ARTIST OF THE WEEK | Nancy Staszak of Woodridge

by Mindy Kyle

PASSIONATE ABOUT ART SINCE A YOUNG AGE, THIS RETIRED ART TEACHER IS FILLED WITH COLORFUL TALENT

Woodridge artist Nancy Staszak likes to play with multiple forms of mediums, including painting, printmaking and collage. She believes the variety makes you see the world in different ways. “I run with the endless possibilities of the medium I am working in until the next great idea grabs a hold of me. Then I chase after that one,” says Nancy.

Inspired by myths, stories and legends and worlds visible and invisible, her art allows her to play with her interpretations. Her gallery of fluorescent dinosaurs is a testament to that. “It just pleases me,” says Nancy. “We don’t actually know what colors the living dinosaurs were, and opinions have changed over the years from lizard-like dull greens and browns to newer theories of bright colors.” Recently, she has been exploring techniques that transform papers and pages from old books and magazines, crumpling, painting or altering them in other ways.

Nancy was doodling and drawing at a young age and followed her passion by minoring in art in college, then continued afterwards by attending classes at several art institutes. She is currently a retired art teacher and feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to teach children. “It’s the best job I ever had,” says Nancy.

To view more of Nancy’s artworks, visit her website at www.nancystaszak.com .

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