Tiger Hills Art Gallery showcasing Paverpol by Nicole
Local artist Nicole Delichte of St. Alphonse never considered herself artistic. As a farm wife and mother of three, she was searching for something of her own, something she could truly throw herself into.
While reaching out for ideas, a friend asked if she had ever heard of Paverpol, a versatile, non-toxic, polymer-based textile hardener used to create weather-resistant sculptures. Nicole hadn’t, but the description intrigued her enough to sign up for a “Sip N Sculpt” workshop led by Cheryl Hendrickson of Baldur.
Paverpol proved to be the perfect fit for Nicole; not only because of the endless creative possibilities it offered, but also because it aligned with her lifestyle. Living on a family farm and raising her three children in a rural setting has made her especially mindful of the importance of using non-toxic materials and recycling whenever possible. She loved that the medium enabled her to bring new life to everyday items while staying true to those values.
“The materials dipped into Paverpol, which is used for the wrapping, have to be natural fibres, so I use a lot of old cotton T-shirts. Tin foil, masking tape, wire, hockey tape, discarded plastic containers all work well to build the structure or foundation of each piece,” Nicole explains, demonstrating how the fabric is dipped into the solution before being wrapped around the shape she has created.
Holding up a faceless, winged angel, she shows how each piece begins with a simple wire frame. From there, she makes use of whatever materials she has on hand to build and shape the form, ensuring that every sculpture takes on its own character. “There will never be two identical pieces,” she says. “Even if I try to duplicate one, it will always take on its own uniqueness – whether in the shape, or in the way the sunlight brings out the shading, shadows, and colours. No two will ever be the same.”
“Nicole showed a great amount of imagination…even in the first Sip N Sculpt she attended. Her work since then has been very creative, it’s been a pleasure to be a part of her journey,” commented her mentor, Cheryl Hendrickson who conducted the first Paverpol class Delichte ever attended . That was almost eight years ago and within a year, Nicole took a course to become an instructor herself.
What first captured Nicole’s interest in Paverpol is likely the same quality that has made her work so successful, and even led to several commissioned pieces and that is the way the medium seems to capture movement. Her sculptures often appear alive with motion, as though a breeze might lift a fold of fabric or a wing might suddenly take flight. Even the welcoming gnomes which she has placed on her deck seem to make you feel that they are going to break out in a comical but skillful dance.
Throughout the past seven years, Nicole’s art has been showcased through the Manitoba Art Network, a platform that connects, showcases and promotes visual and performing arts throughout northern and rural Manitoba. A few of her pieces are still showcased at the Pacific Avenue Gallery following her exhibition in July of 2024. Presently she has 2 pieces touring with the Peer to Peer exhibition which includes artists in the Central Manitoba Region.
Most recently, the Tiger Hills Arts Associaiton (THAA) announced that they will be presenting ‘Paverpol by Nicole’ at the Tiger Hills Art Gallery & Boutique in Holland from now until the end of October. “I am really excited about this,” smiled Nicole, adding hesistatly, “I’m also excited and maybe a little nervous to be doing an Artist Talk on October 10th at the Gallery.”
THAA Assistant Director Renata Truelove commented that it has been a pleasure showcasing and supporting Nicole’s work. “We regularly have her pieces for sale in our artisan boutique and have hosted many Paverpol workshops. Nicole is not only a talented artist, but a wonderful instructor who generously shares her skill.”
On a personal note Truelove commented that she is a huge fan of sculptural art, “What I find so compelling about this medium is the way it transforms everyday textiles and objects into striking, lasting forms. Nicole’s use of rich earthy tones, combined with her eye for texture and shape, makes each sculpture truly unique capturing fleeting moments of movement and emotion in a static form.”
During the past few years her work has also been selected to be a part of the Manitoba Rural and Northern Juried At Show and Central Region Juried Art Exhibition. “These avenues enable me more exposure which has lead to a number of sales as well as commissioned work,” smiled Delichte.
Much of her commissioned work will pull at the heartstrings especially when clients present her with a loved one’s piece of clothing to be incorporated into the unique frame they’ve chosen for their special memorial item. “I’ve made everything from whimsical ladies, dancers, and angels as memory pieces, to small Christmas decorations that will dress a tree, or even a beautiful garden angel that can be converted into a tree topper,” she explained, her voice full of kindness and empathy.
Nicole found in this very unique art medium not only a creative outlet, but also something that checked more boxes than she had ever dared hope. It complements her farm-to-table lifestyle and reflects her deep respect for the environment. Paverpol artists are almost as unique as the medium itself, and Delichte notes that there are only a handful of Paverpol artists in the province. “The uniqueness of the art and capturing movement piqued my interest immediately but the endless possibilities is what holds my interest,” said Nicole.
What began as a simple search for a personal creative outlet has grown into a remarkable journey for Nicole Rosnow Delichte. Through Paverpol, she has not only discovered a medium that sparks her imagination, but has also built a body of work that connects with others on a deeply personal level. From whimsical angels and dancers to cherished memory pieces crafted from loved ones’ clothing, her sculptures reflect both her artistry and her values – creativity, sustainability, and a respect for the natural world. In finding something of her own, Nicole has created art that resonates far beyond her farm, leaving a lasting impression on those who experience it.
PHOTO CAPTION: Paverpol artist Nicole Delichte of St. Alphonse stands beside some items from her personal collection.
