Surface Paintings
Charles Gniech has spent more then a decade exploring the meditative qualities of the prehistoric stone circles of Great Britain. Gniech explains... "Britain is littered with more then four hundred and thirty of these prehistoric sites... most people are familiar with Stonehenge, yet there are areas concentrated with megalithic structures as far to the north as the Scottish Islands, and as far to the south and west as Cornwall. The largest complex of circles is just to the north of Stonehenge, at Avebury." Gniech's latest body of work is influenced by the meditative qualities of the fluid surface-patterns found on some of these monuments. Gniech continues... "I have taken some artistic liberties,in the replication, manipulation and abstraction of the surface patterns found on these massive stone slabs, yet the work continues to convey the serene qualities regularly associated with nature and inner peace."

Surface Paintings 09
Charles Gniech’s exploration of the meditative surface patterns—influenced by various prehistoric monoliths—continues with a series of works comprised of mostly neutral color tones. The color shift is based on observations in nature, which seems to relax the human psyche. Paintings from this body of work, continue to be presented in a traveling exhibition titled “Meditative Surfaces.” This three-person exhibition combines Gniech’s paintings with the abstract photography of Maggie Meiners and Mixed-Media work created by Deanna Krueger.

The Art Center of Highland Park presents “Ripple–cause and effect” a powerfully inspirational exhibition of painting and sculpture, presenting imagery focused on the meditative surface patterns found within nature. The works of Yelena Klairmont, Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, and Charles Gniech have been compiled to create this peacefully compelling exhibition.

The oil paintings of Yelena Klairmont are the most literal of the group. Klairmont captures the result of a compromised pool of water—portraying the ripple effect as a beautiful thought-provoking moment in time.

Paula Kloczkowski Luberda creates powerful stoneware rock forms with intriguing surface features. The wonderfully glaze-washed forms are manipulated and organized to create intriguing compositions in space.

Influenced—for more then a decade—by the hundreds of the pre-historic stone circles throughout Great Britain, Charles Gniech uses the surface patterns of the Megaliths to create meditative imagery on which to ponder. Gniech explains... "Britain is littered with more then four hundred and thirty of these prehistoric sites... most people are familiar with Stonehenge, yet there are areas concentrated with megalithic structures as far to the north as the Scottish Islands, and as far to the south and west as Cornwall. The largest complex of circles is just to the north of Stonehenge, at Avebury." Gniech's latest body of work is influenced by the meditative qualities of the fluid surface patterns found on some of these monuments. Gniech continues... "I have taken some artistic liberties, in the replication, manipulation and abstraction of the surface patterns found on these massive stone slabs, yet the work continues to convey the serene qualities regularly associated with nature and inner peace. The pieces included in this exhibition are representative of some of the fluid markings found within the rock surfaces. The process of creating each piece is as centering as the imagery itself."

"Ripple – Cause and Effect" will be presented at The Art Center of Highland Park from July 2 through the 22nd. An Opening Reception will be held on July 2 beginning at 6:30pm. The Art Center in Highland Park is located at 1957 Sheridan Road. For additional information, contact The Art Center at 847.432.1888.

Surface, 40" x 60", acrylic on canvas, 2007
$4,200.

Meditation IV, 36" x 36", acrylic on canvas, 2010
$2,200.

Organized Chaos, 36" x 48", acrylic on canvas, 2010
$3,500.

Intitution, 48" x 36", acrylic on canvas, 2010
$3,400.

Meditation III, 48" x 36", acrylic on canvas, 2009
$3,400.

Meditation II, 36" x 48", acrylic on canvas, 2007
$3,500.

Untitled 2006, 36" x 15", acrylic on canvas, 2006
Detail at right
$1,000.

Surface Verte, 24" x 48", acrylic on canvas, 2009
$2,400.

Moving Thoughts, 36" x 48", acrylic on canvas, 2006
$3,500.

Quiet Surface II, 24" x 24", acrylic on canvas, 2009
$1,400.

Quiet Surface I, 24" x 24", acrylic on canvas, 2009
$1,400.

Altered, 36" x 15", acrylic on canvas, 2009 [detail at right]
$1,000.

Moving Surface, 36" x 72", acrylic on canvas, 2007
$4,500.

Blue Stone, 36" x 15", acrylic on canvas, 2006 [detail at right]
$1,000.

Stone Surface, 24" x 48", acrylic on canvas, 2007
$2,400.

The following paintings have been acquired for private collections

Untitled 2010, 36" x 15", acrylic on canvas, 2010
Detail at right
In the collection of Ann and Robert Avery, Chicago

Quiet Wisdom - Warmth, 40" x 40", acrylic on canvas, 2007
In the collection of Rose Camasta, Chicago

Red Surface, 40" x 40", acrylic on canvas, 2008
Private Collection - Chicago

Meditation, 48" x 36", acrylic on canvas, 2006
In the collection of Pat Popovich, Valpo, IN
[shown at Gallery H, Three Oaks, MI, center wall]

Quiet Wisdom II, 40" x 40", acrylic on canvas, 2007
Private Collection - Chicago
Acquired at the Art Against AIDS® 2008 benefit, Chicago

Moments III, 24" x 48", acrylic on canvas, 2007
Purchased by Wachovia for auction at the National Human Rights Campaign Benefit in Washington DC, 2007

Moments, 24" x 48", acrylic on canvas, 2006
In the collection of Mike and Maggie Meiners, Chicago

Untitled, 36" x 48", acrylic on canvas, 2007
Wired as a vertical or horizontal composition
In the collection of Eugenio Biondi, Chicago

Watching Waves, 36" x 60", acrylic on canvas, 2006
In the collection of Howard Spector, DDS, Chicago

Other Collectors of work from this series include:

Jan Lechner, Tinley Park, Illinois
Image unavailable

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