Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Stewart.
Nicholas, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born in South Western Virginia and raised by my strong and loving mother. As a child, I remember spending majority of the time in the mountain woods and valley fields. I spent endless summer days building dams in the creek, playing with grass and vines, and constructing forts from fallen timber, all of which essentially allowed me to closely examine each object I came in contact with. I would spend hours holding onto a walnut shell running my fingers over the ridged canyons of the surface, looking through the smooth empty cavity to feed my curiosity of the shell. Constant interaction with the earth as a child is partially why I have such an emotional response to artists like Andy Goldsworthy, Anslem Kiefer, and painters like Arshile Gorky.
I am pulled towards work that has a combination of organic and man-made elements. These are essential to the human experience. Those trips back to the mountains are critical for me and my work. I received my MFA from Radford University in 2011 and moved to Charlotte, NC where I am developing my career as an artist, a father, as well as an instructor at Braitman Studio.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My paintings are developed through a layering process of the organic and man-made applications. The figurative element has been something I’ve always been drawn to. The nameless and faceless women in my work are a representation of every man and woman. They are essentially a tool/vehicle that allows the paint and pallet to take the audience on a journey of discovery. I hope when people look at my work – it becomes an interactive experience. Ideally, a dance occurs between the viewer and the painting. The discovery of new elements, strokes, and paint splatter are the bones and soul of any painting.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I feel it’s very difficult for traditional painters and artists to get by today. Painting just doesn’t have the gravitas and place in society that it once did. Nevertheless, painting and art are alive and well; you just have to dig a little deeper to find it. I believe works are being created today that would rival the great Masters by a multitude of creators. Obviously, the best thing you can do is support the Arts by bringing an original beautiful work into your home. I’ve seen a lot of cities “step-up” their public art recently. More is better!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can see my work at a variety of pop-up shows through Charlotte, NC and its surrounding areas along the East Coast. My work can also be experienced at competitions/shows such as ArtFields.
You can also visit my website.
See even more current work through Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.nicholasmstewart.com
- Email: nicholas.m.stewart@gmail.com
- Instagram: Nicholasmstewartfineart
Image Credit:
Kate Stewart
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
