Ian Garstka-a Norfolk artist
Ian started painting ten years ago. For many years, together with his wife he ran a successful graphic design practice in Norwich, Norfolk before the desire to paint became so strong that he had to ‘bite the bullet’ and gamble on a future at the easel. He spent two years painting in Port Issac, Cornwall before finally moving back and settling in a small village just south of Norwich where he now works from his studio in the garden.
Born in London, his childhood memories of the docks when it was full of ships from all over the World have played a major role in his choice of subject, as is his passion for aviation in East Anglia during WW2, concentrating his paintings on actual people and real events. However, he is constantly experimenting with new ideas. At present he is adapting his style with a more abstract approach to his subject matter. “Everything I see around me is a potential painting. Everything in life goes through changes, so does my approach to my work.” Ian now works primarily in Oils, although at the outset some of his early work was pastel based. Drawing and planning with charcoal is still important to him when playing around with concepts.
Ian has exhibited his work at galleries in Southwold, Cambridge, Cornwall and London as well as having two one man shows at the Forum in Norwich.
Ian Garstka-a Norfolk artist 