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Painter takes Lincolnwood Village Hall abstract
Artist Peter Bialecki's work is being featured at Lincolnwood Village Hall this month. | Courtesy Alexandra Bialecki
Updated: April 29, 2013 2:16AM
LINCOLNWOOD — Abstract artist Peter Bialecki will be featured in Village Hall’s spring-themed art gallery during March and April. The show, entitled “Art for all Seasons,” will run March 1 through April 30.
Bialecki, who resides in East Dundee, will contribute 14 large abstract paintings that capture spring-inspired scenes with flowers, trees, seascapes and landscapes. Known for using bold, primary colors applied with loose lines and unconventional forms, Bialecki’s paintings have a simplistic, almost childlike appearance which is created with an abstract execution.
The paintings he will display at Village Hall fit the gallery’s spring theme with splashy, colorful florals painted on canvas. Many of his paintings are centered around the poppy flower, which he said is his wife’s favorite.
A native of Torun, Poland, Bialecki also enjoys capturing the gothic-style buildings of his hometown in his architecture-themed collections.
He moved from Poland to Chicago in 1978 with his wife Danuta, and began an unexpected career as an artist while in his 40s after raising three children.
Bialecki said he “fell in love” with a painting of poppies and when he learned it was not for sale he decided to create his own. So with a few brushes, some paint, a small canvas and a basic “how-to-paint” book, Bialecki got to work.
More than two decades later, Bialecki has created hundreds of pieces and has since found his calling in life as an artist.
Bialecki shares the inspiration for his work with the Lincolnwood Review.
Q: Can you describe the pieces that will be displayed in Village Hall and explain what inspired them?
A: Some of my paintings are colorful, happy and bold with lots of energy and expression, and others are calmer. Some are even sad with softer tones. It all depends on how I’m feeling and what I see around me. I combine different techniques from impressionism through post-expressionism to almost abstract forms. Flowers take a special place in my heart. My latest “obsession” with flowers has to do with the most gracious and tropical vine called bougainvillea. It is my favorite collection because I have an emotional connection to it.
Q: How would you describe the mood of your paintings?
A: My paintings reflect my tumultuous personality. The emotions that create my works change depending on the moment. Some are influenced by feelings of peace, calm and reflection. In others, the dark, thick lines and loud colors reflect my happiness and even suspense. I am never satisfied with just one way of showing the subjects I paint. I constantly search for new ways of transferring the feelings inside of me into something tangible — an image on the canvas.
Q: What, if any, of your surroundings in Illinois inspire your work?
A: What inspires me in Illinois is the beauty of all four seasons. However, I especially love to paint winter scenes, nature covered with a blanket of bluish snow. I love to paint early spring and the cascading colors of autumn.
Q: What do you hope visitors to Lincolnwood Village Hall will enjoy most about your gallery?
A: My wish is to create a space filled with an atmosphere of joy by using color and simplicity of form.
Q: In what ways is your birthplace in Poland reflected in your art?
A: Every person is tied to and influenced by where they come from. Our roots are the soul of our family, and are a huge influence on how we think, how we act, and what we do. The inspiration comes from everything I remember from my life in Poland as well as from what I see around me presently. My vision of the world is influenced by my upbringing, the culture I grew up in, Polish traditions, history, and how the world around me makes feel.
Q: How does your family play a role in the art you create (if at all)?
A: My wife and children are my first critics and admirers of my art. They have supported me emotionally throughout all these years. However, our two dogs and a cat have always been my favorite art connoisseurs. They never complained about my paintings yet!
