Meet Nori Rinaldo, the Portland-based illustrator and muralist behind the designs featured on our National Park Hip Pack Collection. A self-taught artist, Nori has been daydreaming about sunsets and tall trees and doodling mountainscapes in her notebooks as far back as she can remember. Nori finds inspiration in the shapes, patterns and textures found in nature and brings them to life with bold lines, dynamic colors and lots of imagination.

“I'm a strong believer that creative people need time to do nothing and let their brains wander. There’s no better way for me to do that than being in nature and immersed in the environment.”

Nori Rinaldo

We’re honored to collaborate with Nori as her unique style and whimsical interpretations of the natural world are the perfect way to inspire people to explore, celebrate and treasure their favorite national parks!

Where are you from and how would you describe the art you create?

I’m originally from Rochester, New York! It’s not quite known for the outdoors, but the Finger Lakes and Adirondack Mountains are absolutely beautiful and will always have my heart. The art I create now is definitely inspired by growing up there. My style is always evolving but the outdoors will always be the subject.

How does being in nature inspire your work?

I'm a strong believer that creative people need time to do nothing and let their brains wander. There’s no better way for me to do that than being in nature and immersed in the environment. Hopefully, the stress of daily life falls away and I can access that playful part of my brain.

There's this trope that artists have to be depressed and suffering to make great work and I couldn't disagree more. I can't be creative unless I'm feeling happy and fulfilled in the rest of my life and a big part of that is being in nature.

Nori leaning against a wall on which she has painted a colorful mural of mountains.

What does your creative process look like?

My creative process is so chaotic...but I start out with a really loose idea and explore and experiment during the process. I don't always know where something is going to end up, because ideas and thoughts pop into my head in the process. I'm not really big on sketching because I often totally change course in the middle of a piece. It's pretty 0 to 100.

What are your favorite outdoor hobbies?

My favorite hobbies are skiing, camping, hiking with my dog and biking of all kinds. I love commuting around the city on my bike, bikepacking, and mountain biking! I also dabble in surfing and climbing, but I'm no expert. I love to be on the water in whatever form, and that’s definitely thanks to spending so much time in the Finger Lakes growing up!

Do you have a favorite national park?

Rocky Mountain National Park! It’s just so beautiful and I really love the landscape in Colorado. I have really fond memories of funny moments during a trip there a few years ago.

Last question: rock, paper or scissors?

No clue. Just like my creative process, I don't know what's going to come out until we say "shoot."

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@norinaldo

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Nori Rinaldo for oso supply co.