Today we’d like to introduce you to Riyah Niko.
Hi Riyah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Riyah Niko comes from my first and middle name: Sariyah Niko. My middle name comes from my mother, Nicomedis, who is an illustrator, set designer, and calligrapher. I started painting after graduating from college with her High School oil paint supplies. Painting felt like a therapeutic release while working jobs I hated. After painting canvases for a year, a non profit k worked for gave me the opportunity to paint murals in public elementary schools throughout New York City. At this time I also worked part time with the people’s studio at MoMA. I developed a love for medicinal herbs, botanical colors, and fiber arts.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Burnout and confidence concern me. I am grateful for loved ones who cheer me on and push me to do what I love.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a gardener at Spelman College, a fiber arts enthusiast, a painter, illustrator, graphic designer, and muralist. I grow plants that can be used for dyes, inks, and pigments; I experiment with botanical color extractions and dye vats; and I get the amazing opportunity to learn from brilliant farmers and land stewards. Shout out High Hog Farm, Black Too Earth, Sapelo SOLO, SAAFON, and other amazing fiber artists, land stewards, and agrarian organizers.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Focus is most important: focusing my creativity, my energy, my attention, my everything. Focus is necessary to avoid burnout and giving up.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.riyahniko.com
- Instagram: @riyahniko
Image Credits
Brit Sade Elise Ryan
