Nika (Clockwork Oregano Art)

Visual Art – Toronto

Based in Toronto, I explore mixed media art predominantly focused on portraiture. My art explores concepts of lightness & darkness in life and death, with influences from gothic literature, mythology, music, and "the intersection of math and art". Born in rural Canada, I dreamed of being an artist as a child. As is often is the case, I was told in childhood that I would become a "starving artist" and was "smart enough for something else". In 2021, I achieved a MSc in Quantitative Finance and, while my career outside of art is focused on sustainable development in business, my experiences have led me to a deeper understanding of ways math meets art and can influence positive change. In 2022, I was treated for early stage cervical cancer. Dealing with recent medical concerns has been pivotal to my reflection not only on what I leave behind in the world but, selfishly, how I spend my time to nourish my own soul and the child in me that wanted to be an artist. To date, I have lived in four countries (seven cities), have had the privilege of meeting incredible people from a diverse range backgrounds in both art and STEM fields who have influenced how I see the world and beauty - how everything is connected. My art is the roadmap of my mind. Artists never die. Thank you for your support and taking the time to check out what I create. Love, Nika