Dennis Peterka

Waverly, IA 

ARTIST'S STATEMENT

For me the process of art making is an adventure with the media. Sometimes that process is directed by specific imagery and at other times I let the media suggest the painting---sort of a subconscious to conscious ordering. I would be remiss to say that the natural environment has figured into much of my work. Being raised in the rural Midwest has provided me with an abundant source of subject matter to use as inspiration.

Each painting begins as a very physical manipulation of the media. But, just as changes within the elements in nature alter its appearance, so does the process of painting determine the evolution of my work. The initial imagery becomes less and less important. Things appear in a work that are not planned. Some of these "surprises" can become wonderful additions; others not. So, I need to pay attention.