January 2012

Substructure

On a broad universal level, Monica Stroik’s paintings reflect the fact that each of us makes daily choices, some conscious and others unconscious, which all have consequences. Those areas that are in more focus versus those parts that are more hazy or unclear define this breadth of awareness. The effect of these choices may cause us to change direction or confirm the direction we are already pointed towards.

On a personal level, these paintings are specifically tied to an experience that happened many years ago, the effect of which affects Stroik on an almost daily basis, the degree to which is tied to the choices she makes. The more aware she has become the less noticeable are the effects experienced on a daily basis. However, the hazy parts of her paintings display the irony that she can never fully be in control of the effects of her choices because of the damage the cause created. So, infused within this dichotomy of conscious and unconscious is that mysterious notion of that which is totally out of her control.

Monica Stroik was born in Philadelphia, PA but grew up in Reston, VA and is currently residing in Baltimore, MD where she is working on her MFA at the Mount Royal School of Art of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She received her BA in Studio Art from Mary Washington University and an MAT (Masters of Arts in Teaching) from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Last December, Stroik finished a six-year studio residency at the Arlington Arts Center in Virginia. During this time, she was also a secondary art education teacher for the Arlington Public Schools.

You can view more of her work at www.monicastroik.com.

Watch the artist interview here.