Artist Statement 

           

Creativity allows us to explore our own experience of life, whether by expressing unrestrained joy or creating beauty even in our dark moments. Working with acrylic paint, graphite, and charcoal, I create artwork that illustrates the contrast in our world, whether between color, tones, or even emotion. My work is multi-layered and textured, serving as a visual parallel to the way our lives are the result of layered experiences and the impacts they leave on us.

Allowing each unique work to guide me rather than setting out with a predetermined outcome, my artwork is both a technical and an emotional process, requiring fearlessly free expression to yield the final piece. Experimentation is a significant aspect of my practice, whether by exploring color or employing unconventional tools. Some pieces are completed quickly while others span the course of weeks before the final touch is made, though each piece offers the same invitation to seek beauty in the everyday moments of our lives.

My artistic process expanded when I turned to art during difficult times. Finding a path to connect with joy and beauty even during hardship can transform our lives just like paint transforms a canvas. Our lives will always contain contrasts between dark moments and light—it’s when the contrast comes together that we can appreciate the beauty of the full picture.

Curriculum Vitae

Nikol Wikman - Victoria, BC Canada

Exhibitions

  • 2023 The Gallery at Mattick’s Farm, Victoria BC

  • 2022 Big Ideas Show - Paula White Diamond Gallery, Waterloo Ontario

  • 2022 Summer Small Works Show - Massey Sales Gallery - Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Victoria BC

  • 2021 TD Artists Guide, Victoria BC

  • 2021 The Parkside Hotel & Spa “Distant Memories” Solo Exhibition, Victoria BC

  • 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 The Spring Event, Online Exhibition & Auction

  • 2019 Healing & Transformation Show, Online Exhibition

  • 2019, 2017, 2016 Handmade Holiday Show, Online Exhibition

  • 2019, 2018 TD Art Gallery Paint In, Victoria, BC

  • 2017 Heartful Soul Monthly Auction - End of the Year Holiday Event, Online Exhibition

  • 2016 The Artists Gallery Nouveau, Online Exhibition

  • 2016 Cadboro Bay Festival of Fine Art, Victoria, BC

  • 2015 Esquimalt Art Festival, Victoria, BC

  • 2015 The Arts Centre at Cedar Hill - “Awaken” Solo Exhibition, Victoria BC

  • 2014 Gallery of Artisans, Parksville BC

Teaching

  • 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 - Online classes at www.nikolwikmanart.com/courses

  • 2023 - Studioworks Creative Academy with Ivy Newport, Online

  • 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 - Kara Bullock Art School, Online

  • 2021, 2018 Artist Demonstrations Windsor Art Club, Victoria BC

  • 2020 – Lifebook with Tamara Laporte, Collaborative Online Class

  • 2020, 2018, 2017 - Paint Your Heart and Soul – Collaborative Online Class

  • 2018, 2017 Visiting Artist Demonstration Opus Art Supplies, Victoria BC

 Original Paintings held in private collections in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia.

Commissioned paintings for private collectors in Canada, the USA and Australia

Collection of licensed images sold with wall art retailers worldwide.