Featured Artist: November 2020

The November edition of pcPolyzine features polymer clay artist, Nika Nakit!

Nika Nakit is a polymer clay artist who started her career as a teacher of biology and pedagogy. She worked in that field for a year and then dropped out of school bravely embarking on an independent, entrepreneurial, and creative path. She has two small children and resides in a village that is located on a large estate surrounded by nature and forests. Nika says this is where she finds her peace and it is the perfect place to create in polymer clay. 

We wanted to learn more about Nika and here's what she shared with us:

pcPolyzine: How did you get into polymer clay?

Nika: As a girl in primary school, I was interested in everything related to creativity and handicraft—which is why I took an extracurricular handicraft class! I was probably influenced by the fact that my mother, a teacher in the first three years of primary school, was always creating handicraft items at home and I would always join her. When I was introduced to polymer clay during the handicraft class, I new that THIS WAS IT! My mother bought me the material and I started to make my first jewelry items—brooches and necklaces.

I was in love with polymer clay throughout secondary school—where all my classmates made fun of me, saying I owned a piece of jewelry for each item of clothing. During my university years, my female classmates noticed my jewelry and became my first "clients". 

I have always been refining my skills and curiosity was the reason I bought the first books and magazines on polymer clay handicraft. First, I made necklaces and brooches, while today I also make earrings and rings. 

pcPolyzine: How long have you been working with polymer clay?

Nika: I have been making jewelry out of polymer clay for as long as I can remember. However, more professionally over the last 8 years. 

pcPolyzine: How do you come up with an idea for a project — do you plan it or just start working?

Nika: I always put the shape of the jewelry in my head. I used to sketch a necklace in advance, but then I spontaneously designed it in a completely different direction. Therefore, the sketch in my head would change during creation. 

pcPolyzine: What inspires you to create pieces in polymer clay?

Nika: I am mostly inspired by colors, patterns (colors on fabric, on a poster, the butterfly's pattern, the colors of the autumn leaves...I find patterns and colors everywhere), and nature (flower shape, leaves, wood surfaces, pattern of veins on the leaf, etc.).

 

pcPolyzine: What's your favorite piece or project you've made in polymer clay?

Nika: I don't have a favorite piece. To clarify, I have several favorite pieces—and I usually end up keeping them!

pcPolyzine: Does your work have a theme or message?
Nika: My work has no specific message or topic. I enjoy my work and I look forward to brightening someone's day. Many customers send me feedback that they are excited about the jewelry when they see it in-person and that makes me happy!

pcPolyzine: What are your favorite (or most important) tools you use when working with clay?

Nika: My mandatory equipment is a pasta machine, blade, stamps (mostly found in nature or I make them myself), chalk, alcohol inks, acrylic paints, sandpaper...and polymer clay!

pcPolyzine: Do you have any advice for new artists to polymer clay?
Nika: My advice to all new creators is...practice, practice, practice. If I look at my first products, I hang my head, but at the same time, I was extremely proud of every first product—and each following product was more beautiful. Your own inspiration is very important (don't look for inspiration in the work of other artists, try to find your own inspiration in nature, in patterns, etc.) and above all, enjoy the work.

pcPolyzine: Any final thoughts for our readers?
Nika: Enjoy creating, explore new techniques, and above all, enjoy every day in these new crazy times!

pcPolyzine: Nika, your work is stunning. We are excited to share your work with the pcPolyzine community. Thank you for taking time to share with us!

To connect with Nika and see more of her work, check her out on Facebook, Instagram, and at her website.