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Photo credit: OTI website

In advance of her October exhibition at Toolbox Gallery, where she will become the first craft trade professional to be featured, Liz Nichols sat down with Amaha Million, Toolbox’s Editorial and Storytelling lead, for a conversation about her path from cement mason to exhibiting artist, and the many layers of labor, creativity, and life in between.

Q: What was it like growing up in Massachusetts? Why did you move to Portland?
A: Liz was one of five siblings in a lively household. She and her husband share a deep love for the outdoors – whether it was biking, hiking to beautiful views, or anything active and nature-oriented. They had both lived in Massachusetts their entire lives and agreed that it was time for a change. In 2011, after researching places that aligned with their lifestyle and interests, the couple landed on Portland – a perfect fit for their shared passions.

Q: Where did you go to school, and what was that experience like?
A: “I was never into school, but at the time, it felt like the only route for me to take,” Liz shared. She went to Hampshire College, a small school near home, where she majored in English. Her love for reading was the main aspect leading to that decision, but ultimately, the traditional academic environment never quite felt like the right fit.

Q: When did you discover your passion for art? Was it through your work in construction or the other way around?
A: Liz always considered herself a writer, but never an artist – at least not at first. Her passion for art began as a hobby, and it wasn’t until she started working as a cement mason that her artistic curiosity really took shape. That tactile, hands-on nature of working with concrete sparked questions about what else she could create with the material, eventually leading her down the path to becoming the artist she is today.

Q: How are you feeling going into this upcoming exhibition, knowing you will be the grand opener here at Toolbox?
A: With a big smile, Liz stated, “I’m definitely anxious, but super excited at the same time. It also sort of triggers my imposter syndrome, but it’s extremely validating and I’m looking forward to it.” Though she’s sold pieces in small shops and street markets, this marks her first formal exhibition.

Q: What are some examples of art you’ve created? Do you only work with cement, or do you use other mediums?
A: Liz’s work primarily consists of ceramics and pottery-inspired pieces, often incorporating botanical castings from plants she grows herself. During her early years here in Portland, she worked as a landscaper and developed a love for gardening – an influence that continues to appear in her artistic work.

Q: What made you choose to be a cement mason over other construction roles?
A: Like many recent college graduates, Liz was carrying student debt and looking for steady, well-paying work with benefits. “I wish my answer was more exciting, but I needed a job fast,” she said. She found a pre-apprenticeship program that set her on the path to becoming a cement mason and she joined right away. “It just felt like a right time right place moment.” Today, Liz works as a business agent for her union – a full circle moment she’s proud of.

Q: Have you noticed a change in the number of women in the workforce since you started?
A: “When I started, I was just one of only five women in my union. Now we’re up to around 20. It still may not be much, but that’s four times the amount and it is clear we are moving in the right direction.”

Q: Outside of art, what are some of your other passions?
A: “I’ve always been really sporty,” she states. Liz is a dedicated ultimate frisbee player, which is where she got her nickname “Knuckles” – a play on her last name Nichols – and it stuck. She also enjoys working out, running, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Gardening remains a major passion. Reading continues to be a grounding force for her as well. But above all, Liz consistently returned to one subject throughout our conversation: her kids..

Q: What does a typical creative day look like for you?
A: “It usually starts with me just messing around, and seeing what comes of it,” said Liz. Rather than planning out exactly what she wants to make that day, she prefers to let the work unfold naturally. But before that can happen, she has to carve out the time. “I need to make the time, since I’m with my kids so much. The other day, I put my daughter down for a nap and since she sleeps for so long, I was able to work on a project for some hours.”

Q: You were on the CBS show Tough as Nails. How did it feel to be selected, and what was the experience like?
A: “The feeling was crazy! It was one of those moments that just didn’t feel real.” Liz had first heard about the opportunity through other women that were in her apprenticeship program, and decided to apply just to see what may happen. “I didn’t think I’d actually get picked,” she admitted. But after getting called back for a second and third interview, it became clear that she had a real shot. “It was just for fun – I’m not into reality TV. I don’t watch much TV at all. But once I found out I’d been accepted, I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’d regret passing up on it.” CBS gave her just 24 hours’ notice to get on a flight to California and prepare for the show. This was during 2021, so the participants were required to quarantine in a hotel for two weeks. Filming lasted about six weeks, and during that time, everyone’s phones were confiscated, meaning Liz couldn’t talk to her family at all. That was the hardest part. Aside from that, Liz was grateful for the opportunity, enjoyed the challenges and all the people she met during her time on the show.

Q: Is there anyone you credit as a role model or inspiration?
A: Without hesitation, Liz named her friend Kathy. “She was the first person to call me an artist.” Before that, Liz saw her art as a hobby, but Kathy helped her see it for what it truly was: art. “She empowers me and makes me feel validated. She pushes me out of my comfort zone.” Everyone needs someone like that, she added – especially artists.

Q: What advice would you give your younger self – or another young woman – entering a male-dominated field like construction?
A: “Find your support network. The people you can vent to after a hard day. Don’t bottle anything up inside and don’t listen to the people that say ‘women can’t do this or that.’ People will always try to move the bar, but believe that you belong. Hone your skills and tune out the outside noise.”

Liz Nichols’ Toolbox Gallery exhibition marks a powerful first: the debut of a craft trade professional as the featured artist. Her work bridges the worlds of labor and art, reminding us that creativity lives in the heads of makers, builders, and everyday workers.

For more information, contact Amaha Million, editorial & storytelling, Toolbox Gallery, [email protected]