Nike Schroeder fell in love with her medium. The lure of the materiality moved her into a self-taught movement of beautiful threads filling a space, creating an almost painterly look. I first saw Nike's work a few years ago. This large scale piece hung against the wall, colors of thread beautifully bleeding into one another forming a soft ombre of hues. I just stood there and stared at it. At first, I was caught by the color selection which gave me a calm and happy feeling. Then I took a closer look and saw how much work was put into each thread, hung from it's base. I then met Nike shortly after at an event. Her warmth and kindness seemed to go so well with her art. Hamburg raised, LA liver since 2012 - we are so lucky to have you here!
Who are you?
My name is Nike Schroeder and I make things with my hands. Nike Schroeder Studio is a place in downtown LA, where my artistic practices taper.
There I sew, paint, sculpt, sketch, build and think.
Not many people know this about me, but I also freelance as a still life stylist, illustrator and prop maker.
I believe myself to be someone with close attention to detail and an appreciator of beauty in the small things.
Why do you make your work?
I pursue to immortalize what I believe to be beautiful.
What do you believe in?
The force of nature
Name one thing you say yes to?
Ceramics
And one thing you say no to?
Plastic and angry drivers
What change would you like to see?
More compassion for everyone and for our planet.
Name one thing that makes you happy?
Growth. Literally watching things grow; let it be plants or relationships.
How would you describe your personal routine ?
Cuddles in bed with the cats and then wife (yes there is an order), tea, cuddles with chickens, going to work.
Making dinner, spending time with people I love, light a candle, go to sleep, cuddle and start over.
Sometimes I do other things in between too.
What did you want to be as a child?
It sounds tacky but its true. An artist.
Or gynecologist, which I now sometimes regret not becoming.
Can you remember one great piece of advice someone gave you for your work/business?
Don’t be afraid and work hard.
(I got drilled with a pretty fierce German work ethic).
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
I would like to collaborate with people with ancient knowledge in the dyeing or weaving process and ceramics.
Maybe go somewhere and learn.
But then I am open to collaborating locally too: architects, designers, fashion people, print makers. As long as it clicks, I’ll do it.
Who is one person in culture that you feel is making positive and inspiring change
I grew to be quite a fan of Faye Moorhouse. Her wonky illustrations always put a smile on my face. And who doesn’t want to smile.
Her humor is so refreshing and dark - it brightens up everything in such an authentic, non trying way.