Bio:
Chad Pollpeter was born and raised in the mid-west. He attended school at Florida
State University, where 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 within 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 a 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.
Another aspect I have tried to explore and exploit, is the layers with in 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!
This brings us to another aspect of some of my work. What I have deemed my “damaged” series. In these paintings there is a series of scratches or “scars” that run through the canvas. These “scars” represent emotional baggage that we all carry in some form or another. Strong, tall walls and creative denials, don’t alter the fact that the luggage is there. Scars created by many forces in our lives. Albeit wounds heal, they remain permanent influences over our actions and reactions. We get them. We give them. All powerful reminders that all things relate to everything else in some form or another.
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!
