Work samples

  • Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen) No. 7
    Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen) No. 7

    Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard.. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

  • Backyard Shadow Happenings (Wall Installation) No. 2. 2025.
    Backyard Shadow Happenings (Wall Installation) No. 2. 2025.
  • Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern) 2025.
    Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern) 2025.

    Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard.. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

  • Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional). 2025.
    Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional). 2025.

    3D marks are introduced  to works on paper to stir a dialogue between dimensions.

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About Nicole

Baltimore County  

Nicole Lenzi works between mediums and dimensions to expand the concept of drawing. She is interested in how drawing, time, space, and thinking can affect and redevelop each other. Lenzi has exhibited nationally in the United States and internationally. Her current series Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in her yard. Lenzi has had residencies at Montalvo Arts Center and Soaring Gardens and earned a B.F.… more

View Nicole's Resume
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Backyard Shadow Happenings (Wall Installation) No. 2.

Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in natural environments. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

  • Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen ) Wall Installation No. 1
    Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen ) Wall Installation No. 1

    Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in natural environments. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

  • Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen ) Wall Installation No. 1
    Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen ) Wall Installation No. 1

    Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in natural environments. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

  • Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen ) Wall Installation No. 1
    Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen ) Wall Installation No. 1

    Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in natural environments. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

  • Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen ) Wall Installation No. 1
    Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen ) Wall Installation No. 1

    Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in natural environments. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

  • Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen ) No. 3
    Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen ) No. 3

    Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard.. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

  • Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen) No. 4
    Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen) No. 4

    Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard.. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

  • Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen) No. 6
    Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen) No. 6

    Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard.. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

  • Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen ) No. 9
    Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen ) No. 9

    Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard.. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

  • Garden Shadow Happenings (Evergreen). No. 10
    Garden Shadow Happenings (Evergreen). No. 10

    Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard.. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

  • Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen ) Wall Installation No. 1
    Backyard Shadow Happening (Evergreen ) Wall Installation No. 1

    Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard.. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

    •

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern). 2025

    Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern) 2025.
      Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern) 2025.

      Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern) 2025.
      Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern) 2025.

      Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern) 2025.
      Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern) 2025.

      Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern) 2025.
      Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern) 2025.

      Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern) 2025.
      Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern) 2025.

      Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern) 2025.
      Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern) 2025.

      Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern) 2025.
      Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern) 2025.

      Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern) 2025.
      Garden Shadow Happenings (Fern) 2025.

      Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

    •

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional). 2025


    Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional) explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard.. In these series, 3D marks are introduced  to works on paper to stir a dialogue between dimensions. 

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional) 2025.
      Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional) 2025.
    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional) 2025.
      Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional) 2025.

      Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard.. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional) 2025.
      Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional) 2025.

      Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard.. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional) 2025.
      Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional) 2025.

      Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard.. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional) 2025.
      Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional) 2025.

      Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard.. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. 3D marks are introduced stir a dialogue between dimensions.

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional) 2025.
      Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional) 2025.

      Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard.. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. 3D marks are introduced stir a dialogue between dimensions.

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional) 2025.
      Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional) 2025.

      Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard.. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. 3D marks are introduced stir a dialogue between dimensions.

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional). 2025.
      Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional). 2025.

      3D marks are introduced  to works on paper to stir a dialogue between dimensions.

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional). 2025.
      Garden Shadow Happenings (Dimensional). 2025.

      3D marks are introduced  to works on paper to stir a dialogue between dimensions.

    •

    • Garden Shadow Happenings (Wall Installation) No. 1.

    Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in natural environments. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

    • In the Garden (Wall Installation) No. 1, 2024.
      In the Garden (Wall Installation) No. 1, 2024.

      Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

    • In the Garden (Wall Installation) No. 1, 2025. Detail.
      In the Garden (Wall Installation) No. 1, 2025. Detail.

      Backyard and Garden Shadow Happenings explore how drawings can emerge from light and shadow interactions in my yard. In these series, I record and map sunlight as it moves in relation to plants over set increments of time. Rendering in intervals allows for full engagement in the mark making/drawing process and allows one to focus on “being” while working rather than “doing”. This allows for keen observation of the ephemeral. Works are then interlaced in wall installations to establish dialogues.

