A self portrait by New Britain artist Wladyslaw Prosol.
By Tricia Haggerty Wenz
New Britain artist Wladyslaw Prosol will be the first featured artist of ArtWalk’s 2021-22 season and his exhibition, “Portrait of a Picture,” opens Friday, Nov. 5, with a reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Below is an interview with Prosol ahead of the show where he discusses his background and how he approaches his art.
You are an architect and an artist. Where did it all begin? And what came first?
I was born in Poland to very caring parents. From the time I was a young boy I knew I was an artist in my soul. My parents were worried about my ability to make a living as an artist and encouraged me to go to architectural school. However, the wonderful thing about going to school to be an architect is you spend a lot of time learning to draw and using watercolors.
I came to America in 1989 and began my studies of American abstract expressionism art.
How did studying the work of American expressionism influence your own practice?
It was through my study, really my obsession, that I found my voice as a painter. I do not see myself as a European artist, rather through my studies I see my art as being strongly influenced by American expressionist artists.
What did you learn?
Once you begin studying the art you realize that American post-war art is so unique and so powerful you cannot resist it. The power of the communication with this art is so overwhelming that I became swept up in it.
Tell me about your art practice.
You know I did not paint for 20 years? I was so immersed in my work as an architect that I did not even pick up a paintbrush for my own art. Then one day I ran into a friend of mine and he asked me about my art and wanted to know when he could see it. I told him next year, then next year became the following year, and that became 10 years … then more. Finally three years ago, I dropped everything else and began painting. I started painted larger and larger and painted more and more, ’till I created a body of work I now feel comfortable exhibiting and sharing with an audience.
What is next for you?
I will continue to find my authentic voice in my paintings. Process and composition details don’t matter to me. What matters is taking what I conceive deep within my imagination and finding a way to getting that on to the canvas. There is a sacred connection between the imagination and the end of a paintbrush.
I like to keep my work childish. Through pure curiosity, focus, and concentration I can make what I dream come alive on the canvas.
Read more about this season’s ArtWalk artists by clicking here.