SPACE Architecture + Design is pleased to welcome contemporary local artist Mark Witzling to our gallery, Friday, October 10, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. In this stunning exhibit, Mark shares landmarks of his memory through canvas snapshots in oil and wax. With sophisticated combinations of color and shape, he has created dreamlike glimpses into his most profound memories. In addition to the visual treats, Mark will also share his home-brewed “Abstract Ale: Volume 1.”

“Memory Patterns”

The power of positive memory is unrivaled, shaping us into the individuals we are today and helping us choose a path as we travel the road ahead. Mark captures these recollections into an abstract scrapbook, visually expressing the places, people and experiences that have touched his life. By applying layers of malleable cold wax to his oil paintings, building them up and working them back down, Mark brings forth a contrast of colors and textures to symbolize the complex dichotomy of our memories. Those memories which thrust themselves forward and those that fade into the background. While the subject is an introspective, abstract trek into Mark’s mind, the end result encourages the audience to pause for a moment, to explore his use of composition, color and form and venture into their own subconscious to rediscover happiness from the past and hope for the future.

Mark Witzling

After earning a graduate business degree with High Honors from Boston University and an undergraduate degree from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, Mark developed a successful career as a branding and marketing strategist for well-known consumer product and financial services companies as well as technology and entrepreneurial adventures. Whether launching new brands or leading digital marketing, he was always interacting with highly creative people – writers, artists, designers – to create new advertising, packaging and promotional materials. Eventually, an interest in the creative side emerged and he began to paint. Through a series of group and private workshops and reaching out to other artists he admired to study the art and techniques of painting, he evolved over time from a purely representational painter to become an abstract artist. Abstraction reflects the act of painting as much as the end result – the journey to the completed piece is part of the experience. Mark is currently a resident artist at Clayton Fine Art Gallery and a board member of MySLART.

Take a peek inside Mark’s mind. Stop by for his reception this Friday, October 10, 2014 between 6:00 and 8:00 PM.

SPACE Architecture + Design
4168 Manchester, St. Louis, MO  63110