PAUL MONSKA
Sun Break, acrylic on masonite, 9" x 12", 2010

Paul Monska was born and raised in central Illinois. He received a B.A. in Art History from State University of New York, Cortland, with graduate work at Binghamton University. He served as a chaplain at the Seattle Veteran's Administration Hospital, as is now employed as a chaplain at the Meth-Wick Community in Cedar Rapids.  As a volunteer, he serves on the board of the Marion Arts Council and holds the position of exhibition coordinator. His art education has been heightened through hands-on workshop experience in stained glass, textiles, woodworking, and Chinese brushwork.

Paul Monska states "My work is inspired by both the natural world and the hand of humankind upon it. I am drawn to the elements of color and form, the contrast of light and shadow.  My senses are stirred in the energy of the forms of earth and sky. When I look out at the landscape my visual perception translates what I see into blocks of color and an arrangement of forms. I attempt to convey this arrangement/interaction of color and form into my work when I paint. Although the effect of my work may appear geometric and sometimes hard-edge abstract, it is always the result of a careful and deliberate attempt to capture the emotion as well as the spirit of the subject. Therefore, rather than re-creating a realistic landscape on a canvas, I aim to express its essence, its spirit."