My name is Nichola "Knickertwist" Battilana. I am a formally trained artist and fancy-pants graphic designer. But really, that doesn't matter one pip and you don’t care about such boring things... I don’t blame you.

That's me on the left. While a perfectly nice photo, it's sort of a lie. To be completely truthful I usually look much more disheveled and rather befuddled. The photo below is a much more honest portrait.

About the mess making

I am absolutely passionate about making stuff. Whether it's upcycling, painting, mixed media, sculpture, assemblage... I jump in and create with positive, joyful abandon.

As an art student, I once had an instructor bellow, "ART IS NOT FUN!" Years later I still think that's one of the dumbest things I've ever heard. Perhaps my mission is prove just how wrong that person was.

Most of my work is inspired by make-believe, magic, folklore, faeries, nonsense and nature. The world is abound with hidden treasures and chocked full of magic. Tiny holes, fallen feathers and toadstool rings all tell tales of mischief and delight. I endeavor to capture those little bits of magic, and convince other people to see them too... even if it is just for a moment.

My family

After 20+ years in the big city, my little family relocated to a 100+ year old farm house on a hilly two acres in the little town of Brighton, Ontario. The inspiration for Pixie Hill comes from our move to this very special place.

I live at Pixie HIll with a dashing husband, our fabulous son, a goofy black dog named Padfoot, several chickens (affectionately called "The Girls") and a few fish.

Do I really believe in faeries?

Absolutely!

I'm fortunate to have had a very good relationship with the wee folk for quite a number of years. We are glad to share our property at Pixie Hill with faeries of all sorts.

Want to know more?

Feel free to email me at info@pixiehill.com with any comments, questions or inquiries.