Info
My name is Zach Kirshner. I am an abstract painter, currently based in California, USA. My primary medium is acrylic paint on canvas.
I've been compelled to make art from a young age and continue to do it mostly because I enjoy the process. I particularly like the freedom of abstract painting. It allows me to create worlds, which express concepts that I wouldn't otherwise know how to or be able to express. I often experience these concepts as the mystic emotion, consciousness exploration and the search for Self. If my paintings represent anything to me, they are pictographic pointers to that which may be at the root of all of us — the absolute ground of all being and the ineffible source of all that is (and isn't). Also, I think that my paintings just look cool. Maybe you'll think so, too. Maybe not. The choice is yours, assuming free will exists ;)
While I take full credit for my work, I really have little idea of what I'm doing when I set out to paint. I typically start with a rough idea that popped into my head, try to render the idea, but then inevitably end up with something mostly different from that initial spark. I blame my technical shortcomings as an artist for this, but also the fact that the happy accidents of my process seem to be more compelling than any rigid structure that I might otherwise attempt to impose. I like to let paintings evolve naturally, rendering favorited imagery from my mind's eye the best I can. Once paintings reach a certain complexity and I start to tire of them, I shift into puzzle-solving mode: I must reconcile chaos and do my best to balance a composition before time runs out and I can't stand to work on a piece any more. This is when a work is considered finished, unless of course, inspiration strikes again or the work is sold and forever safe from my meddling hands.
Throughout my process, I believe I strive to follow nature's laws of design. I get the sense that the fractal patterns I can't help but notice in the natural world (and unnatural world) guide my eye and hand along forms that echo a beauty that only the universe itself can prescribe. My self-proclaimed best work has me tapped into a force other than myself, and I really enjoy witnessing this flow state.
If you are interested in purchasing a print of an existing piece, commissioning new work, or just want to get in touch — please email me: