As always, my art collectors who choose to shop my work in person at Closet Collectibles (vs online in my Etsy shop) receive discounted “support local” in-store pricing* so be sure to go check out whats new at the store, stock up on my art and nostalgic collectibles, and don’t forget to tell Chris and the gang that “Living Dead Girl Nicole sent ya!”
When I needed to order the 4×4″ canvas to create my Solaris Mini Monsterpiece for the Nevada Fine Arts 4×4 Gallery Show, I was thrilled to discover an affordable pack of canvases that would allow me to make more than just one of my Monstrosities in this fun new size.
Lately, I have been doing a lot of self reflection, with a strong focus on healing my root chakra. With Earth Day on the horizon, spring in the air, and my “Solaris” piece bringing the warmth, I felt inspired to channel that energy into another fun celestial inspired creation. A little handcrafted minion of Mother Earth sent to remind all of us that the energy we need to feel more grounded is just a step outside our front doors.
I chose a blue and green color palette and decided to name the piece “Gaia,” after the personification of Earth and the first deity said to have emerged from chaos.
Like my other Mini Monsterpieces, Gaia is made from a pre-wrapped (on wood) canvas that I’ve transformed into a three-dimensional, cycloptic creature with a glossy hypnotic eye, wild faux hair, drool covered natural shell fangs, glittery horns and rubbery flesh.
Gaia is now up for adoption in my Etsy shop and will be made available to see and purchase* in-person in my Cabinets of Curiosities when I made my next art drop at Closet Collectibles.
When I saw that Nevada Fine Arts was looking for artists to submit to their 4×4 gallery show, I made the immediate decision that the “Biggest Little City in the World” needed to be exposed to my handmade Monstrosities. And since Johnny Cash once said that “Reno has always been a place where anything can happen,” I was not about to let that chance slip through my claws.
The size requirement for the show aligned closely with my Mini Monsterpieces, so I conjured up a cycloptic little beast made exclusively for it. Knowing that hundreds of talented artists would also be submitting their work, I chose a bright, playful color palette so it would really stand out when its displayed.
When finishing up the piece I decided to name it Solaris which means “of the sun” or “pertaining to the sun,” symbolizing light, energy, warmth, power, and vitality.
Like my other Mini Monsterpieces, Solaris is made from a pre-wrapped (on wood) canvas that I’ve transformed into a three-dimensional, cycloptic creature with a glossy hypnotic eye, wild faux hair, drool covered natural shell fangs, glittery horns and rubbery flesh.
Description Used For My Submission: Solaris is a 4×4 canvas transformed into one of my three-dimensional cycloptic creatures, emerging from my whimsical macabre imagination where playful energy meets darker surreal forms. This Mini Monsterpiece was handcrafted using layered sculptural elements and mixed materials that extend beyond the surface of the canvas.
As a Midwestern, out-of-state artist offering this limited-edition piece exclusively through this Reno exhibit, I wanted to conjure a monstrosity that feels as if it has burst through the desert sky while colliding with neon lights, alive with anticipation for new horizons and the possibilities that come with stepping beyond familiar ground.
This special exhibition piece continues my exploration of transforming traditional surfaces into animated beastly personalities. Solaris exists as a three-dimensional handmade creation for eccentric collectors who, like the artist, are drawn to pushing beyond the boundaries of traditional canvas-based art.
1301 S. Virginia St in Reno, Nevada.
This exclusive art piece will be on display at Nevada Fine Arts Gallery 1301starting with their 4th Installation Opening on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Like all of the amazing artwork in the exhibit, Solaris will be available for purchase in person for $44 and will remain on display through the final installation in July. That is unless some lucky collector gets their claws on it first. Could it be you?
The May 2nd Opening which is also be live streamed on the Nevada Fine Arts Instagram page for those who want to see all the incredible work that is a part of the show.
While you are there, please be sure to give them a follow and support this incredible business. They not only advocate for the arts community and provide resources through their store and classes, but they have been working around the clock for months to make this international exhibit an opportunity for human artists to gain exposure and share their work with a wider audience. Something us human artists value deeply.
If you are new here, be sure to check out the Creature Features page of my portfolio website. There you can find this exhibit listed amongst some of the other unique places my art has been featured over the years.
I am still so honored to have had my “I’m Not Staying On This Farm” split face portrait of Mia Goth chosen to be featured in the Women In Arts Network Faces Exhibition. Being invited to do an exclusive interview made the experience even more meaningful, and after reading the piece they just published about me and my work, I am truly in awe of how beautifully they captured my essence.
“The world has enough safe, predictable, easily categorized art. What it needs is more artists like Nicole who show up covered in glitter and fake blood with a monster under one arm and a Prismacolor pencil behind their ear and make exactly the thing nobody asked for but everybody needed.“
For those not familiar with the Women in Arts Network, here is a snippet from their website to help you get you familiar with their mission…
The Women in Arts Network is a one-of-a-kind global platform that unites talented women in the arts, offering them a thriving space within the art world. We bring together writers, podcasters, gallerists, curators, and more, fostering not only collaboration but also celebration. It’s a place where collaboration isn’t just possible, it’s celebrated. Here, women from around the globe don’t just connect, they form powerful networks and lasting friendships. So, whether you’re on the hunt for talent or ready to showcase your own, Women in Arts Network is just the place for you.
