

Date: 9.15.2011
Time: 6pm - 9pm
Location: City Arts Factory
29 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Feat: Mike Marras, Chad Pollpeter, Holly Earhart, Brian Dinsmore, Aaron Vaaler, Cameron Moore, LOaF NINjA, Steve Parker, John Pierro, Michael Sanborn, Emily Coleman, David McLeish
Bio:
Chad Pollpeter was born and raised in the mid-west. He attended school at Florida State University, from which he graduated in 1994 with a degree in Art Education. After earning his degree, he moved to Virginia and started teaching art in the public schools. During this time, he continued to paint and had success doing local shows. In the summer of 2000, Chad relocated to Central Florida. He currently resides in Ocoee FL. while teaching with in the computer animation department at "Full Sail". He continues to exhibit in the South Eastern U.S. and has collectors throughout the country and abroad.
Statement to the Viewer:
The style of my work is derived from my intrigue in the works of Surrealists such as Dali, Magritte, Beksinski and Bacon. I paint intuitively, in doing so; the meaning of the painting develops with the painting itself. My imagery tends to focus on the expressive qualities of the human form. When painting, I reflect on things that have influence. Relationships and experiences that have built up, support, break down or possibly even change our views or even values. My paintings tend to be about emotion. Not the outer influences that trigger our emotions, but rather the result of such triggers.
My work is in constant evolution. Though at times it is minimal, it does continue to evolve. I try to learn from each painting that I complete. One of the main concepts that underlie many of my paintings is that one thing effects everything else. Everything is cyclical and revolving. Nothing is isolated; everything revolves and involves everything else. For example the cycles of the Moon, though so far away, effects our ocean tides, the weather, and even the cycles of woman (and men for that matter). You can take the cycles of women and tie that to the cycle (or circle) of life. It is from these "cycles" or "circles" that some of my symbols come from.
Though the symbols serve as compositional elements to be used and/or abused that is not the extent to why they appear. The use of the sphere represents an essence or life force. The sphere is a circular shape, no beginning no end, just an on going revolution. The "lines" cut into the image or divide the canvas, represent infinity and endless time. In the time that we exist in, things repeat themselves, such as the seasons. Beyond "our" time, things repeat themselves. Existence of humans for example, you don’t really think we will be around as long as the dinosaurs were, do you? Though the canvas edge stops you from seeing the continuation of the line, the line keeps going. In a sense it could go on and on around the world until it connects with itself, making one giant circle. Again, a circle, a cycle, a revolution.
Much of my work depicts organic and natural type forms that surround and envelop the faces and figures. This is to illustrate how we are tied to and grow from our environment. Recently these fluid, organic forms have given way to the creation of rougher, more obtuse textures that seem to invade or disrupt the image. There is a rhythm to life, but this rhythm is easily disrupted. These textures seem to have a sense of structure, but really have no specific design. This is reflective of how, no matter how much we try to control our environment, our lives, our world, that we can really only react, adjust and continue to move forward.
Another aspect I have tried to explore and exploit are the layers within the image. This is not a physical layering of paint or texture, but instead an appearance of layers with in the image. Through the use of lines, highlighted on one side shadowed on the other. Thus, the illusion (or confusion!) Of the interchangeability of what exists in the foreground and background. Intrinsically related, neither deserves greater status than the other. Concentration solely on the foreground of life may result in the missed opportunities or worse, rejoinders that come back to bite you in the ass!
These are just some of the "broad strokes" of what goes into my work. As you explore the individual paintings you may discover more symbols, concepts, and messages captured in my evolution. Please share! That’s the way it should be. As the cycle continues, YOUR thoughts and feelings will become a part of the next offerings. ENJOY!
If you'd like to commision me for a painting, show my work, or if you just want to drop me a line, fill in the form to the right and I'll contact you with my availability.