Nicki Smith

Medium: Watercolors
Studio: 7630 NE 124th St.
Phone: 425.825.5545

Biography
Nicki Smith was born in Seattle, Washington and studied ballet with Mary Ann Wells starting at age 7. A Ford Foundation Scholarship led her to San Francisco where she performed with the San Francisco Ballet, Oakland Metropolitan Ballet and Santa Clara Ballet. Nicki also taught ballet for several years in the Bay Area, produced and stage managed dance performances and choreographed for local ballet companies. An interest in the healing arts lead to a career as a California Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist, including several years as a State Subject Matter Expert developing the California acupuncturist licensing exam.

During all of the above activities Nicki was drawing, painting and taking art workshops. She studied with Catherine Anderson, Vesta Kirby and took classes at the Museum of Natural History in San Francisco. She has shown her work at Black Hawk Gallery, Winsor Tomato Festival, Overlake Hospital, The Gardens at Town Square, The Kenmore Art Festival, EAFA 32nd Annual Open Exhibition, Volunteer Services Awards Exhibition, Service to Others – Art to Heart, Daniel Smith Art Gallery and is a juried member of the Park Lane Gallery in Kirkland. A former member of the California Watercolor Association, Nicki is a member of the Northwest Watercolor Society and serves as Program Chairwoman 2007-2008. She is also a member of the Eastside Association of Fine Arts and manages their largest public art venue. The artist currently resides in Kirkland.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT
In my art I attempt to portray the joy that life brings. Images of nature, beautiful settings and evocative moments that bring us to a thoughtful place are my subjects. My art has been influenced by running through the woods of the northwest as a child, remembering the aroma of damp earth and the sight of lush greenery. The salt spray of the sea, the feel of the sun on my face, traveling to new environments and the beauty of nature are all inspirations