Ep218: Art, nature, alchemy: what it’s like to be a rope goth-druid in the forest – An Interview with Nikki lapore

Matija Vid Pecek Black (she/he/they, aka Nikki Lapore) has been exploring shibari for nearly a decade-but this isn’t just about knots. For Nikki, rope is a way to connect with energy, nature, and the soul itself. Think flowers, forests, and the freedom of tying yourself as a ritual of release and self-discovery. In this episode, Mya and Fox dive into Nikki’s unique world, covering: • How rope becomes self-expression and boosts confidence • The art and ritual of self-tying • Connecting with nature through rope • Their creative rope process—from choosing the perfect organic rope to dying it with natural pigments (yes, including bones—gloves required!) • What makes rope art—and whether it even needs an audience • Rope’s place in their life, work, and Croatian culture • And their vision for future druidic-goth-art adventures Plus, hear Mya’s mind completely blown when she realizes she totally misunderstood one of Nikki’s offerings.