Lois Stanciak has artwork on display at the library’s first floor Gallery Art Wall through the end of September. A Chicago native, Lois Staniack resides in the Palos area. She has been interested in art since receiving her first crayon. She minored in art history but pursued a career in education. After retiring as a college professor, she began to pursue her interest in art and took art classes in watercolor and oil painting. Read on to learn more about Lois and her artwork!
Was there a defining moment in your life when you knew you were an artist?
LS: I always loved drawing, but never pursued any art classes because I was encouraged to take practical classes which could be used in the world of work. I did pen and ink drawings initially because of time constraints. It wasn’t until I retired that I was able to learn watercolor and then oil painting.
What is your background? How does it inform your art?
LS: I have been an educator for over 40 years. I began teaching high school and then transitioned to teaching at the college. I did take art history classes which helped to inform me of the various styles and mediums of artists.
I also love to travel and have visited 76 countries and all seven continents. I visit art museums in every country I visit, if available, to study the work of different artists. Being able to see various works directly has influenced my style and approach to painting.
Where do you find inspiration?
LS: I find inspiration from nature. I see every flower and natural landscape as a work of art. When you see a flower in bloom, some look like they were individually painted by a master artist. Flowers of variegated colors look like individual works of arts; to me, their beauty is unparalleled. I stand in awe of the power and beauty of nature.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
LS: Since I love to paint individual flowers very large, I was influenced by the works of Georgia O’Keeffe, especially her red poppy. I had the opportunity to visit her Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I also love the works of Mary Cassatt, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Édouard Manet (all Impressionism). I also love the realism in the work of Ambrosius Bosschaert, a still life painter. I also admire the work of Robert Papp. He paints for Cooks Illustrated magazine and you find his vegetables on the cover.
In watercolor, I think Janet Rogers’ work is admirable. Her style is loose and contemporary. I also enjoy the Victorian ladies in oil of Alan Maley. He worked for George Lucas on Star Wars, but loved subject matter from the Victorian Era.
When people view your artwork, what do you want them to experience and think about?
LS: When people view my art I would like them to experience the beauty and joy that surrounds us every day in the simple things in life we take for granted: beautiful flowers, landscapes, and nature.
