Nick Kawczynski is a mixed media artist based in Charleston, South Carolina, whose work celebrates the people, places, traditions, and humor of coastal life. Originally from Maryland, Nick moved to South Carolina to attend the University of South Carolina and has called the Lowcountry home ever since. Over the years, he has become a familiar face in Charleston's creative community, balancing his role as Director of Operations for the historic Charleston City Market with an active commitment to volunteer service and local arts initiatives.
Inspired by fishing, travel, time spent outdoors, and everyday coastal experiences, Nick creates playful, one-of-a-kind works using reclaimed, repurposed, and found materials whenever possible. Scrap marine-grade plywood, discarded beach chairs, cardboard packaging, driftwood, and other overlooked materials are transformed into colorful works that celebrate Lowcountry culture while giving new life to materials that might otherwise be discarded.
Many of Nick's pieces are inspired by the rhythms of life on and around the water. Fish species familiar to South Carolina anglers, beachgoers carrying chairs across the sand, oysters, seabirds, and coastal wildlife appear throughout his work, often accompanied by humor, wordplay, and references recognizable to locals. His popular series incorporate everything from recycled beer boxes and snack packaging to reclaimed boat-building materials sourced from local maritime programs.
A defining characteristic of Nick's work is that every piece is truly one of a kind. While themes and subjects may reappear, each artwork is individually designed, hand-cut, painted, and assembled, ensuring that no two works are exactly alike.
Through bold color, inventive materials, and an unmistakable Lowcountry perspective, Nick's work captures the spirit of coastal living while demonstrating how creativity and sustainability can work hand in hand.
