About Shad

a few words with Artist SHAD NOWICKI

Artist Shad Nowicki lives and paints in Ellicottville NY, a small ski town south of Buffalo.

How long have your been painting?

 "As long as i can remember,I guess. Like with anything, I learned to paint by painting .It’s always been an evolving passion.Kind of a monster on my back, but a good one."

Does your creative process evolve as well?

"More, my inspirations change. If i get an idea or image in my head, or if i see something cool, I just put it down. I get inspired very easily, and I’ll paint that subject til i feel i’m done it justice."

Are you very critical then, of your paintings?

 "To a point. I try to never over analyze my work. Painting to me is like sex and skateboarding, you do what you feel is right at the time. Sometimes you fall off and sometimes you lay back and smile. In the end, I paint pictures, you either feel a connection to the paintings or you don’t, hopefully you do."

And rejection?

"Sure, its part of the big picture,like anything.I guess i’ve learned to accept it. I learn alot more from the people I don’t connect to.Knock on wood, but for the most part I feel lucky in that people dig my paintings."

You have many numerous styles of painting. What are your thoughts on your broad range of work?

 "An art critic told me once,that to not have one recognizable style of art will be my downfall.I don’t see it that way. We live in the United States, where  in the name alone suggests diversity. Our whole culture is based on it. I paint what I feel, and like every day is different, every painting is as well. I get excited by the challenge of always trying something new."

Any big plans in the near future?

 "Painting…..for now. I’m planning a big show in Ellicottville NY in July, but for now I’m taking full advantage of my time to paint. That’s all I really want to do."