Stephen Proski
The Slumber Party, Oil and acrylic on canvas, found fabric, thread, 78" x 78", 2018
As an artist dealing with degenerative vision loss, I explore the complexities of sightlessness in a sight-driven world. Squinting through the clutter and clamor of reality, my paintings reflect the whimsy and absurdity of our post cultural landscape. Blurring together elements of both collage and quilt making, I use paint and thread as a vehicle to mimic the chaos of everyday life. Stitching together by hand, narratives of the present while referencing the past.
Influenced by the chaos occurring in cartoons – a limitless universe without precaution or repercussion – I find logic in punchlines. Gags such as anvils dropping, painted faux tunnels, and exploding pianos inform my decision making when it comes to making a gesture. Dismal yet all at once humorous, my subject matter stems from past/present moments that haunt and eat away at me, producing a series of conundrums that writhe on the brink of a painterly language blurring together elements of both collage and quilt making. Compositions are cut into pieces and sewn back together by hand to create remixed arrangements. Resounding amplified lullabies under a blanket of distortion.
Influenced by the chaos occurring in cartoons – a limitless universe without precaution or repercussion – I find logic in punchlines. Gags such as anvils dropping, painted faux tunnels, and exploding pianos inform my decision making when it comes to making a gesture. Dismal yet all at once humorous, my subject matter stems from past/present moments that haunt and eat away at me, producing a series of conundrums that writhe on the brink of a painterly language blurring together elements of both collage and quilt making. Compositions are cut into pieces and sewn back together by hand to create remixed arrangements. Resounding amplified lullabies under a blanket of distortion.