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09
Feb
ICECOLD’s ACRYLICS
NEWSWORTHY
ICECOLD's ACRYLICS
Hidden Sculptural Art Exhibition and Book, Redefining Nail Artistry in New York City
Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2024
Discover a groundbreaking exploration of nail artistry with ICECOLD’s ACRYLICS exhibition and accompanying book, presented by VCG. This innovative showcase, set to captivate audiences in New York City, unveils the intricate sculptural artistry that defines nail art as a unique medium. Through a fusion of sculptural installations, editorial narratives, and sonic storytelling, ICECOLD invites viewers on an immersive journey into the complex world of nails.
ACRYLICS offers a surreal interpretation of the traditional manicure experience, with crimson ‘nail polish’-adorned hands emerging from gallery walls, weaving together narratives from a diverse array of nail artists. Each artist shares their creative voice and perspective through unique nail expressions, creating a nostalgic yet innovative salon experience for exhibition attendees.
ICECOLD’s creative vision permeates every aspect of the ACRYLICS installation, crafting a comprehensive 360-degree experience for viewers. From meticulously designed exhibits to the intimate storytelling within the accompanying coffee table book, ACRYLICS offers a captivating exploration of nail art’s rich history and cultural significance. Delving into its global origins and evolution, the exhibition highlights the creative contributions of Asian immigrants and Black Americans, shaping the vibrant landscape of nail artistry today.
Within the pages of the ACRYLICS book, readers are invited into the world of featured nail artists, offering insights into their creative processes and personal journeys. With thirty-five percent of book sales directly supporting the artists and production team, this publication serves as a testament to ICECOLD’s commitment to uplifting and empowering fellow creatives.
As a maestro of creativity, ICECOLD transcends conventional boundaries with her diverse skill set across various media. Through ACRYLICS, she aims to inspire audiences to explore and manifest their own creative ideas, fostering a new wave of artistic expression.
Experience the transformative power of ACRYLICS from February 10th to March 10th, 2024, at the A.I.R. Gallery in Brooklyn, New York.
Acrylics runs from 10 Feb– 10 March 2024
A.I.R. Gallery
155 Plymouth Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201
+001 (212) 255-6651
E: info@airgallery.org
02
Feb
Thao Nguyen
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video and so much more educational content.
video and so much more educational content.
Thao Nguyen
Delighting in her childhood passion for painting nails, content creator for NotPolish Thao Nguyen moved to practicing acrylic nails in the 11th grade, then apprenticed at a family friend's salon during her senior year of high school. At 19, Thao obtained her nail license. With husband Tri Nguyen playing a significant role in training her in nail art and acrylic nails, Thao chose her career path. Now a successful and inspiring nail artist, Thao shares her hot tips for social media success in the nail world. @notpolish_thao over 500k followers
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05
Jan
Gilded Cages
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video and so much more educational content.
video and so much more educational content.
Gilded Cages
International educator, judge, award-winning nail professional, coach, consultant and columnist, Tracey Lee, born in south Africa, now lives in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. “I’m blessed to have discovered the amazing world of nails after relocating to The Netherlands. My experience in education and training in South Africa stood me in good stead, as after completing a nail course to be able to do my own nails, I was later invited to join an education team where I became director of education & product development during my 10-year tenure. “
“In 2016 I took on the role of independent international educator and a world of opportunities opened up for me. Entering Nails magazine’s Next Top Nail Artist competition, was a life-changing event. It was not only the win that had an impact on my skills and my career, the entire journey through the competition made me a better nail professional. My motto is KEY: Keep Educating Yourself. I continue to do this and share my knowledge and experience with others through education.
“I could never have imagined at the beginning of my journey into nails that there would be so many opportunities and avenues in this dynamic industry. I’m looking forward to all the possibilities it has to offer.”
“In 2016 I took on the role of independent international educator and a world of opportunities opened up for me. Entering Nails magazine’s Next Top Nail Artist competition, was a life-changing event. It was not only the win that had an impact on my skills and my career, the entire journey through the competition made me a better nail professional. My motto is KEY: Keep Educating Yourself. I continue to do this and share my knowledge and experience with others through education.
“I could never have imagined at the beginning of my journey into nails that there would be so many opportunities and avenues in this dynamic industry. I’m looking forward to all the possibilities it has to offer.”
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08
Dec
Dream Flower
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video and so much more educational content.
video and so much more educational content.
Dream Flower
Abstract art is a powerful nail style and so easy to create on client's nails. Applying top coat in random areas of the nail, use foils or transfers to add abstract areas of color to start shaping the design . Gold foil flakes pack a punch and really bring the design to life before stamping a simple line design onto the nail to complete the look.
