Mayiki-Niska Dorothy Plain Bull has been surrounded by art all of her life, most importantly by her culture which carries many forms of traditional art practices. What gave her the confidence to pursue art was the unrelenting support of her art teachers and friends. Growing up they saw a talent she might not have seen in herself. For her art was a coping mechanism. She needed art to get through hard times but now she’s coming up on her final year at the University of Hartford's Art School. And she plans to be an illustration Major with a minor in painting. Mayiki has delved into many mediums but prefers painting with oil paints. She’s been painting for many years. Once she discovered it there was no going back. There’s nothing quite the same as painting on a canvas.