Carl Theodorski’s early training was shaped by abstract expressionism’s approach to art-making—though not necessarily its techniques. Working with form and idea provided the foundation for his practice, with content emerging through process rather than being predetermined.
Carl’s first step in evaluating a work of art—his own or another’s—is to isolate it as an object. From there, he examines the interplay of form and idea. If the object is well executed, it will hold together and support content. Approaching a work to this point, he believes, is simply courteous. Radiance is the moment when a viewer says yes to a work of art.
As a maker, Carl strives to master the elements that go into creating an object that stands alone while bearing the trace of his engagement with it. While the artist may control most aspects of the work, one element always remains beyond reach: its reading. In this aesthetic exchange, the viewer becomes as much a maker as the artist—at least where understanding and pleasure are concerned.
Carl’s process may begin with color, a new tool, an idea, or even a fragment of language. Over time, his practice has taught him that content is ultimately generated through viewing—and that it is both elusive and fluid.
He holds both a BFA and MFA from Michigan State University, and studied with Richard Haas, Charles Pollock, and Angel Ippolito.
Carl has been represented by Razor Gallery (NYC), Peter Rose Gallery (NYC), and Goods Gallery (Port Washington, NY), and is currently represented by Gaul Searson Ltd. in San Francisco.
His work is held in numerous public and private collections, including Pepsico Inc., International Creative Management, Bellevue Hospital, Chubb & Company, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Brown–Forman Distilleries, New York State Facilities (Health and Hospitals), The Knoll Group, and Kaiser Permanente.
At Mare Island Art Studios, Carl serves on the Gallery & Installation Team, acts as a Site Liaison, and works as a Show and Exhibit Producer, bringing decades of experience, conceptual clarity, and logistical precision to the realization of exhibitions and large-scale projects.
Contact
carltheodorski.com