In the heart of Lagos State, a quiet but powerful creative force is blooming. Meet Itoya Faith Nicole, a Nigerian self-taught abstract artist whose colorful, expressive work celebrates femininity, identity, and the beauty of imperfection.
Born and raised in Warri, Nicole grew up as the shy, quiet child who spent most of her time observing her surroundings. “I lived in my head most of the time,” she shares. But that quiet space became the foundation of her creativity. Her family, deeply rooted in business, taught her discipline, consistency, and the value of hard work. “I got my creative side from my dad,” she adds. “He was an electrical engineer, but he could fix or make anything.” That same spirit pushed Nicole to create things with her hands from paper crafts to beaded bags even before she discovered painting.
Though she studied Medical Physiology at Ambrose Ali University, Nicole always found herself returning to art. In 2022, she decided to fully embrace it. “Painting helped me realize it’s okay to be imperfect,” she says. “It gives me the freedom to express my thoughts and feelings.”
Today, Nicole calls herself an abstract artist. Her work is largely inspired by the gift of creativity itself and often celebrates femininity and womanhood. “Even when I have a plan or reference, I always go with the flow,” she explains. “That’s how I end up creating something that feels real to me.”
Like many artists, Nicole faces challenges perfectionism being the biggest. “I used to panic a lot when I had creative blocks, but now I embrace them. They’re just part of the journey,” she says.
Her most memorable piece? A large painting of a female figure she created in October 2023. “I wasn’t trying to be perfect, but it turned out perfect,” she recalls with a smile.
While she hasn’t exhibited her work in galleries yet, Nicole shares her art through social media. You can find her on Instagram at @nicole.studio0 or send her a DM to purchase a piece. Her personal page is @nicole.itoya, and her website is linked in her bio.
When she’s not painting, Nicole explores graphic design, videography, interior decor, and fashion styling or simply winds down with a movie, a beach walk, or a nap.
To aspiring artists, she offers this advice: “Stay true to your creative process. Authenticity is key. Trust your flow and believe in it, it will work for you.”
In five years, Nicole sees her art hanging in homes, galleries, and offices around the world and herself traveling globally with her work. For now, she's just grateful: “To everyone who has supported me so far, thank you. Let’s keep creating one piece at a time.”
1 Comments
😍beautiful art piece
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