A love of finish and texture are two
readily recognisable aspects of Auckland artist Nicki Dalton's
work. Dalton's journey to painting effectively began with the
nurturing of a business in which paint finishes were meticulously
applied to high-end hand-crafted framing. This constant involvement
in the craft of painting, coupled with her deep interest in
painterly techniques from various cultures finally led Dalton to
take up painting in a more artistic vein.
Dalton's works exhibit a moody sense
of place and purpose. Her landscapes, in particular, possess a
strong sense of light and depth, with the topographical features
delineated by the harsh
New Zealand light and sandwiched
between a somber sky and solid earth.
In contrast, Dalton's abstract work
makes intriguing use of the hypnotic effect of replication and high
contrast. Often grounded by a deep black or brown background,
Dalton's monochromatic forms take on a life of their own, floating
as if existing above the plane of the painted canvas.
Dalton lives in Auckland with her
husband and children and continues to produce work from her home
studio.