Check Out Nicole Anton’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Anton.  

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I was in high school, I became very interested in my art classes and would try and take as many as I could. It easily became my favorite part of the day, and I actually dropped my Career Center class so I could take more art classes and learn work with new mediums. After graduation, I went to college for Occupational Therapy but quickly realized my passion was for art and creating. I dropped out after a year and spent my time focusing on work. I started working as a second and third-shift caregiver and would bring my sketchbook with me to pass time late at night when there was nothing else to do. I would share my designs online, and this slowly turned into people asking for tattoo designs, and that turned into people asking for custom paintings and drawings. In 2016 I realized how much I wanted to make something out of my art so I started working on an online business. During the next few years, I grew my online presence, trying new mediums and meeting new people. In 2021 I had gallbladder removal surgery and couldn’t move for a few days, so I figured, “Why not try to crochet.” This became my new passion very quickly, and in late 2022, I started doing art shows and setting up at the Saginaw farmers market on the weekend. During one of the art shows a few friends and I decided we wanted to put on our own art show. We rented out a local historic house, The Charles Lee Mansion. Since our first art show in October of 2022, we have put on 5 more since then and continue to plan another one each month. Art Jamboree At The Lee is an art show putting the spotlight on not only local artists and food vendors but also creating a safe space for people to shop, as well as bringing awareness and raising money through our art raffle for The Lee Mansion. The Art Jamboree at The Lee is now where I feel most at home. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been more like a horseback riding. You never know when something is going to go the way you want it to or knock you on your butt. The only part that matters is if you get back on the horse or stay on the ground. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I currently specialize in fiber art and painting. I love creating symmetrical drawings, as well as crocheting animals and adding an extra element (such as turning the shell on a turtle into a birthday cake.) As much as I love seeing the finished product, the design process and coming up with new ideas is always the best part. 

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Usually, the best way for me to focus on a project is to put on a tv show and get to work. 

Contact Info:

• Website: Smokinghookart.square.site
• Instagram: Smokinghookart
• Facebook: The smoking hook art
• Other: Artjamboreeatthelee.Wordpress.com