“Create what you feel, what you believe and be as fearless as you can”. It is this direct and honest approach that Stefan Geissbuhler takes with his artwork. “I take my work, but not necessarily myself seriously”. As Geissbuhler explains it “Like most artists, I have been driven to create art since I was a child. I think even as an embryo I was already doing graffiti”.
“Midsummer-Sonata” Acrylic on Masonite by Stefan Geissbuhler
This humor and zest for life reflect a complexity within his paintings. Vibrant colors and form dance across Geissbuhler’s canvas as if extending a hand to come a join in the celebration and rhythmic beat of song. The sultry deep tones can be seen and felt in Midsummer Sonata. “My technique of painting is almost exclusively with spackling knives. This give my work a lot of texture and a tactile look” states Geissbuhler “As life and people consist of many layers, so do my paintings”.
Geissbuhler’s use of color and the way he approaches abstract painting sets his talents apart from those around him. “Working with color and abstraction is very liberating to me. I can express thoughts and emotions so much better than I ever could verbally,” reflects Geissbuhler. “I believe that our imaginations are one of the most powerful tools we have and abstraction encourages us to use our imagination. I think someone once said that “Abstraction is like posing a question, rather than giving an answer, it leaves a lot of room for interpretation” Geissbuhler smiles and continues “I like to encourage people who may be intimidated by color to embrace it. After all, our world is filled with color, let’s celebrate that”.
“Synesthesia” Acrylic on Masonite by Stefan Geissbuhler
This time of year Geissbuhler is typically in creative mode and applying for art shows around the state and country. March 1st – May 31st, 2013 he will have an exhibition at Palette Contemporary Art and Craft in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He has been commissioned to create a large mural for a casino in Switzerland and he is currently in the process of painting a violin for the upcoming 2013 Denver Young Artists Orchestra Painted Violin Event, with exhibits of his and several other artist’s violins beginning in October 2013. Memorial weekend Geissbuhler will participate in the Downtown Denver Art Festival and this year the festival will be held at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, May 24th – 26th, 2013.
While Geissbuhler has won numerous awards he doesn’t necessarily hold them in as high regard as “when someone falls in love with my artwork and takes a piece home with them. There is enormous pride and validation in that. If the drug lords could put that feeling into a pill, I would be an addict tomorrow” Geissbuhler laughs.
“Berggeist-2” Acrylic on Masonite by Stefan Geissbuhler
It is obvious that Stefan Geissbuhler walks and paints to the beat of his own drummer, making up his own rules along the way. “I do admire artists that are fearless with their creativity. Last year I was introduced to the of work installation artist Tara Donovan at the Milwaukee Art Museum. It was one of those moments where I was humbled and where I said to myself “Why the heck didn’t I think of that!” smiles Geissbuhler. “A family friend, Paul Schmidtt, who passed away when I was still too young to take lessons from him. He was one of those artist that were fearless, innovative and incredibly talented”.
“I credit my sanity as an artist to my wife, Chris. She is the smartest, most supportive, beautiful and amazing person I know. I think most many artists will agree that we have to be a little insane to work as an artist, but as a smart person once said, “Normalcy is not something to aspire to, it’s something to get away from”.
“Fire and Ice” Acrylic on Masonite by Stefan Geissbuhler
To learn more about Stefan Geissbuhler and view his artwork visit him online at www.ArtThatSings.com, he also welcomes visitors to his studio by appointment.
Wendy L. Pitton R. is a culture writer for 303 Magazine and the owner of WENDO Productions. WENDO Productions is an artistic production and artist representative company. WENDOProductions.com