Dennis Wojtkiewicz defies the destructive nature of time passing in his large scale, photo realistic paintings of fruit and flowers. Using a technique perfected by Vermeer and other Northern European masters, he captures and enhances the transitory nature of his subject matter. “Each painting is constructed by beginning with a monochrome under painting in the complement of the featured subject. Subsequent layers of semi-opague through to transparent colors follow with up to ten passes before the end result is achieved.” In explaining the meditative qualities of the work, Wotjkiewicz says, “There are a number of elements in the visual undertow which function as a metaphor or representation of themes such as spirituality, relationships (or lack thereof), reproduction and, generally speaking, the transitory nature of most stuff. When I go into the studio, it is with the intent of imbuing the paintings with a living spirit and to realize something that will connect with the viewer on a sensual if not metaphysical plane.” His work is currently on exhibit at the Castle Gallery.
-Jayme Catalano