Creative Practice
Biography
Nikita Oakley is a graduate of the Ceramic Design Course in Limerick School of Art and Design. Born in 1994 in the midlands, Co. Offaly, Nikita, always had a fascination with the outdoors. Spending summers in the bog and helping out on the family farm. Her work explores areas of nature, memory, physicality and personal sense of place.
Recent group exhibitions include the Ceramic Ireland open member's exhibition in Dublin Castle, Elements exhibition Tullamore Co. Offaly, Taste of Kilkenny Rothe House Kilkenny, New Designers London, OTRA VIDA Seville, Spain and more.
Nikita has spent time travelling and working in multiple studios including with artist Deirdre McLoughlin, Netherlands and Barro Azul Studios, Spain. Recent talks include ‘Mud to Mug' emerging maker's talks at Arran Street East, Dublin. Nikita dedicating her time volunteering in the community, teaching ceramic classes, working part time in the National Crafts and Design Gallery and making at home in her studio.
Trace
In bogs, layers of plant, moss and soil build up, decomposing over time to become a natural preserver of objects and bodies, what man has left behind. I feel my family and I, our culture and traditions have been recorded by the bog – a physical reminder of my family history, memories and connections to the land and livelihood.
Curiosity and exploration have informed my process through collections of objects gathered from home and visits to the bog lands. Documenting the raw beauty of the bog is a significant part of my work. Not only has the spiritual and emotional connection to the land become intrinsic to the process but the environment itself is reflected in my colour palette. My role is an ethnographer, recorder and analyst of my culture or society.
Connection, Trace, Presence are key to my ongoing project.
‘Ethnography: the recording and analysis of a culture or society’
