Nick Votava is a young artist born and raised in Rockford, IL. Nick earned his B.F.A. in painting from the University of Iowa in 2012. Aside from painting he also enjoys working in the mediums of sculpture and printmaking. Nick has shown work in individual and group exhibitions and worked as a gallery coordinator while attending school.
Current Artist Statement:
Rerun, Restate, Repeat
About three years ago I was making Valentine's Day cards with a boy as part of a club activity in which I was a member. The boy was mentally and physically disabled, and could not communicate verbally. I handed him a piece of paper and a crayon. As I was drawing on my own valentine I occasionally looked up and watched the boy work. It was amazing to see what he was doing. His paper was covered with an unrecognizable form that he repeated over and over again. He had not been taught to draw this way and could not explain to me why he enjoyed drawing like this, but his hand kept moving in the exact pattern time and time again. It was as if he was searching for a constant in a world of unknowns. I may never meet that boy again, but each time I pick up a pen I am reminded to search for those details we can control. I am reminded to pursue my journey with my entire being. I am reminded to always pursue my craft in a way that makes sense to me. I am reminded to rerun, restate, and repeat.
To see more of my work, please visit: http://votavianart.com/