In the Studio with Nicole Caracia
As the CAC’s Artistic Director, Nicole Caracia spends her days developing and implementing the artistic vision and focus of the organization. She oversees the Education department and works with the team to provide field-trips, after-school programs, workshops and classes. Additionally, Nicole determines all the "CAC presents" performances that take place at the center, including the gallery exhibits in the Hal Gomer gallery.
When she’s not at the CAC, Nicole is an award-winning photographer and photography teacher, wife and mom to two little girls. Nicole’s diverse portfolio includes bands, landscapes, animals, portraits , models and weddings. And she’s a photography teacher at BPMS and CAC as well. Phew. Here’s Nicole talking about her artistic process and work:
On discovering she was an artist: I realized I was an artist a year after I started working at the CAC. Belinda, our past Executive Director/ Friend and I were chatting one day after work. She asked me what kind of artist I was. At that point, I wasn’t really sure. I always had a passion for photography and really enjoyed taking photos. I never thought I could be an artist until I met Belinda. I decided to take that passion and turn it into something bigger. Now, I'm an award winning photographer that has been published in multiple magazines, books, newspapers and album covers.
On her love of music: Music is another huge part of my life. I have been in the music scene for over 20 years and have been lucky to have worked with so many different bands and venues. Because of the relationships I have built, I’m currently a photographer for I.M.P ( 9:30 CLUB, The Anthem, Lincoln Theatre), Baltimore Soundstage, Rams Head Live and other venues in the Delmarva area. It’s pretty cool when you get to merge two of your favorite things together.
On finding inspiration: People that are motivated to help others inspire me! One of my heros once said, "Anyone who does anything to help a child in his/her life is a hero.” I feel it’s my job to provide those resources, excitement and joy to everyone that walks through the doors at the Chesapeake Arts Center.
Advice for other photographers just starting out: Consider a photograph’s purpose and try collaborating with other photographers and artists to bring your images to the next level. Also, take a chance. Explore, move around, shoot different angles, and have fun with your camera. Your passion for photography will show through it.
For more of Nicole’s work, visit www.nicolecaracia.com and @NicoleCaraciaPhotography on Instagram.
A Note about the “In the Studio” Series: Today marks the end of the 3rd week that CAC has been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many of you, the staff here at CAC spends our days at home thinking about ways to stay connected to our patrons and planning for the future when we can open the doors to CAC . We can’t wait to welcome everyone back with open arms.
We’re also working through a list of things that we always wanted to do, but never had the time (sound familiar to anyone else?). This blog series - In the Studio - is exactly that! We want you to get to know all the amazing local artists that we have the pleasure of working with each and everyday. Nicole Caracia, CAC’s Artistic Director, was the obvious first choice. Enjoy!