Marc Schimsky
Abstract Expressionist
Marc Schimsky completed his MFA at Pratt Institute in 1976. Having been deeply influenced by the works of Hans Hofmann, John Hultberg, Jack Shadbolt, Willem DeKooning, Rico LeBrun and Francis Bacon, his work in the late 1970s and early 80s could be described as almost entirely abstract and expressionistic in style. However, since then he has rebelled against the notion of a signature style, insisting instead on exploring and working in a variety of genres and stretching the idea of what a painting can be. His mixed media works communicate issues of time, conflict, memory, identity and the experiences or reflections of the past.
"I frequently incorporate flattened 'found' objects into my mixed media works," he says. "I enjoy combining these "found objects" which symbolize memories or experiences for me with recycled bits and pieces of my old drawings to create new compositions."
Schimsky also paints in both oils and acrylics. Generally, his paintings feature heavy brush strokes, broad shapes and heightened color. He usually works in two styles simultaneously. Some paintings are abstract and expressionistic. They feature an explosion of texture, shape and color that is carefully ordered and yet very much driven by emotion. Other works are representational (or semi-representational) and often reflect his fascination with travel and with the people who have come and gone in his life. His more recent works reflect the impact of the environment that surrounds his new studio in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.
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