Pat Kramek

34 Shore Road
Stevenston
Ayrshire
KA20 3LA
tel 01294 465 116
PatKramek@msn.com

ARTISTIC STATEMENT

Pat Kramek was born in Edinburgh in 1954 to a Scottish mother and a Polish father from Wies Siewalka near Lublin. A connection with art was established as a very young child, upon opening her first paintbox, the selection of colours and consistencies offered an intoxicating and absorbing fascination; a cocktail of sensory experiences.
The artist is responsive to her background and roots in her paintings through her landscapes and seascapes. There is no attempt to reject or compartmentalise the past. Whatever strong memories, experiences or passions have made an impact, these are welcome visitors to the painting process. This explains why similar elements drift through new pieces of work. Linkage exists. Similar themes are pulled through the art pieces even if different interpretations are highlighted each time.
Where does the essence of the artist's painting lie? The process begins before entering the studio. Even on days when the inspiration is not present in the first breath of the day, it takes over as the painting process begins. What arrives is contentment. The act of painting is personality driven, mood flavoured and evolves as it travels towards completion. When she opens herself to the process rather than trying to control the situation that confronts her, there is a natural love found that travels its way into the painting. Working in this way generates a vitality that is not only gratifying for the artist but it is hoped that this can be communicated to the viewers who are ready for just such an experience. Regarding those who view the artist's painting, she hopes that they will also benefit from the contentment that she channels into the paintings.
The artist uses technique only as a means to an end. Its place is as a tool that is used to express mood and feeling. It is wholly subordinate to the emotional process. However, the preferred format is square and a board is adopted alongside a palette knife, the use of which, is instrumental in achieving colour division and sharpening clarity. The application of the chosen instrument, the palette knife, creates immediacy within the painting. She may begin with a preconceived idea of how the painting may develop, but paintings, like life: well accidents do happen. However, sometimes in life, they can happen for the better in life and so too in painting. There is no attempt at painstaking detail. It is rather a spontaneous and dynamic journey. The drawing experience alone takes a mere minute then the paint is immediately applied to the board and the shape from this initial application, takes shape.
After the technical route has been selected, what is it that compels the artist to paint? The artist's heart is touched by colour, texture and pattern. Light too is of special interest for the impact that it delivers to the eye.
What is it that makes these interpretations of scenes that are familiar and immediately identifiable to us, so significantly different? The artist herself says; "I see these elements in the fields, in turbulent seas, oilrigs, boats and in still life. Most things that I observe from an artist's perspective jump out at me. The way that colours and light affect me, it's as if they are screaming "paint me, paint me". Many of the sights that I view, I believe I lend a truer, sharper interpretation when I paint. Life is full of surprises, and so too, my painting can happen in the same way. Let the surprises happen and enjoy them"

Born in Edinburgh.
Studied art at Duncan of Jordanstone.
DA in printed textiles.
Has worked in the textile industry and in education.

RECENT EXHIBITIONS

Primera Exhibition: Eastwood House, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock
Ayr Sketch Club: Various
Save The Children Fund: Rozelle House, Ayr.
Ongoing: Fisher Studio and Gallery, Pittenweem, Fife
PAI, Annual : Paisley Art Institute
Scottish Society of Artists : www.s-s-a.org
RSW: RSA, Edinburgh
EICSE Exhibition: Raquets Hall: Eglington Park, Irvine
Ongoing: Culross Gallery, Fife
Ongoing: Shoreline Gallery, Aberdour, Fife
Summer Exhibition: Brezilhac, Aude, South of France

Ongoing: www.scotlandart.com
Ongoing: Queens Gallery, Queens Road, Aberdeen
Ongoing: Rowan Gallery, Drymen
Ongoing: Castle Gallery, Rothsay, Isle of Bute
Ongoing: The Harbour Gallery, Broughty Ferry
Ongoing: Iona House Gallery, Woodstock, Oxfordshire

Fresh Exhibition: Gold Gallery, Edinburgh
June Exhibition: One Off Gallery, Galston

Charity:
Artists for Tibet www.artistsfortibet.co.uk
Beanfeast: Charity For Children, Holyrood House, Edinburgh

Glasgow Art Fair: George Square, Glasgow
Alternative Art Fair: Merchant City, Glasgow

Solo: Pittenweem Arts Festival, Fife
Solo and various: Fraoch Fine Art Gallery, Main Street, Stewarton
Solo and various: Aldessan Gallery, Clachan of Campsie
Solo and various: Torrance Gallery, Dundas Street, Edinburgh
Solo and various: Framework Gallery, Main Street, Troon
Solo: The Mitchell Library, North Street, Glasgow
Solo and various: Dick Institute, Kilmarnock
Solo: Cathcartson Visitor Centre, Dalmellington