Nika is a classical artist-illustrator who explores contemporary issues by merging Old Masters aesthetics and techniques with symbolism and magical realism. In her work Nika uses watercolor, oil, and printmaking, as well as develops and models characters in clay. Nika practiced classical art techniques at the City of St.Petersburg Art School as well as studied art history at the Hermitage Museum and was involved in filmmaking and acting with Ronald Chase. Nika holds BfA from California College of Arts and Crafts where she studied under Bob Ciano and Robert Hunt and subsequently worked as an assistant to Professor Robert Hunt. She earned an MFA from the Universität der Künste Berlin, studying under Henning  Wagenbreth. Nika has produced illustrations for a variety of publications ranging from work for American Girl® to CD cover art as well as commissioned portraits. Nika has worked as a creative director of the San Francisco early music ensemble Magnificat, designing websites, programs, brochures, and CDs. In addition to her published illustrations, Nika’s artwork is in private collections and has been exhibited in Venice, Osaka, Washington DC, Berlin, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the DeYoung Museum.