Niki Medlik
Niki Medlik is both artist and designer. A career designing books included many years at international art publisher Thames and Hudson, (during which she did an MA in fine art), culminating in being head of their cover design department. She moved to Norwich to allow more flexibility for her artistic practice, and became a freelance designer and publisher. She is the cover designer and production for Propolis Books, based in The Book Hive in Norwich. Niki designs for many artists, most recently she designed the catalogue and identity for the Roger Ackling show 'Sunlight' at Norwich Castle Museum.
For the last few years Niki's practice has been with alternative print and photographic processes such as photo etching and botanically toned cyanotypes.
Her most recent exhibitions have included Cromer ArtSpace Open, Norwich Castle Museum's 'In Proximity', Norwich Assembly House Open, Cromer ArtSpace's 'Print Cromer', Soho Open, Scarborough Open, and Guildford House Open.
Artist Statement
I currently focus on ecological methods of print and alternative photographic processes, harnessing natural light and experimenting with sustainable materials. I have recently been influenced by designing with Roger Ackling's work, and a love of the coastline where he lived that is fast disappearing from Norfolk. Place is key to my work. I am affected by geography and weather, inspired by coast and sea, a love of walking the hills and moors, and incorporating maps. My subject matter changes, but I have an enduring fascination with home. I am drawn to abandoned or semi-derelict buildings, particularly those where traces of occupation or remnants of previous lives remain. Reminders of climate change and the disappearing coastline include solar etchings of houses clinging to the edgelands and domestic details revealed outside and thrown into the landscape. Living in East Anglia it is impossible to ignore the climate emergency. Raising awareness of these issues is a natural part of this work.
