After graduating in Fine Art from Brighton University, Nicola Atkinson.Does Fly's first exhibition of video work was in 'Second Link', an international show at MoMA in New York. Exhibitions of paintings followed in Los Angeles. By the late 1980s she was increasingly undertaking unique projects in which the engagement in process altered people's perceptions of both art and life.

Her practice and experience extends over many years, and includes working in different countries, diverse cities and towns and with a wide variety of individuals. Having worked with local authorities, as well as with the private sector and non-governmental organisations, she has developed a style that is adaptable and flexible to allow her to fit within existing structures or to work largely unaided. She has often proposed an original idea and developed the concept through to a completed project. These experiences have enabled her to develop skills in engaging with the public and gathering and sifting large and diverse amounts of information. This has been done both on her own, or within a small team. She enjoys collaborating with curators, artists, musicians, architects, writers and film-makers. She believes she is able to present complex ideas to a wide range of groups, in terms of age and interests, and works in the media of painting, DVDs, photography, text, metal, wood, printed fabric and found objects.

In 2002 she was awarded a Nesta Fellowship to further explore my practice. 'Total Investigation' has enabled her to study public art practice and to engage in dialogue with a wide range of people. Through undertaking complex, project based works with communities around the world, she has sought to contribute to the evolving practice and understanding of public art – and its importance in redefining the role of art in society. During this period, she is especially proud of 'Terrible Beauty': working with immigrant families from Bosnia living in West Bromwich, she sought, through a series of colour saturated watercolours of root like structures, to create a new space which both recognised their trauma while reflecting the strength of family ties – and the hope that gives. During 2007-08, together with collaborators, she has worked on the Abbeyview Project, Dunfermline.

Website – http://www.nadfly.com