Meet The Artist & Founder: nicole thornton
Hey! I’m Nicole — the artist and founder behind Made by Nicole.
I’ve loved art for as long as I can remember. I discovered my passion for creating at just seven years old, and art has remained a constant throughout my life. What began as something I enjoyed in my spare time gradually became a way for me to express myself, explore my creativity and create something that felt truly personal.
Growing up, I rarely saw Black people represented in art in the way I wanted to see them. I wanted to see beauty, culture, identity and experiences that felt familiar to me reflected on canvas. So, I decided to create it myself.
That idea became the foundation of Made by Nicole.
My artwork is centred around Black beauty, identity, culture, heritage and history. I explore themes of self-love and self-acceptance, while celebrating the richness of our ancestral roots and the things that make us who we are. Whether through bold colour, expressive forms or intricate textures, I want my artwork to evoke emotion and encourage people to connect with something within themselves.
The Heart Behind the Art
For me, creating is more than just making something beautiful. Art is my escape and my solace. It gives me a space to channel my energy into something positive, meaningful and fulfilling. Every piece begins with an idea, feeling or story, and I enjoy watching that initial thought evolve into something tangible.
K E N Y A, an original artwork Made By Nicole
I S S A, an original artwork Made By Nicole
I studied Art & Design at Thomas Tallis School, a specialist arts college, where I developed many of the foundational skills that continue to influence my practice today. Since then, I’ve continued to teach myself, experiment with different mediums and push myself creatively. I love discovering new techniques and finding different ways to bring an idea to life.
I created Made by Nicole because I want my artwork to be enjoyed by as many people as possible. Alongside my original canvas pieces, I offer high-quality prints to make my work accessible to different budgets and allow more people to bring a piece of Made by Nicole into their homes.
So far, my artwork has been exhibited across the UK, France and Greece, and I’ve had the privilege of sending pieces to customers across the UK, Europe and America. Every sale, exhibition and person who connects with my work is another reminder of why I started creating in the first place.
Made by Nicole is more than an art business. It is a celebration of identity, culture, creativity and self-expression.
My hope is that when you find a piece that speaks to you, it doesn't simply complement your space — it makes you feel something. Perhaps it reminds you of where you come from, reflects something you see in yourself, or simply brings a little more colour and character into your home.
Thank you for being here and taking the time to learn a little more about the woman behind the art.
I hope you find something that speaks to you.
— Nicole x
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”
— Thomas Merton