Collage Paper Party with Nicole Austin

I started my journey as an artist as most of us do: in childhood! My earliest memories are of scribbling on every surface I could get my hands on--books (I was an early, altered-book enthusiast!), walls and tables (not a favorite of the adults in my house!), sidewalks--you name it! My artistic desire knew no bounds! I always knew I wanted to be an artist, author and teacher, and I have slowly taken my time navigating through every possible route to achieve my dreams. I have not always done it the "right way" or even gotten to my goal on the first try (who does?) but I've never given up! (Or, I have given up--haven't we all hit a wall or two or three in our lives? BUT, I've gotten back up and tried again and again and again, each time a little wiser and with a different approach). I started formally teaching art in 2001 at elementary schools and community centers and graduated San Jose State University with a BA in Creative Arts in 2005. I discovered the amazing world of mixed media art in 2007, when I started my first blog; There I chronicled my adventures as a mom and artist. I attended my first art retreat, Artfest, in 2008 where I became aware that there were many others just like me who longed for community and creative knowledge. There, I met an amazing group of ladies, the Bay Area Art Sisters, with whom I could learn and grow as an artist feel comfortable just being my weird, artsy self! I began teaching my first informal workshops to my friends and family over the years and now I teach online, as well as at studios, retreats and private events around the country.