Today we’d like to introduce you to Niki Croom
Hi Niki, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Art has always been a part of my world. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to creating—sculpting small objects, from animals to interiors for my dollhouses, and filling sketchbooks and canvases with landscapes and abstract expressions. But as I grew into my teens, I noticed I was avoiding something: the human body.
What began as a struggle—my inability to capture the human form the way I envisioned—soon turned into a challenge I couldn’t ignore. I pushed myself to get better, and in that process, I discovered an unexpected love for painting and sculpting the human figure, especially the female form. I became fascinated by the emotions that could be conveyed through posture, gesture, and expression, and the narratives that emerged from these explorations.
My work today is deeply rooted in figurative art, particularly representations of women. I manipulate the form to express emotion, blending elements of both painting and sculpture so they can finally exist together rather than as separate entities. My art is a reflection of contrast—the battle between beauty and darkness, strength and vulnerability, struggle and grace. It’s this emotional depth that drives me to create, continuously pushing the boundaries of my own expression.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been anything but predictable. I never expected it to be easy, but I also couldn’t have anticipated the challenges that came my way. Beyond honing my craftsmanship, refining my ideas, and creating cohesive bodies of work, I had to navigate an entirely different battle—the business and social side of the art world. Learning how to market myself, connect with the right people, and, perhaps the most daunting challenge of all, figuring out how to actually sell my work, was a whole new learning curve. Each step has been a lesson, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately rewarding, shaping me not just as an artist but as an entrepreneur of my own creative vision.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a fine artist specializing in ceramics and painting, often merging the two to create expressive, figurative work. My art revolves around the female form, exploring the balance between beauty and darkness. I am known for sculpting and painting figures that embody raw emotion, exaggerating and manipulating the body to visually express inner turmoil, strength, and vulnerability.
While my work is often perceived as dark, I see it as a celebration of contrast—the coexistence of fragility and power, chaos and serenity. What sets me apart is my ability to seamlessly blend sculpture and painting, allowing these mediums to interact rather than exist separately. This fusion allows me to create immersive, emotionally charged pieces that tell deeper, more complex stories.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My greatest supporters have always been my family. They watched me grow as an artist and continuously encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Along the way, I was fortunate to learn from many incredible teachers, especially those at the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, the boarding high school I attended in Greenville, South Carolina. Their guidance helped shape my foundation as an artist.
My painting and ceramics professors at Alfred University also played a significant role in my journey, offering invaluable advice as I prepared to step into the next chapter of my career. Beyond that, I’ve found a strong sense of support within the local Greenville art community—fellow artists who understand the challenges and triumphs of this path and continue to inspire and uplift me along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.croomerart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/croomerart/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CroomerartByNiki
Image Credits
I took all the white backdrop photos and then the darker photos are shot by Katie Fenske
