Patrick Schmidt: February 2020

Patrick Schmidt on his work:

“I have always worked with abstract shapes/forms in observation of the world around me. I describe my work as a combination of hardedge and color field techniques, stencil, digital alteration, and geometric abstraction. The first thing viewers notice is an overload of color. I believe color has energy to communicate, and that humans have individual, as well as universal connections to color. I’ve always been inspired by Pop/Op Art and the vivid color within my work is a direct result of that influence. I combine color theories, pop, and the perceptual qualities of Op Art, with the use of color combinations found in the commercial world to engage and dazzle viewers.

Because I believe that patterns function as extensions of popular culture and have a connection to economic, social, and ethnic identifiers, I appropriate designs from a variety of sources then reduce them (a little or a lot) via technology to a simple line drawing. The digital representation of patterns transforms/breaks down/disrupts them to a generic universal theme. Next, I overlay several images in order to disrupt their individual patterns and to suggest one all-embracing design/image. Each new shape is then isolated by taping them off and painting them individually. The process takes months to finish. In the end, these all-over compositions are a social/political commentary on the world, as I see it, where everything is happening.”

Biography:

Patrick has been a Professor of Art at Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) for 15+ years. Prior to W&J, he taught at Western Michigan University. He received my MFA and BFA in painting from Central Michigan University. Patrick has exhibited his paintings, drawings, and drawing installations nationally for 20 years at venues such as The Painting Center (NY), Ormand Art Museum (FL), BG Gallery (CA), and NutureArt (NY). Five years ago, Patrick showed at the Siena Art Institute, Florence School of Fine Arts, and BoCs Museum Cosenza, all in Italy. In addition to the grants and awards he has received, Patrick has attended residencies at the Soaring Gardens Retreat (PA), Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (MI), and Box of Contemporary Space (Italy). In February 2020, he will attend the residency Chateau D’ Orquevaux in Champagne-Ardenne, France. Patrick’s work is in several private collections and he is represented by the Todd Weiner Gallery in Kansas City, MO.