The artist was born at Bridgetown, Barbados. She studied at the British Institute in Florence (1983) before studying for a Fine Art diploma at Newcastle University (1983-4) and continuing her studies in Anthropology at Durham University (BA Hons 1985). For five years she was a Manager of the Maas Gallery, London, before spending another year in Italy and working with china and glass in London.

In 2002 Nicky moved to St Ives, Cornwall in order to paint full-time. Here she found much inspiration and lists her favourite haunts as St Ives, Gwithian, Porthkidney, Zennor, Trencrom, Marazion and St Mawes (Recent work Exh card, 2008, Penhaven Gallery, St Ives). She returned to London in 2007 due to her marriage, and she further comments 'it is perhaps understandable that after five years living in St Ives, Cornwall remains my primary inspiration and provides the subject matter for much of the work in this show' (2008, St Ives, Penhaven)