I’m Nikki Dew. Welcome to the visual translation of what goes on inside my smooth and anxious brain.

My portfolio page says I’m a “casual artist” and even I said, “wtf do I mean by that?” Ultimately it means I have imposter syndrome, but also that I mostly make art for myself and share it with the world because having it sit in a dark closet or filed away on a shelf makes me sad. But also sometimes I accept commissions, so… semi-casual? Anyhoo…

I’ve been making art for as long as I can remember, starting on my grandmother’s shag‑carpeted studio floor in Southern California. Picture a grandfather clock chiming in the background, Bob Ross whispering words of encouragement on a box TV in the corner, and me painting with - or on - anything my Grammy Dona could put in front of me.

My art journey started with horses and dragons, detoured through anime, fell hard for acrylic landscapes, and eventually made peace with watercolor after years of the medium being a mystery. Over time, I began to love turning the obscure, whimsical, occasionally quiet and sometimes feral corners of my imagination into something I could tangibly look at.

I’m a highly anxious person, and art is my anchor. It centers me, softens the noise, and keeps the emotional invasions - real or perceived - at bay, at least for a while. I make things that bring me peace, make me laugh, or bellow that creative flame we all forget to stoke on occasion.

If any of this resonates with you, I’m really glad you’re here. And if not, I’m still glad you’re here.