Whom have I created?

They gaze out at us from under the wide brim of a well-worn hat with shadowed eyes, and we become locked in their ambiguous stare. The interaction begins with careful investigation of what may be going on in that two-dimensional mind created on the canvas. Cowboys, lawmen and farmers from a dusty past peek into our lives as if there is something to be said. Where have they been, and what are their stories?

Being that I am legally blind I cannot actually see eyes, merely shadows. It is difficult to distinguish if someone is looking at me, near me, or behind me, and I can only assume eye contact. My paintings allow you to experience my awkward perspective, but then, allow you  to look right back and ask, “Are you looking at me?” At that point you are invited, sometimes demanded, to acknowledge the subjects interest in you.

Scale is important in my work for two reasons. It has become a case of "cause and effect". My limited eyesight “causes” me to paint larger, resulting in images that have an imposing and intimidating “effect”. The size of the canvas pulls observers from across the room to be introduced to my "larger than life" characters. The subjects are stylized, sometimes “cartoon-ish" and impressionistic, but with technique, I obtain the illusion of depth, detail and conviction.

Another ingredient I sometimes throw into the recipe is texture. I have added materials such as sawdust, sand, birdseed, and even coffee grounds, at different stages to prepare the surface. This 3rd dimension to the expression of the subject tempts you to touch them. The texture teams with the subject to portray the “true grit” of the life and times of those “rough and tumble” bygone days.

I have yet to find a room that does not welcome my work.  My paintings find comfort in the rustic cottage surroundings as well as the most sterile contemporary environments.

Dave Wisniewski