Rocks And Sticks Join Thread And Yarn In This Artist’s Works

FEED TO FOLLOW: @mrsciccoricco

WHO: San Carlos-based visual artist Natalie Ciccoricco, whose Instagram account showcases her fiber-centric works. She started making art a decade ago—a couple of years after moving to the Bay Area from her native Netherlands. In 2021, around the time she became a full-time artist, she shifted from her home to a studio at Art Bias that allows for large-scale projects.

WHAT: Ciccoricco enjoys combining contrasting elements, creating tension between soft and rigid materials as well as organic shapes and geometric compositions. Fibers such as embroidery thread, yarn, cord and rope are juxtaposed with handmade paper, wood, stone, glass and metal. Incorporating found objects means her works are often infused with memories and experiences. While son Lou’s rock and stick collections inspired her “Nesting” series, Mother Nature is a constant muse.

WHY: In her previous job as a translator and linguistic consultant, Ciccoricco spent long hours at the computer. Practicing art satisfies the desire to work with her hands and express herself creatively.

IN HER WORDS: “My process is both meditative and media driven. I like to experiment with fiber in new ways, pushing the boundaries of the materials. Before I get started, I often just sit around with the pieces I want to use—moving them around, feeling them in my hands and seeing what ideas rise to the top. Then I make a quick sketch and pick a color palette depending on my current mood. All of it is very intuitive.”

PHOTOS: NATALIE CICCORICCO