About

Mitchell Chmielewski: Southern Minnesotan artist and writer. Staunch experimentalist and boundary pusher.

I am a self-taught artist that enjoys working in mixed-media with unconventional materials. Texture and depth are two elements I really enjoy playing with. When I set to work, I like beginning with no set goal or idea. The discovery process is special to me, and as more layers are set and scraped, it all begins to reveal itself to me.

I find that working in this way reveals a great deal about what I’m feeling and experiencing within. These tend to be darker emotions and memories. I find that they can also reflect my thoughts on politics, religion, and society as a whole. I do believe, though, that my childhood and adolescence are strong sources of inspiration.

Painting in this way is both enjoyable and satisfying. I love the journey from blank canvas as it transforms again and again. The chaos is all part of the creation with a sense of balance usually being achieved at the end of it all.

My main influences are abstract expressionists and impressionists. I have very little interest in portraying things as they are, rather, how I perceive them. I want to share my vision of what is in me and the world around me. I find that creating bridges between mediums and styles is the best way for me to accomplish my artistic endeavors.