Geniuses Never Die

Peter Konsterlie (1963-2018): Geniuses Never Die

Peter was a prolific and passionate visual artist who received his bachelor's degree from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design. He brought a unique perspective to his paintings integrating several visual styles from pop art to abstract expressionism. Employing metaphysical themes, he received multiple accolades during his career. Peter was a committed educator who brought innovation and inspiration to teaching as a Professor of Art History at the University of Bridgeport. As Director of the University's Schelfhaudt Gallery, he produced exemplary exhibitions for the school and broader community. A playful provocateur, he generously shared his teaching talents at the Westport Senior Center.

Artist Statement

The drips of paint and spray paint patterns became a structure for the images to break through, and to be a part of. Tag sale items and unwanted household kitchen objects were used to make patterns. Growing up I loved artists who used assemblage as their way of creating. As an adult, I feel the days of Rauschenberg are over. I want to make a “whole” painting, not a composition of parts.

PATTERN BUILDS STRUCTURE and repeating pattern has power. The dots are a reference to Lichtenstein but not specificity for that, is to celebrate the difference between the automatic marks and the gestural brush work.

Lately I’ve been thinking of how line and color can be two separate things. I’ve always thought color informs shape. But now I see it as a totally different way of expression; an element separate from line. A gestural approach with my drawing, but an analytical mark with painting Line work, or in my case the drips are the painting aspect, and color can introduce pattern another plane of reality a schism in the dynamic of painting.