Nikki McClure



I grew up in Kirkland, Washington spending my days watching ants and pretending I was an Artist. I attended the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. I studied ants and drew them (as well as everything else in my environment: birds, trees, flies, nudibranchs) and hung out with Artists. Upon graduating, I worked for the Department of Ecology. After one year, I left and became an Artist. Drawing ants, and ducks, making record covers, mittens for K records, performing on tour. In 1996 I made my first papercut for the book, Apple. I have been cutting ever since. I now split my time between making a yearly calendar and making children's books. I become a full-time berry picker in the summer. That is, when I'm not watching birds, hanging out with moss, and swimming in the Salish Sea.

I sometimes teach and I am always trying to learn how to do everything better.

I live in Olympia, Washington under cedar trees along the eastern shore of the Southern Salish Sea. I am in business with my husband Jay T. Scott, a fine woodworker. We collaborate on lamps and furniture as well as daily walks as McClure & Scott Manufacturing. My son is also a frequent collaborator and instigator of adventure as well as inspiration for many books and images.