Originally specialising in printmaking, during a Fine Art degree at NUA (then still Norwich School of Art and Design) as a mature student, before moving on to become an Art teacher at several local schools and colleges; Nicole later concentrated on her personal artistic development, including a post graduate Fine Art course; and returned to being a full time artist in 2010.

Early works were generally figurative and expressive in a variety of media, though often monochromatic and dark. Post teaching however, there was quite a dramatic change in both methodology and mood. Illness had led to an early retirement from this career and the return to art making proved to be a therapeutic outlet for frustration and other mental health issues.

The production of work was initially obsessively driven and undertaken with great energy. Now, though methodology remains intense, works are derived from a much calmer and controlled origin.

Process is the driving force behind each abstract piece, where mixed media are used to build layers, which are then stripped back in part and added to again. This process is repeated many times before completion. Geometric shapes make frequent appearances; applied in card, fabric and even teabag paper, texture may be added with sand and paint; all being scratched, scraped and sanded in cryptographic stages. The finished image may present in muted, neutral colours, or vibrant, flamboyant contrasts.

Working on canvases on the floor allows for experimental layouts to be adjusted many times before they are fixed, painted, sanded and rebuilt over many days, weeks or even months. Some completed works may be revisited and redeveloped in new ways.

Each new work begins as an ephemeral, subconscious feeling; which guides an intuitive process of experimentation in which touch and mood are as important as visual context; often leading to small series of related works, alongside strikingly individual pieces.