Without light we would not have art.

 

Schmitz's artistic practice is a dynamic fusion of diverse mediums and techniques, allowing him to create bold and thought-provoking works of contemporary art.

 

Growing up in a household with a Cherokee mom, he would often spend summers at his maternal grandfather's farm in Oklahoma looking for arrowheads in old buffalo wallows.  Back at home, Wade would spend time with his father in their garage, discovering a multitude of unique objects. He enjoyed discovering the different objects' relationships and played with their light and shadows. This investigation also led to Wade's love of neon, as well as the light manipulated to create shadows into each work of art. He describes his art as objects coming together to become new, to repurpose and reposition that challenge conventional artistic boundaries. Wade believes that each piece is awaiting a partner or partners to become something beautiful and whole.

 

Inspiration has also developed from not only his mother's 45-year battle with breast cancer, but also his own experience as a childhood cancer survivor. Wade’s art explores the themes of resilience, identity, and the human experience. His work often blurs the boundaries between different mediums, embracing a multidimensional approach that mirrors the complexities of life itself and serves as a testament to the universality of human experience, transcending geographical boundaries and inviting viewers to contemplate their own personal narratives.