Gerry Chodak
ARTIST STATEMENT and BIO
Gerald Chodak, born in New York, NY, developed his first career as a surgeon. Later, his interest for the Visual Arts began when he was introduced to glass blowing, although if he already had considered surgery to be an artistic expression but with obvious limitations. Glass blowing gave Gerald a chance to develop “surgery” on the glass by conceiving appealing shapes combined with a variety of colors. Then, after 13 years, the next step for his artistic development was to explore painting. He attended classes at the Boca Raton Museum School of Art, Boca Raton, FL and at the Old School Square, Delray Beach, FL. In contrast to glass blowing that demanded pre-work planning and a time control, painting gave him a more spontaneous and free methodology in the use of time to develop each painted artwork until completed. Moreover, he can change and improve each piece until he is completely satisfied. Also, he can merge a diversity of color palettes. Creating in glass often did not allow combining some colors with others. However, Gerald considers both experiences to be enriching, as they helped him to reach a path that was also inspired by the abstract colorist painters of the early and mid 20th century. Today, the artist says that his main drive is to depict with enthusiasm the interactions between ‘vibrant color and abstract shapes’.
Gerald has stated: “Color, it fills our world, enriching it greatly. It has always evoked a special reaction in me. I don’t simply see it but rather I react to it emotionally, whether it is the changing colors in the ocean or sky, the birds flying by or the flowers in my garden. My goal is to evoke a similar reaction for myself as I watch the acrylic paints merge together and explode off the canvas, creating combinations that are often unexpected. Constant excitement influences my art as I prefer to display organic, non-objective shapes, which encourage the viewer to find their own message.”
CURRICULUM VITAE
Personal Information
Name: Gerald Chodak
D.O.B.- March 13, 1947
Address: 2901 South Ocean Blvd. Apt 601, Highland Beach, Fl 33487
Born: March 13, 1947 in New York, NY.
Website: www.ArtbyGerryChodak.com
Art Exhibitions and Societies and Recognitions
October, 2018-Light Space and Time “10 ABSTRACT ARTISTS TO WATCH IN 2018”
September, 2018 Fusion Art Exhibition “Colorful Abstractions” – Honorable Mention
August, 2018 Camelback Gallery International Art Competition-Best In Show
August, 2018 Fusion Art Annual Artist’s Choice Exhibition-Finalist
July, 2018-Light, Space and Time “555 Exhibition”-Special Merit Category
March, 2018-Light, Space and Time Abstract Art Exhibition- 7th Place Overall
March, 2018-Light, Space and Time Abstract Art Exhibition- 4th Place Painting Category
March, 2018-Light, Space and Time Abstract Art Exhibition-Special Recognition Category
March 2018-Delray Art League-Winter Interlude Exhibition-Honorable Mention
February, 2018-Gallery Ring Abstract Art Exhibition-Best In Show
January, 2018- Bauhaus Prairie Art Exhibition-Honorable Mention
January, 2018- Light, Space and Time Solo Art Series Exhibition-Artist Showcase Winner
December, 2017- Juried into Delray Art League, Delray Beach, Fl
December, 2017- Light, Space and Time Art Exhibition- Honorable Mention
December, 2017- Light, Space and Time Art Exhibition- Special Merit
April, 2017- Broward Art Guild Juried Exhibition
Fall, 2016- Creative Quarterly Journal of Art and Design- Runner-up
August, 2013- Lubeznik Center for the Arts-Juried Exhibition, Michigan City, IN
Gallery Representation-Paintings
Courtyard Gallery, New Buffalo, MI
Present and Past Galleries Representing Glass Art
Avalon Gallery, Delray Beach, Fl
Courtyard Gallery, New Buffalo, MI
Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City, IN
MAE Gallery, Delray Beach, Fl
Sklar Furnishings, Boca Raton, Fl
Thaddeus C. Gallery, LaPorte, IN
Vale Gallery, Chicago, IL
Water Street Gallery, Douglas, MI