Meet Niki Dionne
Meet Niki Dionne! If you've visited either Intangible, A Fiber Fairytale or Rewind then you've already found yourself immersed in her work. If you haven't visited yet, we highly recommend experiencing her fiber art in-person and helping create a giant pom pom on her custom-made pom pom machine.
Niki Dionne is a fiber artist and illustrator based out of Dallas, Texas. She’s an expert when it comes to pompoms and one of her biggest passions: drawing black women, living for care-free moments. Through her work, Niki explores how self-perceived identity shapes how women of color view themselves. Through various mediums including fiber, oil pastels, digital illustration and animation, Niki develops characters that all women can find themselves in. Every single thing she creates has a smart and carefree energy to it - whether it’s fiber art, an illustration or animation.
Read on to learn more about Niki Dionne and the story behind her installation, Rigged, which is now on display at our Rewind exhibit in Allen, TX.
What makes you tick? Are there certain things from your background that led you down this path to become an artist?
As a kid I was a serious daydreamer. A girl of few words but also of big ideas constantly creating stories and visuals in my head. I think that's a big part of who I am as an artist.
What is your earliest memory of creating art?
I think my earliest memory of making art might be making intricate friendship bracelets with thread and cord. I loved twining the fibers and making patterns with various color combos. I may not have seen that as an art form back then, but the techniques I use now are often reminiscent of those used to make the bracelets.
What is your medium of choice and why?
The mediums I use in my work are fiber (yarn and wool) and oil pastels. Both of these materials allow me to create visuals packed with texture, which is something I really love to do.
Where does your inspiration come from?
My Inspiration comes from black women and the small actions or habits we as humans have in common.
What is your workspace like?
I work out of two spaces, my apartment, and a co-op studio called Trade Oak Cliff.
Where did the idea for your STH installation come from?
I have been making small pom poms for years and I had this dream where I was surrounded by pom poms big enough to sit on. I just knew I had to make it happen!
Do you have advice for artists who are just starting out?
Don't compare yourself to any other artists. Your path and journey is yours to make at your own pace. Focus on building your skills and finding your own style, Don't worry about where you are compared to anyone else.
Do you have a playlist to share? What song keeps you going while you're working?
No public playlist to share but right now I'm listening to Ari Lennox, Queen Latifah, Beyonce, and Queen.
Do you have ideas for future installations?
The next install I'm dreaming up is a mural-like felted soft room where the floor, walls and ceilings are completely covered in soft hand felted fabric.
What's next for you?
November 19, 2022 I have my first solo show at Pencil on Paper Gallery called "Pull Relief In".
Where can we find out more about your work?
You can find more of me on Instagram @actualfootageofme or my website actualfootageofme.com.
