Stéphanie Bak
http://stephaniebak.com
stephanie.bak@rogers.com
(613) 421-9203

Artist's Statement

Tension between objects has always fascinated me, whether it be the push and pull between magnets or the various rhythms of repetition found in nature. in a similar fashion this kind of spacial consideration between elements is easy to recognize in my work. My paintings also have a musical rhythm of their own. It appears in my dabs of paint that dance along like notes on the page. Another element that drives me, is the contrast of a dense grouping in a composition in contrast to a quiet minimalist one. I paint with a limited palette and develop my own range of colours, to create a cohesive chroma for each painting. As part of my unique voice of expression, I push my subject to the edge of abstraction all the while keeping it accessible.

Biography

At a time when most Canadian families were investing in a cottage by a lake, my parents decided to take their family on a trip of a lifetime throughout Europe. I was nine at the time and although I may not have understood the scope of History of what we were seeing, the experience left an indelible mark on my life. It is without a doubt the time we spent in Poland, my father's homeland, that influenced me the most in my choice to become the artist that I am. I will always be grateful for my parent's choice to take courage in hand and fly overseas with their three children. Without that experince, I truly believe my life would not be as rich with beauty and culture as it is today.

CV

Education

1996-1998 Sheridan College, Oakville, Ont.
SOCAD (School of Craft and Design) Two years of studying glass and glassblowing. Extensive studies in Craft and Design History as well as Conceptual Development.

1989-1999 Ontario College of Art and Design, Toronto, Ont.
Four year Associate Degree. Received advanced standing into 2nd year. Travelled to Algoma, Ont. For landscape painting, and lived in Siena, Italy for four months, while studying the art History of the region.

1987-1989 High School of Commerce, Ottawa, Ont.
Two-year post-secondary art program. Took a Concentrated Developmental Program of Life Drawing, and learned drawing and painting under Wilma Pinkus.

Exhibits

March 2008-Mechanism in Conflict A collective support exhibit for Patrick Bureau's Master's in Fine Arts exhibit at the MFA Gallery of the University of Concordia, Montreal, Qué.
December 2007– 2X2x20 20 artists present pieces no larger than 2'x2', Snapdragon Gallery, Ottawa, Ont.
May 2007 – Wiosna A group show of 18 Polish artists from Ottawa and the Outaouais, Atelier Ville-Marie, Ottawa, Ont.
February 2007 - Polish Roots – Atelier Ville-Marie in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, present a collective of contemporary art by artists of Polish decent, Ottawa, Ont.
July 2006 – Solo show at Gallery IPO, Ottawa, Ont.
July 2005 – Art in the Park in the Glebe. An annual event of artists gathering at Patterson Park to sell their work to the public in the beautiful outdoor setting
May 2005 – Arts Park at the Ottawa Parkdale Farmer's Market. Marking the annual official opening date of the market. A collective exhibit of artists from the artist district the QUAD.
January 2005 – Cumberland City Hall, Cumberland, Ont.
July 2004 – part of collective exhibit showcasing artists of the Sandy Hill region, Ottawa, Ont
Spring 2004 – Part of a collective studio open house exhibit, The Stables, Ottawa, Ont.
October 2003 – Centre Point Theatre, Nepean, Ont.
August 2003 – Art in the Park Strathcona. A gathering of local artists in the park, there to sell their work and help raise funds for the Scizophrenia Society of Ottawa.
July 2003 – All Saints Strawberry Social and Art Exhibit showcasing artists of Sandy Hill, Ottawa, Ont.
2002 – Ongoing exhibit at three locations of Timothy’s Coffee House, Ottawa, Ont.
Fall 2001- Central Groove Café, Ottawa, Ont.
Spring 2001 – Part of an artist collective initiative, Art Island, Ottawa, Ont.
Summer 2000 - Planet Coffee Café, Ottawa, Ont.
May 2000 – Solo exhibit at the Dunvegan Pub, Ottawa, Ont.
April 2000 – Collective show of artists of Bravo-est, exhibited at the francophone theatre La nouvelle scène, Ottawa, Ont.

Memberships
I am a member of Carfac Ontario as well as Bravo-est