Kim Nikolaev was classically trained as a Metal Smith and Fine Artist at the School for the Arts Institute of Chicago and Northwestern University. To date she has exhibited work in Chicago, Denver, Phoenix and Zurich, Switzerland. Nikolaev's Jewelry Art is inspired by, and reminiscent of the organic forms found in nature.

Artist Statement
I am a descendant of two tribes - this is important to note because it is a key aspect of the "how and why" of my jewelry work.

On my mothers side I come from an ancient northern European tribe known as the PIX. Those of us who are members of this tribe are known by our love of nocturnal activities, the secrets of nature and our often pointy ears. We are tired by day and excitable and energetic by night. We have a secret dialogue with all things botanical. We have trouble fitting in because of the night time activities and the pointy ears.

On my fathers side I come from the BELARUS tribe of Eastern Europe and a long line of Russians involved in metallurgical work. My grandfather was an important Professor of Metallurgy at Moscow University. My father is a developer of cutting edge orthopedic devices using super alloys such as Titanium and Cobalt Chromium Molybdenum.

Though these influences were not a conscious decision I have been preoccupied with making jewelry and metal sculpture since I was 16 and an apprentice to a gold smith…29 years and counting.

I spent childhood in the west, Rocky Mountains and later the woods of the Midwest. Hours were spent on hikes and walks and dialogue with nature. Eventually I returned to the desert.

In my current life, as an artist, I spend hours and hours in the desert wilderness of Arizona. Over the years I have found that the native plants of the desert have a secret language. It seems to me that I have been given the "assignment" to listen to the Botanicals and interpret.

I interpret with jewelry.

In my current work I don't believe I have the complete choice to not make the objects and designs that come to mind, hand and then drawing pad. I feel a bit out of control and often simply feel. I am the vehicle, another voice...that is ok, I don' t mind this at all in fact I am honored…I believe I am the agent for the botanicals in this way and it is a wonderful, symbiotic relationship- they nurture me and my spirit-I celebrate their existence and draw attention to their language and rhythm.

I believe what we humans choose to wear, including our jewelry, is one way that we define who we uniquely are, in this world of sameness. My work is for those people who celebrate their own immense uniqueness

Kim Nikolaev
Owner
Head of Design, Nikolaev Designs
August 2005