Mark Czajkowski has been exhibiting his art for over 35 years in juried shows, group shows and through commissioned work. Primarily in oil and watercolour paintings, but also in metal and wood sculptures, Czajkowski’s prolific output reflects a highly individual and spiritual intensity.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
I’m blessed to have good friends that have been with me my whole life.
What is the first memory you have connected to creating art?
Painting my pets as a child with oils on board.
How did you get started in the art world?
I sold my first drawing at Art in the Park in Stratford with my dad when I was 11 for $1.50 and I was hooked
How would you describe your subject matter or the content of your work?
My surroundings and life experiences.
What is your WHY?
Because I need to….
What are you presently inspired by?
I’m interested in capturing the colours of the sky that reflect on the land.
I’m also dabbling in interior landscapes of home and studio.
What is the most profound experience you’ve had as an artist?
When I was in my 20’s, I won an award in London, Ontario and when I was leaving an old man well into his 80’s came up and said to me that I should be very happy because he’s painted his whole life and never had anything like that happened. I was sad and glad at the same time.
Besides your art practice, are you involved in any other kind of work?
A carpenter by trade.
Is there something you are currently working on, or are excited about starting that you can tell us about?
I am very excited to exhibit some art at the Inn of Bay Fortune, Chef Michael Smith’s restaurant overlooking the Fortune River. I have a wonderful group of paintings showing at the flower shop in Sours, Daisy a Day and down the street I have a few showing at Artisans on Main – Souris, Prince Edward Island.
Are you involved in any upcoming shows or events?
The St. Peter’s Bay Landing in PEI, I’m showing my artwork exclusively in one of the stores.
Also showing at Lobstermen Sea Shanties, our cabin for rent here in PEI.
Where can people see/buy your work?
Prince Edward Island
Website: www.hikepaddlepaint.com
Twitter, Instagram & Facebook pages
Any advice for emerging artists?
Don’t stop creating, stay focused.
Pay no heed to negative advice.
Dream of the curator from the Guggenheim showing up and begging you for a show, or better yet, the National Gallery of Canada.
Words to live by… a favourite quote or motto?
Keep the faith, Love will conquer all.
‘I believe the world needs more Canada’….Barack Obama
Thank you Mark!
interview by Ann-Marie Cheung
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