Lacking in Depth, But I’m Trying my Best by Nicko Torres – In all honesty, this gallery initially served to justify my disdain towards the modern art sphere and its superficial importance of a piece’s meaning other than the work itself. While that scorn remains intact, that is not the sole reason for my resentment. Though the purpose of what I’ve completed so far was meant to exist without meaning, every one of them speaks to me in some way. Whether it be my admiration or inadequacies expressed via ill-related styles, they all are an extension of me. On an individual level I hold no grip on this revelation, but what pains me is the incessant need of others to understand my relation – and with a seemingly ingrained emotional reclusion, something as simple as yearning for a long-forgotten childlike wonder feels explicitly personal, yet your comprehension of that is what dictates “true” art.

It’s funny because the whole reason art intrigued me in the first place was due to its supposed simplistic and impersonal nature. All I needed was a piece of paper, a pencil, and an idea to keep me occupied for hours on end and the final product didn’t need meaning to be appreciated, but even back then there was something deeper. As childish as it sounds, my main inspiration ever since I was little was Spiderman – my reason of choice besides being the greatest hero of all was his selflessness. To neglect your own well-being, wants, and even dreams so that you can do right by someone else gives me a sense of hope I can’t describe. If I was making a piece that touched on aspiration for unequivocal good, I’d be a lot more willing to explain how that makes me feel, unfortunately, it seems the only things worth while exploring is all that I dislike about myself. From realistic portraits that play into what an artist should be but have yet to achieve to abstract illustrations that express who I am at my core despite my disapproval. The majority of the ten critiques who I am as a person, much of which I loathe, and while they are more than justified, to express them to others is like an admission of failure or weakness.

To be truthful, I believe people today have mishandled vulnerability, wearing it unprotected as if it’s a badge for all to see, but as a result, I fail to express how I truly feel even to those I deem close. So, understand despite my ever-changing visuals that seem to have absolutely nothing to do with each other, there is a part of me in there – because though many say I’m lacking in depth, know that I’m trying my best.

Deriving from the primordial froth that is Reno, Nevada, Nicko Torres discovered his knack for the arts early on in life. Whether it was drawing superheroes, fabricating props for Halloween, or simply sewing a shirt to fit a little better, Nicko always took on these different mediums with a steady hand. Though not diligent with his practices throughout his adolescence, soon after his 2022 high school graduation, Nicko committed himself to Truckee Meadows Community College to pursue a degree in Fine Arts. With his first few opportunities to exhibit his work at the school, Nicko became keenly aware of the art he wished to make. He wanted to create art that explored an individual’s unhampered creativity, unburdened by its message or the expectations of those who view it; for the creator’s completed vision is the sole determining factor of a successful piece.

An Exploration of Self by Haven Mindnich is a series created to illustrate my struggles with mental health and to capture my internal growth into becoming a healthier and happier person. This series consists of ten self-portraits, each conveying a distinct emotion and gradually progressing toward a better state.  The inspiration for this work stems from my extended history of self-hatred and mental health challenges. These negative thoughts often serve as motivation for my art, even when the pieces aren’t directly about me. What sets this series apart is the acknowledgment of mental growth. The goal is to personify and express my feelings, ultimately depicting a better mental state as the series progresses, concluding with a version of myself who loves, accepts, and understands her identity. Each emotion is conveyed through facial expressions, shading techniques, and floating hands interacting with the portraits. In some pieces, the shading and background appear tonally heavy or dark, representing the burdensome nature of these feelings. The floating hands symbolize the internal thoughts and opinions I hold, influencing how they interact with me. More aggressive grasps demonstrate hateful feelings, while kinder, softer interactions reflect a shift into a gentler and compassionate headspace.

The approach is traditional, utilizing a 2-D medium with ink, and the works themselves focus on portraiture. However, the intention and execution feel modern. One significant challenge was avoiding flattering depictions or altering features I dislike. Instead, I experimented with extreme facial expressions, distortion, and varying angles. These choices defy the beauty standards often upheld in traditional art, aligning with the honesty and exploration found in modern practices. Beyond my personal mental health journey, I draw inspiration from many talented artists, each influencing me through their unique styles. My primary inspirations include surrealists such as Salvador Dalí, Frida Kahlo, and Dorothea Tanning, as well as past instructors like Julia Steiner. While this series aligns with my previous works in intention and technique, it stands out as one of the few to exemplify change and a more positive emotional state.

In conclusion, An Exploration of Self serves not only as a reflection of my personal journey through mental health but also as an invitation for viewers to engage in their own introspective explorations. By portraying a spectrum of emotions—from struggle to acceptance—I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of mental health and the potential for growth. This series embodies the belief that vulnerability can be a source of strength, and through the act of creating, I have found a pathway to healing. Ultimately, I aspire for my work to resonate with others who face similar challenges, encouraging dialogue, empathy, and the possibility of transformation in the pursuit of self-love and acceptance.

Haven Mindnich was born in Phoenix, AZ, and moved to Reno, NV, as a
small child, where she has lived ever since. She first found her true passion for
art in the classroom of Mendive Middle School, inspired by her art teacher,
Julie Steiner, who encouraged her to explore her interests in graphite and
ink-related 2D mediums.
Haven’s art is influenced by surrealism, realism, and fauvism, with each
style used to create a distortion of the human experience, reflecting
uncertainties and insecurities. She has received a CTE in Communication Arts
from the Academy of Arts, Careers, and Technologies and has had her work
featured in a student show, “Bigger than Us,” at the McKinley Arts & Culture
Center. Haven plans to apply to the Bachelor of Fine Arts program at the
University of Nevada, Reno, and dreams of becoming a curator and eventually
opening her own gallery space.

For information about the exhibit, please contact Luke Rizzotto • lukerizzotto@sierra-arts.org