    •

    • In the Garden (Shadow Happenings). 2023.

    In The Garden (Shadow Happenings) series, I explore how drawings emerge from light and shadow interactions. I trace sunlight as it interacts with garden plants  Marking light fluctuations allows one to observe what is happening beyond the foliage. It immerses one in the garden’s textures, fragrances, and colors to expand the experience. As the wind blows the hand delineates movements of the petals and leaves. After several hours of marking, the drawing becomes a record of moments spent.

    • In the Garden (Shadow Happenings)
      In the Garden (Shadow Happenings)
    • In the Garden (Shadow Happenings)
      In the Garden (Shadow Happenings)
    • In the Garden (Shadow Happenings)
      In the Garden (Shadow Happenings)
    • In the Garden (Shadow Happenings)
      In the Garden (Shadow Happenings)
    • In the Garden (Shadow Happenings)
      In the Garden (Shadow Happenings)
    • In the Garden (Shadow Happenings)
      In the Garden (Shadow Happenings)
    • In the Garden (Shadow Happenings)
      In the Garden (Shadow Happenings)
    • In the Garden (Shadow Happenings)
      In the Garden (Shadow Happenings)
    • In the Garden (Shadow Happenings)
      In the Garden (Shadow Happenings)
    •

    • Walking Drawing. (April) 2024.

    Walking Drawings extend concepts by recording light and shadow and interplay upon nature and the built environment while in motion. I engage in a responsive mark making process during walks after work or on the weekend.. This activity encourages mindfulness while passing through the local landscape.

    • Walking Drawing (April) 2024.
      Walking Drawing (April) 2024.
    • Walking Drawing (April) 2024.
      Walking Drawing (April) 2024.
    • Walking Drawing (April) 2024.
      Walking Drawing (April) 2024.
    • Walking Drawing (April) 2024.
      Walking Drawing (April) 2024.
    •

    • Walking Drawings. (In Between Errands). 2021.

    Walking Drawings extend concepts by recording light and shadow and interplay upon nature and the built environment while in motion. I engage in a responsive mark making process during walks after work or on the weekend.. This activity encourages mindfulness while passing through the local landscape.

    • In Between Errands (32 Minutes).
      In Between Errands (32 Minutes).
    • In Between Errands (27 Minutes).
      In Between Errands (27 Minutes).
    • In Between Errands ) 22 Minutes).
      In Between Errands ) 22 Minutes).
    • In Between Errands (14 Minutes)
      In Between Errands (14 Minutes)
    • In Between Errands (9 Minutes).
      In Between Errands (9 Minutes).
    • In Between Errands (15 Minutes)
      In Between Errands (15 Minutes)
    • In Between Errands 17 Minutes).
      In Between Errands 17 Minutes).
    • In Between Errands (16 Minutes).
      In Between Errands (16 Minutes).
    • In Between Errands (10 Minutes).
      In Between Errands (10 Minutes).
    •

    • Time Lines (Projections) Phase 3. 2024.

    Time Lines (Projections) Installation

    Foremost, my art begins with the question "What is drawing?" I work between mediums and dimensions to expand the concept of drawing that includes installation, photography, and works on paper. To further this investigation, I explore the relationship between mark making, time, space, and thinking to see how they can affect and redevelop each other. Works are composed of lines that are signs of time and, referencing artist Avis Newman, thought. Sunlight, shadow, daily life, movement, Martin Heidegger, and Eastern philosophy are influences. I work responsively in the space in-between these entities for greater reflection. That is where experimentation happens and a drawing opens to what it can be.

    The recent installation Time Lines (Projections) explores how dimensionality, architectural space, and time can affect the development of a drawing and thinking. Shadows cast by the sun coming through a window (in relation to architecture) along with projections of shadows were traced onto paper. 3D marks (made with dowels) are then interrelated with the 2D lines, creating a dialogue between dimensions and space. Works are then placed on the walls, floors, and corners of an environment to converse and see what happens next.

