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Biography:
- resides in Vancouver, Canada
- art school in Czech Republic, then mainly self-taught
- Bachelor and Master's degrees (University of Manitoba and the University of British Columbia)
- juried member of the Federation of Canadian Artists
- Representation: Federation Gallery (1241 Cartwright Street, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC, V6H 4B7)
Artist's Statement
My paintings are influenced mostly by Fauvism and Expressionism,
but also by Art Deco, Pop-Art and the old masters. Through the use of expressive, vibrant color, abstraction and distortions,
I seek to portray human emotions and passions in my still life, landscape and figure paintings. My favorite artists are Picasso,
Matisse, Chagall, Egon Schiele, Mark Rothko, Peter Max, Rubens and El Greco, among others.
I can be inspired by almost
anything – the shape of a tree branch, the curve of a moving human body, a cloud, a melody or a story. I then carry
this inspiration with me as I keep sketching and experimenting until I arrive at an image that is my artistic response to
that inspiration. I then begin painting, but do not look at the sketch any more – as that is too limiting. Painting
is like a dance, it has to flow effortlessly and naturally, and it does, provided I can lose myself and connect to the creative
flow. When I do that, my hand paints as if by itself. I am merely an observer. It is only when I paint in this manner that
creation happens - the painting acquires a soul - through me, not from me. This is why my original paintings radiate so much
energy and life and inspiration.
To become sensitive as an artist or even to recognize and
appreciate art takes time and effort, like any other endeavour. I believe that an artist transfers some of his/her life energy
as well as some element of ‘universal energy’ into a painting and it is this that makes the original work of art
so valuable. When you stand in front of a great original work of art, such as a Picasso, you can feel his energy vibrating
from it – the painting is alive. The impact on the viewer is commensurate with his/her sensitivity to art. I believe the reason we are interested in art is that our spirit longs
to perceive and understand more than it currently does and it instinctually feels that original works of art not only radiate
the artist's energy but also reflect some of what's hidden
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