Interview

Jan 24

Nicholas Heaney

Nicholas’ art is a deeply personal journey through the beauty of coastal landscapes, and it serves as his most authentic form of communication with the world. As a neurodivergent individual, verbal expression has often felt like a barrier, but through his art, he’s discovered a powerful language of connection. In his heavy body acrylic paintings, he aims to capture the essence of coastal landscapes, the interplay of land, sea, and sky. Each stroke of paint is a reflection of Nicholas’ emotional response to these environments. The tactile quality of heavy body acrylics allows him to translate the textures, colors, and emotions he experiences in these coastal settings onto the canvas. Through his art, he seeks to break down the barriers of verbal communication. It’s a way for him to share his unique perspective, emotions, and experiences with others. The coastal landscapes he depicts, hold a special place in his heart, as they represent not only the external world but also his inner world. The vastness of the sea, the ruggedness of the shore, and the ever-changing skies all mirror the complexity of human emotions.

Nicholas’ paintings are an invitation for viewers to step into these landscapes, to feel the breeze, hear the waves, and experience the emotions that he pours onto the canvas. He hopes to convey the profound connections he feels with the world around him and to offer a glimpse into the beauty that he perceives as a neurodivergent individual. Ultimately, his art is a bridge between his inner world and the external world, transcending words and allowing him to communicate authentically. It’s a testament to the power of creativity and expression, and an invitation for others to join him in this journey of connection and understanding.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“Art has always been the most authentic way for me to connect with the world around me. Ever since I could hold a pencil, I would always be drawing. After high school graduation, I was introduced to the artist Steve Lyons whom I studied under as a studio assistant for many years. I then went on to cofound Artnova Gallery in Chatham where I am currently painting as artist in residence.”

What inspires you?

“The desire to connect with the world a round me is my biggest source of inspiration. I was diagnosed with ADHD and Autism at the age of 28. Creating art and sharing it with others helps break down the barriers I face with connecting to others. The ocean and coastal surroundings of Cape Cod are also a vast source of inspiration for me.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“The biggest themes I pursue is the ocean, colors, movements and formations of the waves. I also explore the themes of cherry blossoms branches, still life, and abstract art. There is an over arching theme of texture in my art, creating an engaging tactile experience.”

“The desire to connect with the world a round me is my biggest source of inspiration.”

How would you describe your work?

“I would like to describe my art as less is more. I keep most of my contemporary landscapes, still life, and abstracts minimal.”

Which artists influence you most?

“The artist that influences me the most is Vincent Van Gogh. His work is filled with texture and colors that convey a sense of emotion that I strive to convey in my own art.”

What is your creative process like?

“My creative process starts out my taking walks for inspiration in all of the vast coastal terrains of Cape Cod and beyond. While walking I take visual pictures in my mind and use them to draw inspiration when creating art in my studio. I start most of my art with a warm pink undertone before building up layers of textured paint.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“I believe the role of an artists is to share their life experiences with the world. This helps reach a place of mutual understanding. I hope to see a day in society when art is taken as seriously and as founded as sports and science.”