    • Time Lines (Projections) Phase 3. 2024.
      Time Lines (Projections) Phase 3. 2024.
    • Time Lines (Projections) Phase 3. 2024.
      Time Lines (Projections) Phase 3. 2024.
    • Time Lines (Projections) Phase 3. 2024.
      Time Lines (Projections) Phase 3. 2024.
    • IMG_0482 (1).jpg
      IMG_0482 (1).jpg
    • IMG_0451 (2).JPG
      IMG_0451 (2).JPG
    • Time Lines (Projections) Phase 3. 2024.
      Time Lines (Projections) Phase 3. 2024.
    • IMG_0481 (1).jpg
      IMG_0481 (1).jpg
    • Time Lines (Projections) Phase 3. 2024.
      Time Lines (Projections) Phase 3. 2024.
    • Time Lines (Projections) Phase 3. 2024.
      Time Lines (Projections) Phase 3. 2024.
    • Time Lines (Projections) Phase 3. 2024.
      Time Lines (Projections) Phase 3. 2024.
    •

    • Time Lines (Projections) Phase 1 and 2. 2023.

    Foremost, my art begins with the question "What is drawing?" I work between mediums and dimensions to expand the concept of drawing that includes installation, photography, and works on paper. To further this investigation, I explore the relationship between mark making, time, space, and thinking to see how they can affect and redevelop each other. Works are composed of lines that are signs of time and, referencing artist Avis Newman, thought. Sunlight, shadow, daily life, movement, Martin Heidegger, and Eastern philosophy are influences. I work responsively in the space in-between these entities for greater reflection. That is where experimentation happens and a drawing opens to what it can be.

    This ongoing series explores the question "What is a drawing?" and how dimensionality, architectural space, and time can affect the development of a drawing. Shadows cast by the sun coming through a window (in relation to architecture) are traced onto paper. 3D marks (made with dowels) are then interrelated with the 2D lines, creating a dialogue between dimensions. Works are then placed on the walls, floors, and corners of a space to converse and see what happens next.

    • Time Lines (Projections) 1031 Minutes.
      Time Lines (Projections) 1031 Minutes.
    • Time Lines (Projections) 1254 Minutes.
      Time Lines (Projections) 1254 Minutes.
    • Time Lines (Projections) 1254 Minutes. Detail.
      Time Lines (Projections) 1254 Minutes. Detail.
    • Time Lines (Projections, Extended)
      Time Lines (Projections, Extended)
    • Time Lines (Projections, Extended)
      Time Lines (Projections, Extended)
    • Time Lines (Projections, Extended)
      Time Lines (Projections, Extended)
    • Time Lines (Projections, Extended)
      Time Lines (Projections, Extended)
    • Time Lines (Projections, Extended)
      Time Lines (Projections, Extended)
    • Time Lines (Projections, Extended)
      Time Lines (Projections, Extended)
    • Time Lines (Projections, Extended)
      Time Lines (Projections, Extended)
    •

    • Between 0 and 1. 2020-2022.

    My art questions what a drawing is and how it can affect thinking. Works are composed of marks that are signs of time and, referencing artist Avis Newman, thought. I take an interdisciplinary approach to expand the concept of drawing that includes installation, works on paper, and photography. Eastern philosophy, time, architecture, and the everyday are influences. I work responsively between all of these entities. That is where experimentation happens and the medium opens to what it can be.

    “All things are continually interacting with each other, and in doing so each bears the traces of that with which it has interacted:...”
    ― Carlo Rovelli, Seven Brief Lessons on Physics
    Between 0 and 1 explores the link between drawing, time, and thinking. at the quantum level. In the quantum world, myriad interactions occur in matter between 0 and 1. In these works, the conglomeration and interplay of lines drawn over time become metaphors for the ephemeral nature of thought. Surprise alignments bring about moments of clarity and insight.
    • Between 0 and 1, No. 4,,454 Minutes.
      Between 0 and 1, No. 4,,454 Minutes.
    • Between 0 and 1, No. 4,,454 Minutes.
      Between 0 and 1, No. 4,,454 Minutes.
    •