Concentrating on the the flow of the pour while painting on the lanai. (Yes, those are fishing rods in the background.)
Susan K Nicholls is one of over 400 artists in the Pine Island Art Association. Pine Island (population aprox. 8000) is north of Sanibel Island, and just west of Matlacha, (pronounced Matt-la-shay), and Cape Coral. Bokeelia, on the north end of the 15 mile island, has a population of 1613. This Southwest Gulf area is known as Florida’s Creative Coast for a reason.
Originally, Matlacha was a sleepy little fishing village. After new netting laws were put into place, commercial fishing waned. The village residents literally took a paintbrush and palette and reenergized their small island town with bright, tropical colors. Today, colorful Matlacha enjoys a reputation as a funky arts community that fishes, a lot. Many Pine Island artists are represented by Matlacha galleries as well as other venues on the islands.
A mother of four, grandmother of four, thirty-year veteran registered nurse, and author, Susan was disabled in 2012. She began Kundalini yoga practice in April 2018, with the Life Force Academy to aid healing. New experiences can shift our perspective and inspire creative leaps.
A few months later, in August 2018, she picked up her brushes and painted over fifty pieces in her first year. A former farmer, restaurant manager, and Pokémon Go champion, she has always found ways to reinvent herself.
Using online instruction, she developed her talent and learned new skills. In keeping with her dedicated educators, she teaches others through her FB group and on YouTube. You can also find her on Instagram @artwayplace.
(Click on gallery pic to enlarge.)
Aura charge at sunset
After visiting the laid-back islands many times, Susan and her husband, Greg, (along with their rescue dog) became full-time residents of Matlacha in 2019. Happy to become typical in this atypical location, they actively advocate for the Rights of Nature and support the Calusa Land Trust. Their goal is to help keep these island treasures protected and beautiful for future generations. In September 2021, the couple moved from the tiny village of Matlacha to Pine Island proper for a larger home and grounds.
Colorful galleries and shops line Pine Island Rd through Matlacha, into Center, and beyond on Stringfellow Rd. on big Pine Island. It’s a paradise home in an eclectic community they cherish.
They both love landscaping and gardening and after transforming their place in Matlacha, they are now working on designing garden spaces at their new place on Pine Island. In keeping with Island Time philosophy, it’s a low-maintenance project that allows ample time for boating and fishing
Artists and fishermen abound here, as do the subjects expected. But you won’t find any pristine beaches on this island paradise. You also won’t find high-rise condos, parking garages, or the traffic seen in urban Florida communities. It’s a rural and serene “Old Florida” location. Crossing the bridge brings you to a special place where everyone is on island time.
Susan’s work has been seen at market venues in Orlando, FL and Kaleidoscope Venue for the Arts in Longwood, FL. She is currently seeking representation.
It takes no more time to see the good side of life than to see the bad.