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28
Nov
Is the cuticle tissue dead or alive
PRO Q&A
Is the cuticle tissue dead or alive?
Discover the cuticle basics that every nail tech should know.
Article by Alisha Rimando | Published in 2023
Cuticle is a thin layer of colorless dead tissue between the proximal nail fold, eponychium and the nail plate. Together they form a seal to keep pathogens from infecting the matrix area. To avoid product lifting in this area, best practice is to remove all cuticle that is directly attached to the nail plate, so polish and other nail products can adhere directly to the nail and not atop the cuticle. To gently detach cuticle from the nail plate, dip a 2×2 gauze square in cuticle remover and gently scrub the nail plate in a circular motion up to the eponychium. Trim excess cuticle or hangnails with a sharp cuticle nipper.
04
Sep
Finger Fashion Factoid
DID YOU KNOW?
Finger Fashion Factoid
Ombré nails are a stunning way to express your style and creativity.
Article by Alisha Rimando | Published in 2023
An ombré design is when one color fades into another and the meeting point creates a seamless blend of the two. Ombré is from the French word meaning ‘shaded’ or ‘shading’. It is a degradation of colors from dark to light or light to dark. This technique can be used with any nail art medium. Nail artists previously called this technique a ‘color fade’ or ‘color graduation’ in the 1990’s. The term ombre’ was coined in 2010 when hairdressers set the trend fading hair from dark to light.
Related videos, articles & glossary terms on GlossaryLive
23
Jun
Dragon Print
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video and so much more educational content.
video and so much more educational content.
Dragon Print
A stamping kit, nail polish colors with effects base and top coats are all it takes to create this textural, layered nail design. The dragon print takes just minutes to create as the matte base is applied before two layers of stamping are added and the velvet top coat brushed on to complete. The only question left is- what color will your dragon be?
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22
Jun
Thao Do
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video and so much more educational content.
video and so much more educational content.
THAO DO
Vietnamese born nail artist, Thao Do, has had a unique journey in her nail career. Currently Senior Color Specialist for Nail Alliance, makers of Gelish, Morgan Taylor, Artistic Nail Design and Entity, Thao creates hundreds of batches and formulas of nail color every month. As a trained nail technician, working in a science lab isn't the norm, but she's not a normal nail professional. Her passion for nails has led her down many roads, in many labs and creating nail art trends for a mutitude of photo shoots throughout her career. There is not much this single mom hasn't done. Learn about her inspirational journey, how she became a nail artist and her advice for new nail pros coming into the industry.
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04
May
BASE COAT
BASE COAT [beys-koht]
What it is: Formulated to bond color to the natural nail, this nitrocelulose or gel-based product is used to promote adhesion of color and prevent staining.
How to use it: Used in manicures or artificial nail services to bond polish or gel polish to the surface of the nail.
How to apply it: Applied in a thin layer smoothly and evenly over a prepared natural nail or enhancement covering the tip.
How to remove it: Removed with acetone-based product remover.
How to store it: Store with lids tightly closed in a cool, dry place and keep away from heat and light.
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28
Apr
3D Flower and Foil
3D Flower and Foil
Learn how to layer different art techniques, with this nail art tutorial created by Mexico Nail Educator, Diana Hernandez. To re-create this dramatic nail art look you will need your favorite gel polish colors, a sponge, transfer foil, a liner brush, spider gel and matte top coat to create the background. Diana then creates 3D flowers from monomer and white and gold acrylic powder using a small 3D art brush. It's truly amazing how each piece of this design can be created quickly and layered to produce such a unique design that can be easily replicated in the salon. So gather up your nail art supplies and try layering multiple products techniques in your next nail art look.
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28
Apr
One Stroke Flora
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video and so much more educational content.
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One Stroke Flora
Italian nail artist, Giusy Napoli, demonstrates how to create beautiful flowers, quickly and simply, using the one-stroke nail art technique. She shows how double-dipping a nail art brush in gel polish can lead to the perfect petal that turns quickly into flowers. Let Giusy show you how one-stroke nail art designs can be done in minutes. So grab your favorite gel polishes, an art palette and let's play.
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28
Apr
Chrome Leaves
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Chrome Leaves
Sandra Campos, nail art educator in Mexico, uses gel polish as her favorite medium for creating salon style nail art. For this nail art design she combines abstract art, chrome powder, and embellishments to create this quick and easy accent nail design. Grab your liner brush, gel polishes, matte top coat, chrome powder, glitter polish and your favorite embellishments to re-create this fun nail art look.
