Nicole Hansen is a narrative artist from the Pacific Northwest, whose first studio was an abandoned two-story chicken coop at her childhood home. At age six, she hid her favorite supplies in the built-in “cubbies” and imagined the day her work would hang in a gallery.

She has tried mediums from pastels to photography, though her favorites are graphite, charcoal and watercolor.

Her work explores dichotomy. She examines the secretes we hide or share, the reality that grief and joy can coexist, and the idea that shared compassion is the center space for opposing arguments.

She believes that the twisted rope binding life in darkness and light offers us choices to gain perspective, accept balance, shrink or grow.

She is actively involved in the arts community. She is a member of the Mt. Si Artist Guild, and the Arts Commission. She recently launched a 501c3 to lead the restoration of a historic carousel.