Nichola White

Niki studied Fine Art at Falmouth College of Arts from 1993-1996. She then went to the University of Brighton to study for a BA (Hons) in Printmaking. Her training undertook all forms of Printmaking, and today she primarily works with monoprinting, relief and mixed media.

After her degree in 1999, Niki travelled through South East Asia, living and working with Thai families, and spending time assisting meditation retreats in a forest monastery in southern Thailand. Colour and landscape have always informed her work and she documented her travels with photos and diaries. On her return she moved back to Cornwall, to the southern most point, on the Lizard peninsular.

Niki worked for a local gallery in Falmouth as artist in residence and had her first major exhibition in St. Ives at The Printmakers gallery. She continued painting, but was in need of printmaking equipment to begin printing again. Having moved to Monmouth in South Wales in 2002, she applied for a start-up grant from the Arts Council to purchase an etching press, inks and rollers. Her application was successful, and it was here that Niki began teaching community art courses for the Adult Education programme. She continued exhibiting her own work in Wales and began running workshops and residencies in local schools.

In 2003, Niki completed part one of a PGCE in Further Education. She moved to the Forest of Dean and started working full time as Art Technician at a Further Education college, and continued with her own professional practice. She joined a local group of artists to be part of their website, and exhibit together, promoting the local area and their work.

In 2005 Niki became a member of the Gloucestershire Printmakers Co-operative based in Stroud, who show together yearly, and have access to excellent studio facilities.

In 2006 she began working as a Learner Mentor at the Forest of Dean College, offering pastoral support to young people aged 16 - 19.

In 2008 her second child was born, and this encouraged Niki to leave the role as mentor to concentrate more on working within the community arts sector across the county. She wishes to engage people of all ages and ability to have access to expressing their creativity, and support them in reaching their potential.