About

Nicolas Chevallier was born in 1968 in France but spent his formative years amid the lush landscapes of French Guiana, South America. Growing up among the Amazon rainforest and coastal mangroves, he developed a deep and lasting bond with the natural world—one that would profoundly shape his artistic vision. His father, an avid traveler, often took the family—Nicolas and his three brothers—on extended journeys throughout South and Central America, from Mexico to Tierra del Fuego, and from the Caribbean islands to the towering Andes.

 

At the age of 11, Nicolas spent a year traveling across the United States with his family in a camper van, exploring the vast diversity of national parks. This immersion in ever-changing landscapes and cultures opened his mind to a broader, more nuanced understanding of the world.

 

He later returned to Europe for his studies, earning a master’s degree in Advanced Manufacturing Technology in the UK and a mechanical engineering degree in France. His technical education fostered a unique appreciation for the natural world—particularly through the lens of structural systems and the patterns that sustain life. This blend of analytical insight and creative curiosity eventually became the foundation of his artistic exploration.

 

Nicolas’s career led him to live and work in countries as varied as Egypt, Jordan, China, and India. These experiences deepened his awareness of cultural richness and the many ways in which humans relate to nature.

 

In 2000, he moved with his family to Dallas, Texas, USA, where they lived for two years. The expansive spirit and generosity of life there left a lasting impression on him.

 

In 2002, seeking a quieter rhythm, Nicolas returned to France with his wife and their three young children. They settled in a small village, hoping to offer their children a peaceful and memorable upbringing close to nature.

 

A decade later, in 2012, the family embarked on a new adventure, relocating to New Zealand. They made their home in Christchurch, on the South Island, where they were captivated by the country’s breathtaking beauty—from dramatic coastlines to dense forests and alpine peaks.

 

As time passed and the children became independent, Nicolas and his wife sought solitude in the far north of New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic. There, in the heart of the subtropical bush, he hand-built a small cabin on a 14-hectare property, completely cut off from the outside world, and embraced a slower, more intentional way of life. Immersed in this environment, he connected deeply with Māori culture—particularly its spiritual reverence for nature. This worldview profoundly influenced his artistic philosophy, reinforcing the idea that nature is not just scenery, but sacred.

 

After three years living in the jungle, Nicolas returned to the coast, settling in the small fishing village of Whangaroa. It is here that he has chosen to fully dedicate himself to his art. Inspired by a clear and passionate message—that living close to nature leads to a richer, more meaningful life—he now creates work that celebrates the healing power of the natural world and encourages others to rediscover harmony with it.