times when I almost gave up.
Before becoming a full-time artist, I had a full career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I was always an artist at heart, but for many years I believed I needed a “stable” career to sustain a full life. Nursing was highly structured and left little room for creative outlets, so the transition into the self-directed world of art was dramatic.
As an artist, there is no clear roadmap to success. You have to set your own goals, create the work, and then figure out how to get it into the world. The hardest moments for me have come when I felt lost without a clear path forward. I define success in my career as financial independence through the sale of my artwork, and while I have reached that goal at times, there have also been seasons when I have not.
What has kept me from giving up is my absolute love of creating art and my belief that I can succeed, even when the way forward feels uncertain. Each time I’ve thought about quitting, I’ve realized I won’t. Instead, I take that feeling as a signal: it’s time to try something new, face my fears, and get even more creative.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Social media certainly makes this a valid question. In the art world it feels almost required to have an online presence, yet I know that what people see there is only a small slice of who I am.
One of my most important personal values is integrity. I try to stay as true as possible to the person I know myself to be, even in the way I present my work and life online. Social media can flatten people into two dimensions, but I do my best to let my real self come through. Aside from probably posting more bloopers, I’d say the public version of me really is me.
Well, except for one thing: in real life I swear quite a bit, and I try not to let that slip out on social media. 😊
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
I love this question.
If I look ahead, I think my biggest regret would be not making enough room for play and fun in my daily life. Our society often treats those things as optional or even frivolous, but I see them as essential ingredients for a life well lived.
The real challenge is prioritizing them, and I’ll admit I’m still learning how to do that. My recent move back to Houston feels like the perfect time to reset my routines and give joy a bigger place on the calendar. Thankfully, much of my work already feels fun: painting in the studio, exploring galleries, and connecting with people who love art as much as I do. Beyond that, I’m looking forward to weekend trips to the Texas Hill Country to hike and explore, and the long warm seasons here make it easy to spend more time outdoors.
For me, building a life that weaves work, creativity, and play together is the goal. If I can keep leaning into that, I think I’ll live without regrets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nicciseviervuyk.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicciseviervuyk/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicciseviervuyk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicciseviervuyk/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/nicciseviervuyk/
