My story

SJ Stanawich-Nell is a novelist, poet, and painter whose work spans four novels, two major poetry collections, and more than 150 original paintings. Developed over the course of a 45-year career, SJ’s work reflects a life of persistence—balancing a thriving business, raising a family, and building an enduring body of art and literature.

He was personally mentored by Amiri Baraka and Allen Ginsberg-Arranging and Producing engagements for Baraka during his tenure as Poet Laureate of New Jersey, and with Ginsberg through sustained, one-to-one mentorship. His poem “rain” was read by Sir John Mills at a benefit aboard the Hispaniola in 2005.

SJ trained in acting and directing under Stephen Stahl and worked with Lee Strasberg, attending his Acting/Directing workshops, which included Robert De Niro and Ellen Burstyn.

At University, he studied constitutional law, participating in an in-depth study of the Senate Judiciary Committee, working with then- Senator Joe Biden. SJ has completed multiple novels, including American Waste and Echoes of Dreams, and has begun adapting American Waste for the screen.