We were lucky to catch up with James Wodarek recently and have shared our conversation below.

James, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I am beyond fortunate to have had parents who supported and encouraged my creative endeavors.
I had an amazing childhood filled with art classes and music lessons and I am incredibly thankful for those opportunities, but I will be forever grateful for the way they believed in me through it all.
I not only had their encouragement but knowing someone believes in you is the equivalent of providing someone with a superpower. That had a tremendous impact on me.

James, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been an artist my entire life, working as an illustrator, art director, art educator, and curator. These professional experiences have had a tremendous impact on my art.

My artwork incorporates the styles developed during my graphic design and art director days and merges those sensibilities with loose, painterly brushstrokes, creating a brand of visual art that I describe as a balance of chaos and control.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

The visual arts are constantly evolving, and NFTs have appeared as an exciting new development and frontier, creating promising financial and promotional opportunities for visual artists.

I was very optimistic about the potential that existed for the art community. However, that optimism was short-lived as I watched non-artists, opportunists, and scammers quickly invade the blockchains.

It could have been great. It could have been a new avenue for visual artists to expand print offerings into a digital platform, but it has unfortunately been a disappointment as artists have been pushed aside for screenshots, TV stills, and other imagery that has nothing to do with visual art.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, my creative journey is driven by a desire to continuously grow and develop as an artist.

My goal is to create art that not only connects with people but also reflects my authentic self. I strive to produce work that maintains the balance of chaos and control while resonating with viewers, fostering a meaningful connection between my artistic journey and their perceptions. By doing so, I hope to inspire and engage others while staying true to my artistic vision and personal authenticity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jameswodarek.com
• Instagram: @jameswodarek
• Facebook: Jameswodarek