It's not uncommon for artists to have persistent themes that reappear in their work, often due to interests outside their art. A clear example of this is present in the work of art educator and artist Nicole Osborne, who creates artwork that intersects with her interest in educating the public about the role of reptiles. 

In addition to this entrepreneur's Reptile Smiles business, where she marries her collection of reptiles with participants' art experiences via public events, parties, or paint nights, she also teaches middle school art — a new position after time at the elementary school level. Let’s chat with Nicole using our Creator Five lens.

1) Her reptiles and experiences with them have impacted her outlook. Osborne shares that "having always been a black sheep, I identify closely with my reptiles in that they are largely misunderstood creatures who are subject to false rumors and fear-mongering stories of their teeth and appetites. I feel very strongly that educating the public on reptiles is so important for the preservation of the hobby as well as for the greater good of society."

Some of her reptiles are nocturnal and active in the later hours. "I am most definitely a night owl! I enjoy how peaceful the world is after dark, and I particularly enjoy nature at night because of its meditative aura."

Reptile keepers that have influenced her include Dougie Smith, Ty Parks, and Tom Crutchfield.

2) Creatively, Nicole's influences span the range of Jerome Witkin, Ralph Steadman, and Francisco Goya. In terms of her reading material, "I'm a massive fan of Arthurian legend, so I always recommend The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley to those who also love the genre!"

Because of the creatures around her, her most common workspace is not the traditional desk. She tells us that she's "developed an odd habit of preferring working on the floor, particularly at home in the living room! It keeps art making exciting to constantly have to dodge nosey cats and rabbits."

3) Regarding her own creativity, she offers a number of insights. "My personal art tends toward the dark and strange - I particularly love Victorian area photos and often use them as inspiration for subject matter. I think some viewers may assume my work is an attempt at horror or the macabre, but I like to think I am celebrating Victorian rituals surrounding parts of life and death that we are no longer comfortable with."

4) When she eventually gets a break in her schedule for some downtime, she quickly offers, "I love taking a long drive into the mountains (often the South Mountains) and going on a great hike!" Cheese and wine provide a quick snack, and I-ron-ic's breakfast sandwich offers a great start to the day.

5) Juggling her own reptile business, public school teaching, and her art is obviously something that would keep anyone challenged. "Perseverance is perhaps the most important trait I feel that contributes to success in anything. I would also encourage others to watch and listen quietly to those around them - there is so much you can learn simply from being in the presence of others!"

Explore more about Nicole Osborne's business at:

http://reptilesmiles.com 

On Facebook, find Nicole at Reptile Smiles.

All works copyright Nicole Osborne and/or Andrew T. Smith