Nicki Greenham is an artist, writer, spiritual life coach and sound therapist. Having lived in Hertfordshire for 20 years, she recently returned back to the Dorset coast where she was born. She often works intuitively, using everyday objects instead of brushes to create vibrant abstract paintings. Having graduated with an MA in Children’s Book Illustration from Cambridge School of Art, Nicki is inspired by comics and fairy tales to create colourful designs with humour and emotion. She loves transferring her art onto cushions to bring colour and inspiration into people’s homes.
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Art seems a lot easier when we're younger in those golden years where we draw to express how we feel without worrying what's 'good'. Part of becoming an adult artist is working out how to get back to that place. I love exploring colour and creating pattern and texture with everyday objects; dried leaves, combs, avocado skins and squeegees have all featured in my work. Inspired by the natural world, I enjoy painting outdoors in my garden and a lot of my abstract art is intuitive. I love the speed and ease of acrylic paint, (often combined with collage), and working on large canvases and cardboard.
I began my career working as a primary teacher in Hertfordshire. Wherever I lived I've found art classes and life drawing. A few years ago I tried a local course in handbuilding ceramics where I enjoyed sculpting animals and angels. Then in 2021 I graduated with an MA in Children’s Book Illustration from Cambridge School of Art. It’s taken me a long time to become confident enough to express what I want to say in visual sequences, and I find myself drawn to details, and techniques that are completely different to my expressive abstract pieces. I like the bright pigments of gouache, and the contrasts of ink and digital collage. I am influenced a lot by fairytales and comics; emotions and humour are strong themes in my characters. |
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Seeing my illustrations and abstract pieces on physical, tactile things like cushions and mugs is really exciting. I love the way the art takes on a new life. I’m also passionate about sharing that with other people through abstract art classes; it’s a wonderful way to facilitate creative expression. Adults often come to my workshops worried they can’t draw, but it’s not a problem when we work with abstract colour and shape. As a primary teacher I find children easily understand how to tell stories through abstract art, it’s the adults who need more guidance.
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Writing and art have always been natural forms of expression for me, and an important part of my healing journey. In 2000 I became seriously ill with ME/CFS, MCS and Crohn’s Disease. Journalling and poetry became vital ways for me to process the pain and trauma of the following 20 years. Even in hospital I took felt tips and a sketchpad and created a picture book about a crocodile called Nigel (above). While I was housebound I experienced the world though stories, writing several children's books and a couple of novels. In 2005 I founded a national charity and magazine to help other people affected by environmental illness.
Now as a spiritual life coach I work with Angelic frequencies to lead creativity and wellness courses, and help other creatives get inspired and achieve their goals in a monthly Creative Healing Club.
You can join me for any of my art and creative healing events by subscribing to my monthly newsletter where you can see what I'm working on right now, and what events are coming up, or simply message me for more info – I‘d love to hear from you!
Now as a spiritual life coach I work with Angelic frequencies to lead creativity and wellness courses, and help other creatives get inspired and achieve their goals in a monthly Creative Healing Club.
You can join me for any of my art and creative healing events by subscribing to my monthly newsletter where you can see what I'm working on right now, and what events are coming up, or simply message me for more info – I‘d love to hear from you!
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