Charles Gniech, Watching Waves, 40 x 60" acrylic on canvas
For the past three decades, my paintings have focused on meditation, and the meditative surface patterns found in nature.
The exhibition, Meditative Surfaces, stems from the hypnotic qualities of the prehistoric stone circles of Great Britain. Britain is littered with more than four-hundred-and-thirty prehistoric stone circles. Although, most people are familiar with Stonehenge, there are areas concentrated with megalithic configurations as far to the north as the Scottish Islands, and as far to the south and west as Cornwall. The largest complex of circles is just to the north of Stonehenge, at Avebury.
The megaliths that comprise these structures are both geologically and biologically adorned with unique and elaborate surface patterns. The translation of these surfaces—even with the application of some artistic liberties—continues to convey the serene qualities regularly associated with nature. Working on canvas, the application of multiple layers of diluted pigment produces a translucent effect—the glistening surfaces evoking feelings of tranquility. Like that of Agnes Martin and Mark Rothko, the paintings convey the calming qualities of meditation and inner peace.
—Charles Gniech