Nikki McClure

I grew up in Kirkland, Washington spending my days watching ants and pretending I was an Artist.

I attended the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. I studied ants and drew them (as well as everything else in my environment: birds, trees, flies, nudibranchs) and hung out with Artists. Upon graduating, I worked for the Department of Ecology. After one year, I left and became an Artist. Drawing ants, and ducks, making record covers, mittens for K records, performing on tour.

In 1996 I made my first papercut for the book, Apple. I have been cutting ever since. I now split my time between making a yearly calendar and making children’s books. I become a full-time berry picker in the summer. That is, when I’m not watching birds, hanging out with moss, and swimming in the Salish Sea.I show my artwork at Land Gallery in Portland every November, as well as shows internationally. I sometimes teach and I am always trying to learn how to do everything better.

I live in Olympia, Washington under cedar trees along the eastern shore of the Southern Salish Sea. I am in business with my husband Jay T. Scott, a fine woodworker. We collaborate on lamps and furniture as well as daily walks as McClure & Scott Manufacturing. My son is also a frequent collaborator and instigator of adventure as well as inspiration for many books and images.