Andrew Stelmack

As a visual artist, Andrew likes to use bold and conflicting colours, shapes and textures as he explores an obsession of finding “the calm within chaos”. He will often use strong colours to assault and yet calm the senses at the same time.   He will also combine the opposing effects of texture with smooth luminosity — within the same space — until they find a shared and harmonious balance.

There also is an influence of cubism in Andrew’s work as he is fascinated in how such perfect shapes as a square or rectangle can so quickly become imperfect. “It is amazing how all you have to do is create the simplest rupture or distortion to these defined shapes and instantly you create an energy and an emotion that wasn’t there.” In most cases, there is no specific story behind any given artwork.

His exploration of trying to create calm within chaos usually means that an artwork decides what it will become all by itself.  “It is my job as the artist to let that happen and not get in the way.” But as in life, there are no steadfast rules for his exploration of art: “Sometimes, a painting (or series of them) can reflect a story, a memory or an experience that I wish to share.  Perhaps even a reflection of my own emotional place at that given moment.  But even when that happens, I don’t necessarily want that story or emotion to be its overriding force. In the end, the most important thing is that I want each painting to have no boundaries imposed.

For it to have unlimited possibilities for the viewer’s imagination to simply take hold and see where it goes.  The viewer and I connecting.  Without words.  Sharing our own private stories, thoughts and emotions. Together.” Andrew’s artwork is in both private and corporate collections and he has participated in all the popular art exhibitions in Toronto and Montreal such as: The Art Expo, The Artist Project, The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Riverdale Art Walk, Queen West Art Crawl and Art Walk North. Andrew has also participated in many solo and group shows in galleries all over the city.  His art work has also been presented to numerous Members and Ministers in Canada’s House of Parliament.

Selected Works