Piotr Wojtecki - designer, graphic artist, painter. Born in 1984 in Poland, currently working in the city of Łódź. A graduate of the Poznań Academy of Fine Arts, he creates works in the geometric abstraction trend, inspired by the architecture of modernism and the art of street art and graffiti, with which he has been associated since his youth. His paintings are carefully considered and designed compositions, combining the whole spectrum of geometric figures, gradients and textures.
Since when do you paint and what are your favorite motives?
I started painting while I was still in high school, which makes me paint for more years than I do not (just realized). My college years were mostly academic painting and the search for my style of painting. After college, I went into graphic design and put painting aside for a few years, but I missed the manual creative process. Getting back to the canvas and brush was just what I needed.
As for my favorite subjects, they are strong and colorful geometric compositions that reference modernist art, architecture, graffiti art and graphic design icons. My style is evolving all the time, but I try to maintain a certain common element that gives each of my works an individual character.
When you create a new work, how do you proceed? What comes first?
In the beginning, there is a need to create something new. It may be an internal one, in which case the process can take a very long time to mature. If it's a commercial job, I go through this design process - each stage is defined and strictly timed. It also starts in different ways - on paper, in Photoshop or Illustrator, or on an iPad. Often I just start to create on the canvas, but it is rare that something is created the first time that I am happy with it. My art is about process and change - this assumption means that I rarely feel resigned or annoyed by a lack of inspiration. I allow the process to take as long as it needs. The painting that took the longest was about 4 years, during which I completely changed it.
From what do you get your motivation?
For me, art is a break from professional life. I don't need to look for additional motivation, and I'm lucky to be able to treat creativity as a passion. What I appreciate most is that when I am creating, there is only a canvas, tools and an idea - reality has no role. Yes, that is something every creator has an understanding of.
Your life without art would be...
Less colorful, more standard, or worse - I don't know. I have always played and enjoyed sports, so I would probably lead a more athletic life. Art, on the other hand, is the reason why I gave up the idea of studying medicine and is more or less the reason for my life today. I guess I can say that it's a part of me. And getting rid of a part of yourself usually doesn't end well, or at least has serious consequences.
What's the best art venue in your city right now?
Interesting question. I currently live and create in Lodz - a city full of contrasts with a rich history. At first glance, it's an ugly and industrial city, but getting to know the people and places makes you discover those inspiring gems that create the amazing atmosphere of this city. That's why this city became the backdrop for the presentation of my paintings.
Lodz has esteemed museums and galleries and great events like the Lodz Design Festival or Promised Land Art Festival, but I strongly recommend looking for art and inspiration in the living fabric of the city - fans of urban art will find a gallery of impressive murals by artists from all over the world scattered throughout the city, and amateurs of architectural inspiration will find authentic industrial buildings or examples of Art Nouveau or Modernist art. There are definitely plenty of choices.
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