Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Heere.
Hi Nicole, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Throughout my entire life, I’ve been immersed in the world of art – particularly painting. Equipped with a BFA from UTSA, I’ve proudly pursued my professional career as an artist since 2010. My journey began amidst the vibrant culture of Jackson Square in New Orleans, evolving to showcase my work in galleries and at well-respected art fairs across the United States.
Navigating the art business has been a multifaceted experience—one that enthralls me with its challenges yet grapples with its outdated zeitgeist. Despite its dynamic nature, it remains a field predominantly dominated by men, steeped in hyper-masculine culture. However, I recognize that this isn’t solely the fault of gallery owners; the art industry, reliant on the sale of luxury items, often gears its marketing strategies towards powerful male clientele.
As a female artist crafting my art for a predominantly female audience, I garnered attention. I have a small celebrity following, trending artwork on social media, and notable features in media powerhouses like Vogue. Nonetheless, I found it an arduous task to retain a capstone position at any gallery.
In 2022, while preparing for an exhibition at the Saatchi Art Fair in Dallas, a persistent notion began brewing within me regarding my “Housewife Rebellion” art pieces. During the onset of the pandemic, I delved deeper into exploring wine, recognizing parallels between the wine and art worlds—particularly their neglect in addressing female audiences. Unlike the art world, however, women were the primary consumers of wine, sparking my interest in making an artistic move into the wine market. I initiated an experiment at the art fair, showcasing mockup labels adorning wine bottles as art pieces—though not intended for sale. To my astonishment, the reception exceeded all expectations, with women clamoring for the wine, willing to pay prices beyond my imagination. Yet, due to legal constraints, I was unable to sell it.
Post-exhibition, I embarked on a transformative pause from my art career, immersing myself fully in the enigmatic realm of wine. Faced with challenges that might have deterred most startups, including a legal clash with one of the oldest bourbon brands in the US, the unwavering support of women within the industry propelled my fledgling wine brand over every hurdle. Their camaraderie and support were instrumental—I fondly refer to them as my Rebels.
Thus, Housewife Rebellion Wine, a brand crafted for all women, particularly mothers, is poised to launch in early 2024. It’s an ode to resilience, empowerment, and the unspoken camaraderie among women.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. In the beginning, my phone calls and emails were mostly ignored. Leaving me to knock on doors and meet people face-to-face. I met with nearly everyone I could within the supply chain, from growers and bottlers down to the men transporting wine and grapes with their trucks.
I was always honest and upfront about my lack of understanding of the industry and my willingness to learn and accept help. Explaining that I was an artist who wanted to sell artwork via wine labels. While this made some people not want to deal with me, it made others want to work with me – I’m not a wine snob, so some viewed me as a breath of fresh air. Now, I know a lot about wine and the industry, and I learned from the best.
I rely heavily on my winemakers, and I enjoy learning the craft from them. All of my winemakers have awards and accolades to be admired. I choose the wines I love best, then I assemble focus groups made up of mostly mothers since they are my target audience, and they have the final say as to what ultimately becomes a Housewife Rebellion wine. As of this interview, we do not have any blends; this is because I eventually want my wine club members to help me create them. It’s going to be like a science experiment, the most tasteful science experiment they will ever enjoy.
Licensing has been a beast to navigate. TTB and TABC regulations don’t completely align, and they have been in place since prohibition was lifted, so it’s antiquated. While I feel like I want to pull my hair out at times, it’s protection for the wine industry and their consumers. Art has no protections; artists work is left exposed to steal and replicate. Consumers of art are sometimes duped into buying something that is fake. So, these regulations, as tedious as they are, provide a layer of protection for my artwork that it has never had before.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in oil painting. I use modern methods to turn my oil paintings into pop art. My artwork features housewives from the 1950s up to the 1990s. My paintings use comedy to address the struggles of maintaining the family and keeping up appearances. My housewives set the laundry on fire, use the blender to obliterate things they don’t like, drink wine instead of clean, make poison cakes, and so on. And they all do it with a smile on their face. Its fanciful mom rebellion, the things we think of but would never actually do.
I am most proud of the reaction my artwork gets from fellow moms. It’s an instant connection, a feeling like “you’re in the trenches of motherhood with me.” My wine brand offers a respite.
How do you define success?
Connection with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HousewifeRebellion.com
- Instagram: @housewiferebellion
- Facebook: @housewiferebellion
- Linkedin: @housewiferebellion
- Twitter: @hswiferebellion
- Youtube: @housewiferebellion
