NICOLE MEDIN
Updated: 07/09/2023
Capturing moments through the lens has been a joyous journey for me, as I've had the privilege to photograph a wide array of events. Each event is like a unique story waiting to be told, yet there's a thread of similarity that weaves them together. If you've been following my blogs, you might have come across the name Nicole Medin. You could be curious about who she is, how our paths crossed, and why she's a recurring presence in my work. Let me shed light on that.
Nicole Medin is a remarkable individual who wears many hats - a singer, an artist, and a model. However, her impact extends beyond her artistic talents. She's a beacon of kindness, consistently reaching out to help others and raising funds for Ukraine, providing much-needed aid. In this particular blog, I'm excited to delve deeper into her inspiring journey. From her early days to the present, I'll unfold the story of who she is and the path that has brought her to where she stands today.
Nicole Medin is a remarkable individual who wears many hats - a singer, an artist, and a model. However, her impact extends beyond her artistic talents. She's a beacon of kindness, consistently reaching out to help others and raising funds for Ukraine, providing much-needed aid. In this particular blog, I'm excited to delve deeper into her inspiring journey. From her early days to the present, I'll unfold the story of who she is and the path that has brought her to where she stands today.
Nicole, a talented soprano soloist from Trowbridge with a unique blend of Ukrainian and Spanish heritage, has been actively engaged in supporting her Ukrainian roots. During the ongoing war, she has taken part in 40 Ukrainian fundraising events, engaging in 6 radio interviews, and joining 13 anti-war protests.
Impressed by her dedication, Nicole was given a remarkable opportunity. She was invited to organise and perform at one of the Ukrainian fundraising concerts in the South West. The concert, held at Bath Abbey, aimed to gather funds for generators and showcase the solidarity of Bath with Ukraine.
Before the conflict arose, Nicole channelled her self-expression through politically charged paintings, which she created. As she reached the age of 8, her musical journey began with piano and opera lessons under the guidance of a renowned Russian pianist. For 11 years, she graced opera concerts at 'The Wiltshire Rural Music' school, concluding her lessons at 18.
However, life took a turn when Russia's invasion of Ukraine unfolded. In response, Nicole courageously started performing Ukrainian music, previously forbidden to her, to raise funds for the war-torn nation. This act not only showcased her artistic talent but also became a meaningful way to contribute to the cause she deeply cared about.
Impressed by her dedication, Nicole was given a remarkable opportunity. She was invited to organise and perform at one of the Ukrainian fundraising concerts in the South West. The concert, held at Bath Abbey, aimed to gather funds for generators and showcase the solidarity of Bath with Ukraine.
Before the conflict arose, Nicole channelled her self-expression through politically charged paintings, which she created. As she reached the age of 8, her musical journey began with piano and opera lessons under the guidance of a renowned Russian pianist. For 11 years, she graced opera concerts at 'The Wiltshire Rural Music' school, concluding her lessons at 18.
However, life took a turn when Russia's invasion of Ukraine unfolded. In response, Nicole courageously started performing Ukrainian music, previously forbidden to her, to raise funds for the war-torn nation. This act not only showcased her artistic talent but also became a meaningful way to contribute to the cause she deeply cared about.
The first time I crossed paths with Nicole was at a Ukrainian Christmas event held at St. Margaret's Hall in Bradford-on-Avon. I had attended the event to make new connections for my project, and in the process, I captured photos of the festivities. During the event, Nicole graced us with her singing of Ukrainian songs, which inspired me to capture some snapshots of her performance.
As time went on, I guided Nicole to her next destination when she seemed a bit lost. While continuing to document the event, I eventually packed up my equipment, ready to leave. However, Nicole returned, and I took the opportunity to gather her contact information so I could share the photos I had taken. During our conversation, we delved into our work and projects we’ve been doing for our University course and outside university, and Nicole displayed a keen interest in my photography. She expressed her interest in being a part of my creative practice.
Following our interaction, I departed, later editing the images I had captured and sending them her way. Subsequently, Nicole and I engaged in further discussions about our work and a potential photoshoot that I was planning.
Ukrainian Christmas Event - Click Here
As time went on, I guided Nicole to her next destination when she seemed a bit lost. While continuing to document the event, I eventually packed up my equipment, ready to leave. However, Nicole returned, and I took the opportunity to gather her contact information so I could share the photos I had taken. During our conversation, we delved into our work and projects we’ve been doing for our University course and outside university, and Nicole displayed a keen interest in my photography. She expressed her interest in being a part of my creative practice.
Following our interaction, I departed, later editing the images I had captured and sending them her way. Subsequently, Nicole and I engaged in further discussions about our work and a potential photoshoot that I was planning.
Ukrainian Christmas Event - Click Here
We decided to meet up at her place for a photoshoot because it was more convenient, especially since it was very cold outside. When I arrived, I began taking pictures of her in everyday outfits and then in Traditional Ukrainian clothing. It turns out that each piece of Ukrainian clothing she had was handmade by her aunt, and each design had its own significance.
During our conversation, I conducted an interview with her and we discussed our respective work. That's when she mentioned an upcoming concert she was going to perform in. She asked if I would be interested in being the photographer for the event. This event was the Bath Abbey event to raise money for generators.
During our conversation, I conducted an interview with her and we discussed our respective work. That's when she mentioned an upcoming concert she was going to perform in. She asked if I would be interested in being the photographer for the event. This event was the Bath Abbey event to raise money for generators.
