I have an art and textiles degree from Loughborough College of Art & Design and a P.G.C.E. in art and design, from Brighton University.
My pieces are theatrical and reflect my inspiration from working in the puppet workshop at the Midlands Art Centre with puppeteer John Blundall - designer and maker of Parker from “Thunderbirds”. Since then, I have developed a growing fascination for characters and figures from the puppet theatre, the churchyard, naval figureheads and other such inanimate figures!
I am drawn to the puppet stage with its large dramatic, exuberant and expressive characters, adorned with vibrant, embellished and flamboyant costumes, to the quiet melancholic beauty and textures of nineteenth century churchyard figures, to the penetrating gazes of brightly painted voluptuous figureheads, symbolic of adventure and travel.
Dramatic colours, images and patterns are evident throughout my work. My passion for detail, decoration and luxurious surfaces is reflected through the combination of stitched fabrics, papers, threads, wax, wire and drawing. I love experimenting with the integration of materials and the intertwining of ideas, which either develop into stitched mixed media pieces, or are embedded into three dimensional forms. Drawing also plays a fundamental role, either in the development of my textile pieces, or in my mixed media illustrations.
Internationally renowned potter Mary Wondrausch commissioned me to make a range of mixed media and stitched accessories, to wear when receiving her O.B.E, of which she was awarded for her immense contribution to the development of contemporary ceramics.
All images and designs are copyright - Nicki Williams 2013 - All rights reserved.