LISA PETKER MINTZ

ARTIST STATEMENT + BIOGRAPHY

I am a painter and it's the reason I jump out of bed every morning, eager to face the canvas. I have devoted my life to this practice. My day begins with a morning walk, a quiet time where I search for fresh inspiration or think about my next moves on the surface. Painting, for me, is as essential as the air I breathe. I love every aspect of it. The way the paint glides across the surface, pooling in the textures I’ve created, flowing as I gently push it with my fingers or fling it across the canvas with a flick of my hand. I use mediums and tape to guide and control the paint, creating structure amid the fluidity. My compositions often include elements of maps and nature. The surface must reflect the painting process, capturing the history of the paint itself, with ghost images of things no longer visible but still faintly present. For me, a painting should be a feast for the eyes and all the senses. Human touch is important to the soul. When you’re in a museum or gallery, you know touching the artwork is forbidden, but sometimes the longing to do so is irresistible. That’s how I want my audience to feel about my work. I am deeply enamored with art history—it’s a constant source of inspiration for me.

As an old-school artist navigating today’s high-tech market, I find the landscape both fascinating and challenging. I often attend exhibitions where technology and traditional paint blend seamlessly, creating works that invite viewers to marvel at their intricate details and innovative techniques. These artists have mastered the integration of digital tools and physical media, resulting in pieces that push the boundaries of creativity. I strive to utilize technology to the best of my abilities. The tactile nature of painting—sensing the texture of the canvas and the flow of the paint—is irreplaceable. However, I’ve come to appreciate that this slowing down can lead to more thoughtful and deliberate painting, allowing for deeper reflection on my subjects and the emotions I wish to convey. I have an eagerness to learn and adapt, but I often find the rapid pace of technological change daunting. It seems that just as I begin to grasp one tool or technique, a newer, more advanced option emerges. This leaves me wondering how to effectively incorporate these tools into my practice without losing my artistic voice. So, what do I actually use technology for? Primarily, it serves as a platform for taking notes on my painting processes, capturing inspiration, and updating the endless artist statements that accompany my work. With the world evolving so quickly, I feel the need to express my thoughts and perspectives more frequently, leading to a constant stream of new ideas and reflections. I’ve dipped my toes into apps like Procreate, which have proven useful for sketching and experimenting with color palettes. This digital canvas allows me to play with compositions without the commitment of physical materials. However, I often question whether the spontaneity I value and the control I have over paint are sufficient. There’s a part of me that wonders if technology can truly replicate the organic, instinctive nature of traditional painting. My greatest joy right now lies in the simplicity of old-school drawing—no technology required. Working from life allows me to see objects differently each time I draw them, revealing new nuances and insights. I cherish these moments of direct observation, as they enrich my understanding of form, light, and shadow. Translating these experiences into paint is a journey I’m still navigating, and I’m excited to see how this exploration unfolds. Once again, I find myself going down the rabbit hole like Alice in Wonderland, searching for the eternal truth in my art. It’s a winding path filled with questions and discoveries, and while it can be overwhelming, I remain committed to the process. This quest for truth and authenticity fuels my creativity and drives me to continue evolving as an artist, embracing both my traditional roots and the potential that technology offers.

Graduating from Parsons School of Design in 1987, Lisa Petker Mintz has embraced process-based painting. With extensive experience as both a student and educator in New York City’s public schools, Lisa is passionate about sharing her skills and knowledge. She is currently embracing this passion as a visiting artist with the Peace Project, a government initiative that brings artists into classrooms. Lisa launched her gallery career in 2009 at Gitana Rosa Gallery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and she now exhibits at The Painting Center. Lisa has an upcoming 3-person exhibition in October at the Omni Gallery in Uniondale, NY, and two upcoming solo exhIbitions in 2025 including Be, at The Painting Center in May-June and at The Hood Gallery in Fredricks, Maryland, in November. Recently, she has expanded her presence along the East Coast and collaborated with Texas art advisor Marie St. Germain. In addition to her painting practice, Lisa has ventured into curation and received a Creative Individual Grant from the Huntington Arts Council, which has inspired her artistic explorations. A key highlight of her career was her inclusion in the 2015 exhibition "Print Up Ladies" at the Islip Art Museum, where she exhibited alongside renowned female artists such as Helen Frankenthaler and Elizabeth Murray. Lisa’s latest body of work radiates optimism, capturing joyful moments like sunny days, vibrant skies, and the first blooms of spring. Her paintings, characterized by richly layered impasto and fabric, invite viewers to engage through both sight and touch. For Lisa, painting is more than a daily practice; it is a celebration of life’s endless possibilities. She believes that art has the power to inspire connection and evoke emotions, transforming everyday experiences into vibrant expressions of joy and hope.

www.lisapetkermintz.com
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