American painter, Anne Bevan, said, “Art is our memory of love. The most an artist can do through their work is say, let me show you what I have seen, what I have loved, and perhaps you will see it and love it too.”
When you look into the cosmic and abstract depths of Lindsey Gramentz’s pieces, you will see what she sees: beauty in the chaos, order in the random. You’ll see balance, the places where paint and color flooded, and the moments she withheld, where white space held its ground. You’ll see the rivers, wildfires, synapses, landscapes and nebulas that appear somewhere between the canvas in your mind. It’s frankly difficult to view any of Gramentz’s work without being drawn deeper and deeper in. You’re looking at the moment the artist steps back and decides, yes. That’s it.
But what you should know is the love that brought all these captivating pieces into creation.
Memory of Love
Gramentz’s mother passed away three years ago.
“She always had a way of believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” said Gramentz. Already suffering from anxiety, she needed an outlet to process her grief and emotions.
“Before she passed, she told me she just wanted me to be happy, and painting definitely makes me feel that way. She was always so uplifting and had a way of building my confidence,” said Gramentz. “I’ve tried yoga and meditation, and it’s just not what I always want. Painting is different and interesting every time.”
I put some music on and get lost in it. It’s definitely therapeutic. It just totally consumes you.Lindsey Gramentz
Gramentz watched a few pour painting tutorial videos online but is primarily self-taught, experimenting and practicing at home. When her second child was born, she paused her art journey temporarily, but when the pandemic began, she picked it right back up and hasn’t looked back. Her home studio is now full of canvases, and she squeezes in painting time whenever she can. This art journey hasn’t just helped her; it’s helped her family.
“I can’t be paralyzed by anxiety and be a good mom. Painting has helped me and my family,” said Gramentz.
Her journey has led to new opportunities and friendships. The stay-at-home mother has met fellow artists online and is now part of a community of creators.
“It’s good for me. I’ve met artists online and have mentors who are helping to coach me,” said Gramentz. “My husband and kids also inspire me. My husband is so supportive in everything I do, and I want to do great for him and our two children. Having a great support system is so wonderful.”
It’s not just the love of her mother propelling her forward; the network of support and love gives Gramentz the fuel to continue creating.
Process
No two pieces from Lindsey Gramentz are exactly alike. There’s never an exact duplicate. With her experience and hands-on expertise, Gramentz knows what works best.
“I do a lot of experimenting, but I’ve found it always goes better if I have a plan,” said Gramentz.
The most important thing is to have a level surface.
“It’s super important. Completely level,” Gramentz stresses. “Then, the hardest part is getting the right consistency with the paints. There is a science, trial and error, to avoid muddying the paints or having it crack.”
There are different mixtures and pouring mediums. Acrylic paints. Sometimes adding water. Gramentz has done her homework and knows exactly what she’s looking for.
“Honey-like consistency is my goal,” she says. “I’ve mastered consistency.”
Sometimes it’s one pour, sometimes there are several mixtures, and the color selection is a whole other process. Sometimes she blows the paint with a hairdryer, sometimes with her mouth. No two pieces are exactly alike, and the process itself is really where the creativity comes in.
“I put some music on and get lost in it. It’s definitely therapeutic. It just totally consumes you,” says Gramentz.
Art and Courage
The display at the Fillin’ Station is Gramentz’s first solo exhibit. She has a few pieces available at Willy’s Roadside Shop in Lake Crystal, but this is her first time really getting her art out there.
“It’s nerve-wracking,” Gramentz says. “It’s scary to put it out there. Everyone has opinions.”
Without professional training and having only begun her art journey a few years ago, nerves are understandable. But Gramentz knows her work has already improved over time, and her confidence is steadily growing. Gramentz hopes her journey will inspire others.
“You can start something any time,” said Gramentz.
The clean, captivating pieces filling the coffee shop walls can speak for themselves.
“Sometimes I’m like, I made that. That’s really cool.”
Support this Artist
Pieces are available for sale at the Fillin’ Station in Mankato through the end of June or online on Gramentz’s Etsy Shop. You can follow her art journey on Instagram. Gramentz is currently open to commissions, which can be emailed to lindseyrosa7@gmail.com.
Stop by the Fillin’ Station or view her artwork online to support this amazing local artist.
