'What heaven looks like': Local high school artist inspired by her faith

Many artists point to nature, wildlife, other people or their own thoughts and feelings as the inspiration for their work. 

For Nicole Torres, a Grade 10 St. Mary’s College student, the Catholic faith is the inspiration for her own creative endeavours.

She recently earned an Honourable Mention for her painting entitled North Star at the Art Gallery of Algoma Members’ Exhibition Dreams & Desires.

North Star depicts the star shining down on the earth through clouds.

“It’s my interpretation of what Heaven looks like. The clouds parting is how God shoves away all evil and descends to the earth,” Torres told SooToday.

“The North Star is a reference point for navigation and I see God and my faith as a source of guidance, stability and hope in my life. My faith is my guiding light just like the North Star and leads me to have deeper connections with other people in my community.”

Examples of other work by Torres, both untitled, are on display at St. Mary’s College. 

One depicts Christ reaching out to save a person drowning in distress.

Another, as described by Torres, depicts a woman drowning under the burden of her own spiritual imperfections and seeking redemption.    

Having North Star available for viewing at the AGA marks the first time Torres’ work has been on display at an art gallery.

The Dreams & Desires exhibition opened at the gallery Nov. 15 and continues until Jan. 6, 2024.

Torres attended the exhibition’s opening with her parents.

“It was pretty great,” she said. “I was quite nervous but excited. I felt some pride because it’s a great opportunity for me to showcase my art in a public space and connect with other people and artists who appreciate and interpret my art in various ways.”

Born in the Philippines, Torres was raised in Qatar before moving to Canada with her parents in March 2021.

“I’ve only taken a serious interest in art in the past two or three years, especially last year in Grade 9 when I had my first class here at St. Mary’s, but I’ve been doing art and art projects since I was younger. I would watch YouTube tutorials and my mom is quite an avid painter too. I really want to follow in her footsteps.”

When asked if there are other artists who have inspired her, Torres mentioned her SMC art teachers — Adriano and Genevieve DiCerbo — without hesitation.

“Mr. and Mrs. DiCerbo, I would say, are the most supportive, dedicated and inspirational art teachers I’ve ever had.”

“Their unwavering dedication has been a constant source of motivation and encouragement throughout my artistic endeavours.”

Torres’ long-term career goal is to become a doctor but said that art will always be a major part of her life.

“I would like to have art as a hobby or a side job and maybe sell a few commissions.”

“It’s been a safe, supportive and educational environment for me to explore my creativity,” said Torres of her experience as an art student at SMC.