Nicole Valentine was born and raised in Victoria BC. Her first job was at a glass blowing shop cleaning up after the artists. It was there that she was mesmerized by the molten fluidity of glass. She started working in glass in 2005 and moved into metal smithing in 2010. Her work often stretches the limits between glass and metal.
An attraction to organic forms is what shapes her style, while nature is what inspires and motivates her. Elements of her work often come from a specific place, moment in time, or season that moves her to create something from it. Often a color palette jumps out from a winter landscape or lush spring forest bringing with it a shape or form that she can create out of glass or metal.
After her first introduction to glass in 2004 she spent many years taking workshops from the many talented artist in the pacific northwest. Her first show was in 2011 and she moved into teaching in 2012 and has continued to exhibit and teach since. She was the Canadian Regional Director for the International Society of Glass Beadmakers and has sat on several gallery boards. She works from her home studio in central Alberta.