Artist Statement
Elizabeth C. Slomka
(773) 331-6864
I believe Art should be something inspirational, something to bring us closer to who we really are. It should force us to look beyond what we see in our everyday lives into a world that makes us feel more alive and more creative. For me Art is a healing process, and product, it should heal our minds our soul, and our hearts and leave us feeling peaceful. I feel that in this time in history, “The greatest poverty is the poverty of love.” (Mata Amritananda Mayi Devi) In my work I try to convey a sense of Love, Beauty, and Joy, so as to help fill the gaps of Love in our lives. At a time when so much is passing through our lives at such a fast pace, I try to give something to hold on to in one's heart.
My painting process is mostly about meditation and connecting to God and my faerie friends . My primary subject is trees because I like them, and so do the faeries. I have always felt closest to God when I am among trees and the spirits of nature. My paintings always begin with a simple oil painting on canvas which roughly depict the world we see before us every day. I then paint as many layers as needed (usually 2) of water color on glass. The finished watercolor layers are flipped and placed back on top of the oil paining.
While my influences were mainly oil painters, I have never seen my work reflect the works of those I have admired most of my life as I have since I have been painting in watercolor. I was born in Chicago, and have spent most of my life here. My parents were good enough to take me to the Art Institute of Chicago at least 3 times a year. It is there that I met one of my greatest influences; Vincent Van Gogh. As a child I had many conversations with a particular portrait of Vincent, and used to enjoy watching museum visitors walk past it in its bed of light and lovely landscapes, so many would unwittingly step back when they passed it. Monet is probably the second most influential artists in my life, and I think maybe the most influential when one considers style only. And although there are may others that have influenced me along the way, I will stop at mentioning Mark Rothko. At first I was drawn to his large canvases of color that he is so famous for, but recently I have come to love his early works more. I would like to thank all the Masters of Art that have come into my life.