Back story:
In March 2022, about a month after the war began, Nicole attended a protest and ran into her Russian examiner, Zhenya. Two weeks later, Zhenya asked Nicole if she'd like to sing at events to raise money. Nicole agreed, and when they met at her house, she met Everton, a talented musician who would accompany her singing. On April 16, 2022, Nicole performed outside Bath Abbey to raise money for Ukraine. She continued to support charities through various events.
In December, Nicole was asked to do a concert at Bath Abbey to raise money for Generators for Ukraine in Oleksandriya. She travelled back and forth between her university in London and Bath for rehearsals. In early January, she attended board meetings, shared her scripts, and had a photoshoot for leaflets and articles outside Bath Abbey. All this happened before the Ukrainian Christmas Event on January 7, 2023.
For the concert, they added a children's choir to make it special, but they had to figure out how to make it work. On 5th January 2023, The Friends of Oleksandriya Charity officially formed, and Nicole became a member. On January 7, I met Nicole and started working together, supporting each other through everything.
Nicole partnered with Zhenya Shkil, the person who started The Friends of Oleksandriya Charity, along with Marian Mc Neir. Together, they had a goal in mind: to organise a special event to mark the day of the invasion that started a year ago. This event took place on February 24, 2023, in the form of a concert. She performed a variety of emotional and powerful songs in Ukrainian. Her concert felt like a narrative, using her performances and singing to tell a story about the ongoing war.
The concert turned out to be a big success. All the available seats, totaling 800, were sold out. The money collected from ticket sales and generous cash donations added up to £17,000. Additionally, an impressive £19,000 was raised through the GoFundMe page.
The combined funds were utilised for a very meaningful purpose. They were used to purchase advanced generators with high power capabilities for The Oleksandriya General and Children’s Hospital. This equipment will greatly help the hospital function smoothly and provide the necessary care to the patients.
Bath Abbey Concert - Click Here
For her performances, Nicole's Auntie and relatives in Lviv create special traditional Ukrainian outfits. Nicole personally designs each embroidered Ukrainian top, known as a vyshyvanka, and her family brings these designs to life.
This helps to showcase the beauty of Ukrainian traditional clothing and adds to the atmosphere of the songs she sings. According to Nicole, each vyshyvanka holds a unique significance based on its pattern and style. She shares that performing in these outfits is a deeply emotional experience. She recalls how her Auntie would work on the embroidery even during air raid sirens to make sure the costumes were ready for her concerts.
“My family is stronger than I’ll ever be.”
This helps to showcase the beauty of Ukrainian traditional clothing and adds to the atmosphere of the songs she sings. According to Nicole, each vyshyvanka holds a unique significance based on its pattern and style. She shares that performing in these outfits is a deeply emotional experience. She recalls how her Auntie would work on the embroidery even during air raid sirens to make sure the costumes were ready for her concerts.
“My family is stronger than I’ll ever be.”
After the captivating Bath Abbey event in Bath, she performed two more other events and another concert. The first event was the Green Man festival where she sang Ukrainian songs to add to the festive event. Then we did another concert after. The concert was about raising money for vans and medical supplies for Oleksandriya. That's when she sang Ukrainian songs and some English classics at the end of the day.
After the concert there was a third event that came up which was for raising money for Ukrainian soldiers. This event she was invited and asked to sing to add extra festivity
After all those fund raising events, she had a fashion photoshoot to do in Bristol but the other photographer could not make it. She rang me and I became the next photographer. She preferred me being the photographer as I have a lot more experience, she knows my work and we already know each other compared to the other photographer.
After the concert there was a third event that came up which was for raising money for Ukrainian soldiers. This event she was invited and asked to sing to add extra festivity
After all those fund raising events, she had a fashion photoshoot to do in Bristol but the other photographer could not make it. She rang me and I became the next photographer. She preferred me being the photographer as I have a lot more experience, she knows my work and we already know each other compared to the other photographer.
Ukrainian Easter event - Click Here
Green Man Festival - Click Here
Fundraising - Click Here
St Lukes Church - Click Here
Clothing Buisness Blog - Click Here
Green Man Festival - Click Here
Fundraising - Click Here
St Lukes Church - Click Here
Clothing Buisness Blog - Click Here
From the moment I unexpectedly crossed paths with her, my life has taken a beautiful turn. It's been an incredible journey capturing her through my lens, both in events and for my photography work. Our collaboration has been a gift, and I can already tell it's a partnership that will stand the test of time.
Since our first encounter, a world of opportunities has opened up for the both of us. Reflecting on where I am now, I realise that if fate hadn't led me to that chance encounter, I wouldn't have completed my project, I wouldn't have been presented with these numerous doors of opportunity, I wouldn't have become a member of the Friends of Oleksandriya charity, I wouldn’t of become the photographer and person I am now.
But beyond professional growth, it's the personal connections that have truly improved my life. I've had the privilege of meeting an extraordinary individual, someone whose spirit and talent have left an indelible mark on me.
As I look back on this journey, I'm filled with gratitude for the chance that brought us together. Here's to the countless moments captured, the stories yet to unfold, and the beautiful partnership that continues to grow.
Since our first encounter, a world of opportunities has opened up for the both of us. Reflecting on where I am now, I realise that if fate hadn't led me to that chance encounter, I wouldn't have completed my project, I wouldn't have been presented with these numerous doors of opportunity, I wouldn't have become a member of the Friends of Oleksandriya charity, I wouldn’t of become the photographer and person I am now.
But beyond professional growth, it's the personal connections that have truly improved my life. I've had the privilege of meeting an extraordinary individual, someone whose spirit and talent have left an indelible mark on me.
As I look back on this journey, I'm filled with gratitude for the chance that brought us together. Here's to the countless moments captured, the stories yet to unfold, and the beautiful partnership that continues to grow.