How Nicole Pietrantoni Creates Stunning Paper Sculptures that Tell a Story

Meet Nicole Pietrantoni, an artist whose vibrant paper sculptures combine traditional and modern techniques to create something unique. In this interview, Nicole opens up about her journey—from growing up in a creative family to working on large-scale art projects. She shares the inspiration behind her work, the proud moments that shaped her career, and the challenges she’s faced along the way. Nicole’s story reminds us how art can connect people, inspire change, and bring joy when we stay true to our creative vision.

Nicole Pietrantoni (b. 1981, USA) is an artist best known for her colourful paper sculptures made from printed accordion books. Her work combines traditional printmaking and bookbinding techniques with painting, photography, and sculpture. Pietrantoni explores the traditions and materials of print media and, at the same time, critiques these traditions and the ways that printed matter produces desire. Her artwork moves fluidly between digital and physical modes of making — wedding a lens- and screen-based practice with traditionally handcrafted objects. Pietrantoni has received numerous awards, including a Fulbright to Iceland, an Artist Trust Fellowship, and the Manifest Prize.

Pietrantoni has been awarded artist residencies at Meta Open Arts, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Anderson Ranch Arts Center, and La Maldita Estampa in Barcelona, Spain. Pietrantoni has been a visiting artist and lecturer at over 40 institutions, and her work has been exhibited in over 100 national and international exhibitions, including solo shows at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (San Juan Island, WA) and the Manifest Gallery (Cincinnati, OH). Group venues include exhibitions at Galerie Gardette (Paris, France), Galleri Heike Arndt (Berlin, Germany), The Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize Shortlist Exhibition (London, UK), the San Francisco Center for the Book (San Francisco, CA), American University Museum (Washington, DC), and Lia Libro de Artista (Guadalajara, Mexico).

Pietrantoni’s work has been featured in publications such as Art in Print and The Washington Post and in the book American Printmakers (Schiffer Publishing). She received her MFA and MA in Printmaking from the University of Iowa and her BS in Human and Organizational Development and Art History from Vanderbilt University. She is represented in the US by Long-Sharp Gallery and currently lives in Girona, Spain.

1. How would you describe your art style, and what inspired you to become an artist?

I am obsessed with colour, image, and form. Growing up in a creative household inspired me to become an artist—my mother and grandfather were artists and geniuses at transforming everyday materials into something beautiful. Making things has always been a vital part of my life, connecting me to family and community. I also see being an artist as a way to push back against a culture that privileges consuming and buying. Be a maker!

Making things has always been a vital part of my life, connecting me to family and community.

Nicole Pietrantoni

2. Describe a memorable experience or project that significantly impacted your career.

Working with the curators for Meta Open Arts (formerly Facebook Open Arts) on a site-specific commission for their offices was a highlight of my career. The curators gave me the creative space to dream and propose a new artwork at a massive scale (25 feet wide!). It pushed my work in new directions, and I was grateful for their support and trust in my vision.

3. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your art journey?

Staying on the path and choosing life as an artist. It’s easy to get discouraged in the art world—there are so many critics, and it can be hard to cultivate the opportunities and audiences you want. I’ve found that staying true to myself and my work has been important, but that’s required me to set more boundaries and have a clearer sense of who I am as an artist and why I do this work. The world needs more artists and visionaries!

4. How do you approach collaboration with other artists or creatives?

Openness, generosity, reciprocity, curiosity.

The world needs more artists and visionaries!

Nicole Pietrantoni

5. What advice would you give to the aspiring artists?

Believe in your creative vision – trust yourself.

Nicole Pietrantoni’s art proves creativity can inspire, connect, and challenge how we see the world. Her story reminds us of the value of staying true to ourselves, working with others, and always being open to new possibilities. For Nicole, being an artist isn’t just a job—it’s a way of living with purpose and passion. To learn more about Nicole, visit the links below.