Artmaking is a call to contemplation…the chance to reflect upon the role we play in the human drama. The “call” to be Artist is like being chosen to carry the Olympic torch—symbolic of something greater than oneself. To play a part in, or to be a conduit for, something greater than oneself is intoxicating at the very least. Artists have the unique opportunity to speak out visually of those events and/or truths that come unbidden from the interior reaches. It is at this level that our words, our images, and our impulses are most relevant.

Working with acrylic paint on canvas or wood, Xerox transfers, and discarded materials, I explore places I have experienced and states of mind, using landscapes and urban environments as my metaphors. Many of the works in this show are from a series based on a journey on the rivers from Amsterdam, through Germany, to Vienna, Austria. As I cruised past towns along the Rhein, the Main, and the Danube, I took note of the rooftops of Rothenburg, the vineyards of Germany and Austria, and undercurrents of history I sensed in Bavaria.

I use discarded materials because of their link with the past and the deep sense of history they bring to the work. Inspired by Egon Schiele’s rooftop paintings, I determined to create a sense of these landscapes and my various states of mind with surfaces textured with cardboard, sandpaper, burlap, and mesh (“Rothenberg #1-4”). I like the idea of “painting” with materials other than paint, and I remain committed to exploring that dimension which falls between 2-D and 3-D. I am a wine lover and so the vineyards presented a very satisfying subject to explore in “Vineyards #1-2” as well as “Eisswein #1-3”. Several of the series, such as “Undercurrents #2-7” combine lessons of Tao as a means of understanding the history of Germany.

“Sanctuary” and “Mindfulness” are transitional pieces that are more introspective and request a retreat from daily routine to reflect upon the important aspects of life. “A Child’s Tale” is a whimsical “book” that narrates in word and presents a visual story about one endearing aspect of the artist’s childhood. The “tale” is told in simple words and found/discarded objects.

Artists are a curious lot. We like investigations…of materials, of techniques, of content, of approaches. We like to use the phrase, “What would happen if…” as a stepping off point to an “aha!” moment. I encourage you to ask questions of the art and join me in the journey.

Artist's Bio:

Pat Gerkin’s abstract paintings and assemblage have been exhibited in numerous solo and group shows throughout the Washington, D.C. area, including at Hyatt Regency’s Market Street Grill, Glenview Mansion Gallery, Studio Gallery, District West Fine Arts, Washington Theological Union, Capital One, Cox Communications, eklektikos Gallery, Touchstone Gallery, and The Art League. Galleries and venues outside the area include RedSky Gallery in Charlotte, NC; Ashley Gallery in Philadelphia; Sharon Arts Center in Peterborough, New Hampshire; Northwood University Gallery in Midland, Michigan. Ms. Gerkin has participated in several public installation projects, including the “Hopscotch Bridge Project,” and “Arts on Foot.” Her work is in public and private collections in the U. S., South America, and Europe.

Ms. Gerkin received her B.A. from Fairmont State College, and she has studied art independently and through the Corcoran School of Art, Arlington Arts Center, NOVA, and The Art League for the last 25 years. She is an Associate Member of the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Virginia.

Ms. Gerkin’s abstract paintings and assemblage explore both the exterior and the interior landscape. She is interested in surface tension and the place between 2-D and 3-D. Many of her assemblages make use of crushed metal, tiles, roofing, and other discarded materials that have had some history before and bring that history into the work. Ms. Gerkin was awarded a painting fellowship for a month-long residency at Vermont Studio Center in April 2001.