Artist Statement
My artistic practice is grounded in a deep commitment to climate restoration and a belief in the transformative power of art. I journey to remote, often endangered landscapes—places that are difficult to reach and increasingly at risk. These experiences, whether shaped by isolation, challenge, or breathtaking scale, open a space where perception sharpens and creative vision expands. It is in these moments—where fear, fragility, and awe intersect—that my work begins.
Photography is the foundation of my practice, but my creative process extends far beyond the lens. Through the layering of various mediums—whether natural materials, digital manipulation, or mixed media—I seek not only to portray the external world, but to express the emotional and environmental truths within it. Each piece becomes a visual dialogue: a tension between beauty and urgency, stillness and shift.
A meaningful part of my work is dedicated to education and collaboration. I partner with scientists, researchers, and environmental organizations to support conservation efforts and translate complex ecological realities into accessible, emotionally resonant visual forms. I also lead immersive, school-wide art initiatives and community projects that invite people of all ages to engage with climate narratives through creativity.
I believe that art is more than reflection—it is a window into the future. It holds the power to awaken empathy, shift perspective, and spark action. Where facts may be forgotten or dismissed, art lingers. It touches something quieter, deeper. Through art, we are reminded not only of what is at stake, but also of what is still possible to protect.
Excerpt from a recent feature in Field Notes: Conversations at the Edge of Art & Environment
“Laugh Lines and Latitude: A Life Lived Loudly with Nikki Baxendale”
Some artists seek stillness. Nikki Baxendale chases the edge—where landscapes unravel, where light bends strangely, and where the stories that matter most are quietly vanishing. “Stillness is lovely,” she says with a grin, “but chaos usually has better lighting.”
British-born and now rooted in Vancouver, Baxendale’s work defies easy classification. At its core, it’s a love letter to the Earth—but not the tidy, framed version. Her art moves through wild terrain, layered in texture and temperature, built from photographic impressions, natural materials, and a refusal to look away. It is, as she describes it, “a conversation with urgency wrapped in beauty.”
Her most recent journey? Everest Base Camp. “1.5 million steps and 18,000 feet—each one a negotiation between awe and oxygen,” she says. The altitude left her dizzy, but the scale recalibrated everything. “There’s something about being that high—above the tree line, above the noise—that strips you right down to what’s real.”
It was in Nepal that she also spent time with the elephants—gentle, deliberate, and devastatingly intelligent. “They move like they’ve seen the beginning of things,” she says quietly. “They hold a kind of memory in their skin. Photographing them wasn’t about capturing a moment, it was about honouring a presence.”
At home, she’s grounded by three teenagers, a golden doodle named Hazel with suspicious authority, and a household where art supplies and laundry battle for dominance. “I used to run 20 kilometres a day for clarity,” she shrugs. “Now I run on adrenaline, espresso, and the occasional miracle.”
Despite her deep respect for science, she believes art can speak where data cannot. “We’re good at counting the losses,” she says. “But we still struggle to feel them. Art can help with that. It slows us down. It stirs something primal. It reminds us that we’re not separate from nature—we’re entangled in it.”
Her calendar reads like a challenge to gravity—eagles this month, glaciers the next—and yet there’s a calm beneath the wildness. A quiet conviction.
“I don’t claim to have the answers,” she says, reaching for her camera. “But honestly, who needs certainty when you’ve got good boots, a full memory card, and a world worth paying attention to?”
“Leaving the corporate world behind felt like reclaiming a part of myself that had long been waiting to emerge. My art is driven by a deep connection to the wild—whether it’s the curve of a whale beneath the ocean’s surface or the intense gaze of a grizzly bear, every subject holds a story I’m compelled to tell. Creating isn’t just about crafting beautiful images; it’s about translating the awe and reverence I feel into something that sparks conversation and action.”
The Tipping Point
The turning point for me came during the traumatic experiences of 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy in New York. Working with the American Red Cross during these events revealed the fragility of our environment and the vital need for connection and storytelling in times of crisis. I realized that art could serve as a powerful medium to evoke emotions and inspire action to protect our planet.
I have always been captivated by the beauty of nature, particularly fragile and endangered landscapes. Expeditions to the Arctic, including my journey to Svalbard for Into The Ice, A Portrait of Arctic Beauty, that solidified my dedication to climate restoration. Witnessing glaciers rapidly melting instilled a profound sense of urgency, compelling me to advocate for their preservation.
My work is rooted in my fascination with water, energy transfer, and the natural world. Through photography and multi-dimensional sculptural paintings, I strive to capture the beauty and fragility of these environments. More than just showcasing their splendor, I aim to create moments of reflection that encourage viewers to connect emotionally with the planet and recognize the need for action.
Becoming an ambassador for climate restoration felt like a natural progression in my career. After years in corporate settings, I realized I could use my creative voice to make a difference. My goal is to spark conversations about preservation, reminding people that protecting our planet is essential for our shared future.
