Nica Labelle

“My real name is Bernica Michel. My artist's name is Nica Labelle. I am 26 years old. I was born in Haiti and came to St. Maarten when I was eight years old. I went to school in the US and got a bachelor's in Advertising and Marketing Communications, which I use for my art and music.

I’ve been doing art since kindergarten when I was in Haiti. I was taught by my father. I developed my skills by constantly being in the mind state of a student and practicing new skills and techniques. I started to create as a means of communication. To express myself at a time when I couldn’t find the words to say and didn’t have anyone to talk to. My art is a reflection of my mind - using symbols to convey a message.

I find inspiration through what’s lacking in my community. I use my art to provide what’s missing and what I believe will uplift the people in every aspect. My purpose is to contribute to the spiritual awakening of Black people.

Art creates society. God is an artist. To be an artist is to be activated in your godly gene. Any form of psychological and emotional suppression creates a physical sickness in the body. Art provides a way to release these paradoxical emotions and concepts when words are out of reach.

I believe the effects of art on the brain, when being used for destruction or elevation, should be common knowledge in a society. That way we can properly identify what is being used to harm our community or uplift, since we are not in control of the art that’s being fed to us.

Depression, anxiety, and substance abuse all have one thing in common. They all manifest from suppression of emotion. Give yourself the freedom to express yourself through any art form you choose. Your mental health depends on it.

I define success as an artist as consistency and fulfillment. Happiness will always follow these two characteristics. Everything else is a byproduct of that. My favorite part about being a creator is inspiring people to create and to be themselves by coming out of their shells. I feel unhappy when I don’t create. My need to create surpasses any hatred I may have for this path.

I feel supported, because my art sells a lot in St. Maarten, and I’m grateful. Support can come in many forms. It can look like sharing a post, showing words of encouragement, and, most importantly, spending money on the artists themselves. In addition, the government can support artists by providing funding in artist development, projects and events.”