Whether a writer, sculptor, painter, singer or dancer, artists work hard for their craft. It’s important for artists to support the arts and one another.
My dear friend, Nicole Ballingal, is a painter, sculptress, caricaturist, graphic designer, teacher, wordsmith and so much more. I am in awe of Nicole’s immense talent.
Below is one of her beautiful seascapes. Nicole has worked tirelessly to hone her craft. She deserves every success that comes her way.

Nicole is also an art teacher with Sydney Art Space. Her bio is available in the link.
Nicole competes regularly in art competitions in her homeland of Australia. She has recently submitted a breathtaking portrait in the Archibald Prize. The Archibald Prize is awarded annually to the best portrait, ‘preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics, painted by any artist resident in Australasia’. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
The cover art, bookmarks, posters for Divine Guidance are just a few of the pieces Nicole created for the launch. I love working with her! We can chat about a project and she creates the image I have in my head. She’s amazing like that.

Artists supporting artists is an integral component to artists living their best creative lives. We each know how much work goes into our respective crafts. Time, patience, lack of sleep…we can certainly empathize with one another. The support of family and friends also helps in our dedication to the creative endeavors we pursue.
Just in case it isn’t clear, I am one of Nicole’s biggest fans – so much so, that I created a character just for her in my soon-to-be-released murder mystery, Torn Veil.
Please support the arts and follow Nicole’s studio, Factory5 Creative Space on Facebook.
If you love a piece of artwork you’ve seen or a book you’ve read or a theater production that touched your soul, share a kind word about the artist(s) with friends and family. The artist will appreciate it.