Graphis nr 246, 1986
Stasys Eidrigevicius
[...] Stasys, who was born in the farming town of Mediniskai, Lithuania,
and later settled in Warsaw (where he now lives and works), says of his
formative years: 'At school, I was rather lonely and would observe the class,
often forgetting what was going on around me. The same often happens now.'
He learned to compensate for his sense of isolation through art. Of his image-making
process he says:. 'I like improvisation. Improvisation combined with logic results
in the most unexpected things. My things.' He intended the Fine Arts Institute in Vilnius
where he had to paint large pictures in order to obtain a degree. 'I also did oils
of the countryside for my parents, out of gratitude for their allowing me time
to study.' He soon learned that a much smaller format would allow him greater expression.
Moreover, as the father of three children, and the parent reponsible for the daily chores,
time was limited and space constricted. Hence the bookplate became the perfect, compact
medium. He also illustrated over thirty books for children and adults since leaving Vilnius.
And all this work is characterized by darkness verging on light. Since Stasys never
reveals all he is thinking, his art will, no doubt, be continually analyzed and
remain forever a mystery.
[...]
Steven Heller
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