In conversation with Nicky Ovitt: How living in New Mexico inspires her art (and wallpaper)!

We're thrilled to virtually visit Nicky Ovitt at her studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico to learn about what inspires her work and see how her beautiful Castilleja wallpaper came to life. We've admired Nicky's style for such a long time and couldn't have been happier to work with her on this collaboration. Sharing a deep love for New Mexico and it's unique beauty, this pattern truly makes our hearts sing. 

Tell us about your background?

I grew up a coyota (mixed-race) as my family moved to many small towns around the Southwest until we settled in Albuquerque. Even more so back then, heritage and race were one of the first ways you’d be judged or known. Being half Hispanic on my mom’s side and half anglo on my dad’s side resulted in my appearance that made more than a few people ask if I was Jewish— from New York. As a kid, I had no idea what that meant!

Castilleja (Parchment) Wallpaper

I graduated from an art school in Denver and immediately set out to San Francisco to work for one of the “Michaels.” That did not happen, but my art career has afforded me other diverse positions both in-house and freelance for years. I’ve worked for alternative newspapers, big private label brands, art agencies, with a design partner, solo, etc. I feel fortunate that I recognized early on that my illustrations were part of my gift, and I began to focus on that as my specialty.

How would you describe your aesthetic?

Vintage, opulent, frilly, decorative, more is more is more! I keep a digital library of images for inspiration. Plant life, Ernst Haeckel, lettering, masonic symbols, stars, vintage postcards, bandannas, dolls, lettering, odalisque, and vintage wallpaper are just a few favorites.

Tell us about where you live and how it influences your work.

Albuquerque, New Mexico which can feel like a forgotten place or foreign country. It was one of the last states to be admitted to the Union in part because of discrimination against the mostly Catholic, brown population who predominately spoke Spanish. 

It’s also one of the poorest states in the country so the people are resilient and innovative. We piece life together here and many transplants feel like there is a freedom to be themselves like no where else.

My mom’s family can be traced back 13 generations in Northern New Mexico. Many settlers in that area had traveled the Camino Real from Mexico after having left Spain. Hispanic culture has been a more recent interest after moving back to New Mexico in 2018. The Art School I attended did not offer art history courses so now I’m making up for lost time in learning about the WPA and Taos artists, New Mexican traditional, folk art, music, language, dance created by the rich cultures that make this place such a vibrant artist haven. I’m so lucky to get to learn by doing with my mom who is a former museum director. We explore, go to conferences, lectures and visit artists.

My most recent scarf collection is based on my mom’s area of expertise: the Spanish Traditional Arts: colcha (wool) embroidery, decorative punched tin work, and carved wood. These materials and techniques were used to embellish everyday objects. A pierced tin frame may hold the image of a saint or a utilitarian wooden chest (trastero) for storing blankets may have a carved and painted design that makes it more pleasing and personalized.

Castilleja (Sky) Wallpaper

Where do you envision this wallpaper being used?

The florals are delicate but also bold as a whole. I can see a comfy mountain cabin reading nook or a chic modern Santa Fe dining room.

Castilleja (Ebony) Wallpaper

Hygge means comfort, coziness, and finding pleasure in life’s simple moments. What represents hygge for you? How do you find or create it in your own life?

I never walk barefoot around the house. I hate the feeling of dust bunnies on my feet or socks. Cozy to me means keeping my feet super clean. I love candles and incense, especially after guests to kind of re-claim the house. Now that our daughter is grown, I find comfort in my holding my baby-dog Theo for nightly cuddles. There’s also something so life-affirming about talking to my husband on a long road trip. I find big spaces comforting. With 310 days of sun a year, I’m thrilled when mother nature brings us a storm or cloudy day— instant cozy!