Paul Monska
Email: mainlymodernist@aol.com
Phone: 319 541-7423 Cedar Rapids, IA
My work is inspired by both the natural world and the hand of humankind upon it. I am drawn to the elements of color and form, the contrast of light and shadow, the sense of closeness and depth. My senses are stirred in the energy of the forms of earth and sky. When I look out at the landscape my visual perception translates what I see into blocks of color and an arrangement of forms. I attempt to convey this arrangement/interaction of color and form into my work when I paint. Although the effect of my work may appear geometric and abstract, it is always the result of a careful and deliberate attempt to capture the emotion as well as the spirit of the subject.
Born and raised in central Illinois, I am accustomed to the familiar beauty of the midwest but am also drawn to the southwest, which I often visit. My educational background includes a B.A.(Art History)from State University of New York, Cortland, with graduate work at Binghamton University and Cornell University in upstate New York.
My work was recently exhibited at Devotay, Iowa City, in the spring of 2009. Three of my mixed media works are on display at the “Mythical Masks” exhibition in Marion, Iowa, which runs through September 18, 2009.
