Gallery 4

Artist’s Statement by Mark Pflughoeft

  I once told a first grade art class that if they were quiet and still they would hear ‘the voices’ tell them which color would go in which shapes on their abstract designs. One by one their eyes grew wide and they leaped into action. Others looked at me astonished and called out, “I heard the voices Mr. Pflughoeft!”

  My own painting has gone much like this for the past 35 years. I sit quietly and wait for ‘the voices’. They tell be which color, line or shape goes where. They tell me which texture might work on certain forms, and when to be strong and striking, and when to soften the look. They tell me when I’m finished with a painting and even what my next series will entail. Am I channeling paintings? I don’t think so. If anything, I’m channeling the painter deep within myself. This voice simply tells me who I am now. It keeps me current on what excites me visually and what challenges me now artistically.

  Art making isn’t an intellectual activity for me, though I know some might want it to be.  I spend endless amounts of time on each piece but I really don’t do much ‘thinking’ in the process of creating. The time is actually spent listening and looking, and simply being aware, alert, open and present. Making art is more an intuitive, spiritual or mystical activity for me, and I think this is true for most artists.

To contact Mark about questions, pricing
or personally commissioned art works
Call 1-608-838-9825 
Email pflugy@charter.net