We were lucky to catch up with Nicolas Nadja recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nicolas , sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
One fascinating aspect about my past is that I had a traumatic brain injury. After the injury, everything in my life had changed and how I viewed everything was different. The type of work I do helps me channel my energy into something positive and constructive. Despite still having shortcomings in mental health now and again,the one thing I can always rely on is that I have my artwork to keep me focused and that act shows myself the inner workings of my spirit. To have a means to work through whatever effects mentally we are dealing with is invaluable. Even if you have never drawn before, just start doodling and see how your mind will quiet down, even if for just a second.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have been working in Fine Art for over a decade now and have had so many experiences that have got me to where I am now.
After finishing my BFA at SAIC (The School of The Art Institute Of Chicago) I started a little storefront gallery in the city where I had my studio. It was a big jump to have a space in the public eye and work on the practices of starting a real business from my art.
I had then gone from that storefront on the Northside of Chicago to the Zhou B Art Center in Bridgeport and opened my studio there.
Having open studios and art walks regularly opened doors to new patrons and commissions.
Following the creative path I had to take on other side business at some points such as frame shops or starting a fine art printing service but I always rotated through creative gigs involving painting.
Having been trained in classical realism by professional realist Ryan Shultz I was approached for a job to be apart of a team of artists working under an artist. I had soon worked my way to being a head artist making the works for a renowned artist Carlos Rolon. Traditional oil painting 8 hrs a day of floral works for almost 2 years had instilled a great work ethic when I approached my own work. Above all I learned about money and big decisions on big projects that I was able to be apart of.
I had relocated to North Carolina near Asheville to focus on my own work and paint commissions. This peaceful time allowed me to realize my goals and approach it head on.
Following my passion had lead me on a extremely lengthy long winded path, that is strictly a process of faith to lead me to where I am now.
Last year I completed a 100ft mural in West Palm Beach, and integrated into the thriving art scene in south Florida.
The work I did recently in conservation at the Flagler Mueseum in Palm Beach has lead me to an opportunity to learn from one of the best in the painting conservation field; Chris Mills and Carey Howlett. This new field has allowed me to go even further into the chemistry of my work. To be able to apply the skills I have learned in my years of traditional oil painting and contemporary practices, to restore the past with similar methods used in renissance times.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As I mentioned the skill of your craft is first above all. Without the dedication to your work, there is nothing.
Second the rude reality that it needs to fit into a free market economy that you need monetary gains to survive. This is perhaps the struggle for most artists and the most successful artists I know went to school for business.
The skill of marketing your work may feel off, but it’s essential to show what you can do and offer.
Lastly I would say if you want to truly spread your work, meet people in real life and talk to everyone. Be kind to people and show love to everyone and the world will return the favor eventually.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Walden- Henry David Thoreau
Walden is one of the most impactful books that I have ever read. It shows someone about the individual struggle and path to be in this world without having the effects of society. It was the honest and humble truths that Thoreau points out that shaped my path. Being courageous in face of anything and taking a risk in life to go against the grain.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Nadjastudios.com
- Instagram: @n.nadja
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nadjastudios?mibextid=ZbWKwL
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