Lady of lacquer

Artist, CAROLINE ZURMELY, tells Scratch why nail polish is her medium of choice for creating captivating contemporary paintings

Based in Dallas, US, Caroline Zurmely’s artistic practice is a testament to innovation and experimentation. Driven by material, texture and process over conventional themes or subjects, Zurmely creates relief paintings that delve into the imagery of tabloid photography and public mourning.

Her work, rendered in tight close-ups, meticulously details rings, fabrics, handbags and hairstyles, detaching her subject matter from their broader contexts.

This unique approach generates a contrasting sense of closeness and remoteness between the viewer and the subject.

It also alters the viewer’s perspective on distance, as the restriction on scope of Zurmely’s artworks delivers intimacy and a fresh vantage point.

A unique medium: nail enamel Zurmely had created art from vintage towels prior to using nail polish. She stretched and stiffened the fabrics before using a toothpick to create intricate images. While this method was enjoyable, it was time-consuming and needed to be completed in one sitting before the towel dried out.

Caroline Zurmely

Reflecting on her past work with enamel paint pens, Zurmely was reminded of the satisfaction she found in their shiny and textured finish. The limited colour range of the pens led her to think of an alternative: nail polish. The idea initially seemed absurd, but on considering the bathroom and beauty themes already present in her work, it made perfect sense. She stocked up on shades and created a test piece, which was a success, and confirmed her commitment to nail polish as her primary medium.

“Caroline’s journey with nail polish enamel is a fascinating exploration of material, texture and process.” g

The brands behind the art Zurmely’s choice of nail polish brands is strategic and practical. Essie is her primary brand due to its wide array of colours and availability, and she frequently buys as l many Blanc (white) and Licorice (black) shades as she can find. For glitter, ILNP is her go-to brand, offering a consistent and mixable variety of glitters and holographic finishes. Zoya, and consumer brands such as Chanel and Pleasing, also find their place in her collection.

Overcoming challenges Working with nail polish presents unique challenges, primarily related to safety and control. Zurmely ensures her workspace is equipped with proper ventilation, including an air purifying capture system and an air purifying respirator, to limit exposure to fumes. She also wears gloves while working. Despite her efforts to achieve pristine paintings, the nature of nail polish means there will always be elements beyond her control, such as bubbles, dust and variations in the polish itself. The artist has learned to embrace these imperfections, finding beauty in the medium’s tendencies.

Themes & process Zurmely is drawn to themes that the public can relate to. She then creates a unique and familiar, yet detached, image that presents snapshots of life in a tight frame. Limited colours and cropped compositions enhance the final piece.

Her process involves creating a preliminary drawing on the computer, transferring it to a panel, and meticulously mixing nail polish colours to match her swatch list. The success of her artworks hinges on achieving perfect colour harmony, and she is known to start over if the colours are not right. c

Influences & future directions Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2017, Zurmely’s education instilled the importance of experimentation and articulate communication about her art. While her post-graduate life offered freedom and daunting possibilities, it also allowed her to create without external opinions.

Exhibiting her work in both the US and UK, Zurmely has noticed similar responses from audiences, although the opportunities came at different times. Looking to the future, she remains committed to using nail polish, but is open to expanding her range of mediums. Upscaling her work presents challenges, but she finds problem-solving engaging and essential for uniqueness in her craft.

“Pursue your ideas without hesitation. Experimentation carries no downside and is essential for growth and f creativity.”

Advice to emerging artists For artists wishing to experiment with unconventional materials, Zurmely’s advice is straightforward : pursue your ideas without hesitation. Experimentation carries no downside and is essential for growth and creativity. She recalls a teacher’s advice: ‘Whatever is distracting you, make that a part of your practice’.

Inspiration from everyday life While influenced by numerous artists, Zurmely finds her greatest inspiration in everyday objects and experiences. Her use of tape, towels, nail polish and routine household materials reflects her belief in the significance of the familiar. This approach allows her to create art that resonates on a personal and universal level.

Caroline’s journey with nail polish enamel is a fascinating exploration of material, texture and process. Her innovative use of an unconventional medium challenges traditional art forms and offers a fresh perspective on the themes of public imagery and personal identity.