Current Exhibit

The Douglas & Linda Paul Gallery
Located on the second floor of the historic Englert Theatre
Open from 1 to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, and before, during & after performances.

Recent Drawings - John Martinek
I have always felt that drawing is the most interesting and revealing form of art created by visual artists. To me it feels the most direct, and provides an intimate view into the artist’s working methods and thought processes. I try to draw a little bit every day, much in the same way a musician might practice his or her instrument. These drawings form the basis of my artistic exploration. They are the starting point (and sometimes finishing point) of my experimentation with materials, craftsmanship, composition, subject matter, and expression. Most of these drawings were completed within the past year. They represent my current interests, thoughts, and approach to drawing.

About John Martinek
John Martinek’s drawings, paintings, prints, and collages have been exhibited in numerous venues, including solo shows at Grinnell College and the Baykus Gallery in Bursa, Turkey, and Iowa State University, to name a few. Creating art, traveling, and teaching are all important parts of Martinek’s life and work. In 1999 Martinek taught printmaking as a visiting instructor at Grinnell College. From 1996 to 1999 he taught printmaking, drawing, and painting at Uludag University in Bursa, Turkey. In 1995 he studied for a month at the Scuola Internazionale di Grafica di Venezia in Venice, Italy before embarking on a four month exploration of Europe, Morocco, and Turkey. During this journey he completed a large portfolio of ink and gouache landscape drawings. In 1994 he traveled for a month in Africa, visiting Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Mali, recording his experiences in writing and photographic work.

Recently, John has been collaborating as a member of the Iowa based group Tiny Circus, a group of artists that create animations and have travelling performances and workshops. His most recent drawing and sightseeing trip was to Belgium, in September 2009, for 2 weeks of art, architecture, and good food and beer.

Currently, Martinek resides in Coralville, Iowa. During the daytime he works with McDonough Structures as a construction project manager, and in the evening he paints and draws in his studio.

John Martinek was born in Metairie, Louisiana in 1968. He received his BA in art from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois in 1990. In 1996 he received his MFA in printmaking from the University of Iowa.