Gretchen wohlgemuth

About

Gretchen Wohlgemuth is an artist and graphic designer.
As a communications specialist, Gretchen has a rich knowledge of design and a high level of technical expertise. She has worked with businesses that include Fortune 500 companies, colleges & universities, marketing firms, independent design professionals, as well as other businesses. She specializes in design solutions that are custom fit to meet clients needs including budget, time and manufacturing.

As an artist, Gretchen works in mixed media acrylics. Each work is a conversation that uses a variety of materials and techniques to express a slice of the world around us. The work is put into the world for the conversation to continue with those that view the work.

Focusing on mixed media as well as graphic design provides balance to her work. It is all about communication.

Work Experience

ART: Acrylic mixed media artist and active member of Syntax Mixed Media Artists as well as mixus.

DESIGN: 25+ years of professional experience in design, layout and production including an extensive background producing materials for print; coffee table books, branding standards, tradeshow graphics, presentations, brochures, logos, and annual reports.

Education

Bachelor of Industrial Design, Pratt institute of Art
Associate of Arts, Hartford College for Women

Exhibits

2012
Homer Babbidge Library; UConn Storrs

2011
UConn Stamford Art Gallery
Town & County Club, Hartford, CT
River Street Gallery at Fairhaven Furniture, New Haven, CT
CAFA Annual Juried Show, Mystic, CT

Artist's Statement

As far back as I can remember my memories are tied to the light and color of what is around me. The dance of sunlight, patterns in the landscape, natural or manmade and the way things move all find their way into my art. Playing with color, light, pattern and rhythm are as natural to me as breathing. In my art I seek to capture that essence. Exploring gesture and pattern using acrylic paints and mediums, mixing them with self-made patterned papers and other materials, I chart my course. Each work is a conversation between myself, the materials, the support and my experience of the world.

I love to exploit the nature of paper and paint to create patterns that are organic in feel. Using found objects as tools is another frequent source of exploration. Technically this is a form of monotype which evolves in an unconstrained and instinctual manner. I have named this technique “grunge printing” for its primal, informal characteristics. The unpredictability of allowing the materials to be themselves is a strong part of the appeal for me. While papers are sometimes evocative of one another they are never alike. They each carry their own identity.

I combine my papers with painted surfaces. Typically I begin with an idea of the basic elements and direction I want to go. Paint is applied to the support followed by layers of papers, more paint. As a piece evolves the choices are dictated by what the piece needs. Discovering the journey of each piece is the best part. It opens up new conversations that inspire and inform new paths of expression. Ultimately the conversation extends itself to you, the viewer. Making that connection, bridging our mutual experience, is the reward.

Inspirations

Color, Nature, New England, Clouds, Water, Poetry, Architecture