| My name is Lorne Szmek and I have been living in the Vancouver area since 1973. I have been creating art ever since I was a small child. I have always had a vivid and elaborate imagination that I have tried to express and share through my artwork. In the late 1980’s and early 90’s I completed an apprenticeship as a machinist which started me thinking about metal and other materials and how they could be used to make artwork. During the late 90’s I developed a physical handicap that required me to change careers and during the periods between retraining I started to create metal and mixed media sculpture. Since returning to the workforce I have been forced to put this activity on hold till 2009 when I will retire and rededicate myself to it. In the mean time I have turned my attention to digital media to find an outlet for my creative spirit. The only formal art training I have received was through the public school system and while most people would consider this a disadvantage, I don’t. I have found that it has forced me to develop my own unique style and technique. I have been able to look at the work of artists from the past and present with a fresh perspective, unfiltered through someone else’s preconceptions, and use some their ideas to enhance my own creations. I think this is why I have gravitated toward abstract impressionism in my art. Although I can create the illusion of realism following the rules of perspective, line, light and shadow and colour in my graphite or pen and ink sketching and coloured pencil compositions, I find freedom in abstraction. My artwork usually starts from instinct or inspiration and then I refine the piece through the process of creation. The final result may have no resemblance to the original idea but it has come straight from my heart none the less. I have participated in a couple of the Arts Council of Surrey’s exhibitions in the past as well as a couple of the Langley Art Walk exhibitions. In 2000 I had two pieces in the Air Canada PGA Golf Tournament Silent Auction. In 2004 and 2006 I was very pleased to be a participant in Melissa Clark’s Langley Outdoor Art Exhibition. Please visit my website at http://www3.telus.net/public/pak88/
[Biography Document - Lorne Szmek - 4K - Published November 12 2006]
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