Biography
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Nature has been the strongest influence in Banjie Getsinger Nicholas' life and art since her early childhood in rural Northwest Connecticut. The second of five children, she grew up surrounded by creative siblings and parents in a time and place that allowed children freedom and independence to experience the outdoors without many of today's anxieties. During this time her observations of birds, plants and insects formed the foundation of what excites her as an artist today.
In 1989 Banjie first experienced raising and releasing a baby catbird which eventually led to her acquiring both state and federal permits as a wild bird rehabilitator. At this time she began attending college where she focused her interest on biology and art, graduating from the University of Connecticut in 2001. From early spring to late summer she is rarely without baskets of baby birds being fed throughout the day until their eventual release. These birds provide much inspiration for her work which frequently features eggs, feathers and nests.
Her other strong area of interest is metamorphosis - it's reality and metaphor. For many years she has raised Cecropia and Promethea moths and hundreds of Monarch, Swallowtail and Painted Lady butterflies sharing the thrill of observing the stages of metamorphosis with anyone who is interested.
In 2002 Banjie was awarded a Martha Boschen Porter Grant and began working toward certificates in Botanical Illustration and Natural Science Illustration at The New York Botanical Garden. She completed both programs in June of 2004 and now teaches art at the Washington Art Association, The New York Botanical Garden, The Brookfield Craft Center and to private students in her studio. She has worked in many mediums but favors the delicate line and precise detail of egg tempera and silverpoint.
In November 2005 Banjie married Steve Nicholas and the couple live in Warren, CT with their two parrots and an assortment of winged and feathered guests.
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