Moving on with energy and focus

The Fourth of July weekend brought several opportunities for fun for the weekend, but one activity you can enjoy all month is an exhibit at the Restored Depot.

Patrick Leer, who held an opening reception last Friday, will present his artwork in an exhibit titled “Percussive Maintenance,” throughout the month of July. The abstract workings of the exhibit are sure to offer unique interpretations to visitors.

Using his paintbrush, Leer creates large, indefinable pieces which are open to interpretation. Titles of his paintings challenges the audience, with names like “Take a Left at the Donkey,” and “Nobody Wins Afraid of Losing.”

The significance of art was important to Leer, which he described in his artist’s statement made to Creston Arts.

“In a world increasingly fractured by division, art stands as a beacon of optimism,” Leer said. “It transcends spoken languages and cultural boundaries, offering a universal language that has the power to pull people together.”

As he creates large paintings with abstract tunings, Leer says he doesn’t see himself in his work. While he may have a loose idea of what he wants to create at the beginning of the process, he doesn’t stop working until the painting finds an “aesthetically pleasing form.”

“I like the ideas of big and bold, kinda brash,” Leer said. “I’m not really that way myself. I’m quiet and reserved. A different side of me comes out when painting.”

This universal language is one Leer is fascinated by, especially in regards to the messaging of his work. He said he’s drawn to color, texture and energy, and he tries to contribute all three to his paintings.

The title of the exhibit, “Percussive Maintenance,” is a term Leer is familiar with. Besides his work as an artist, Leer also works as an engineer, which he called a “fairly conservative field to go into.” When traditional techniques fail, a harsher option might help.

“Sometimes you have to hit something to get it to work right,” Leer said. “If you’re trying to loosen something up, you might whack it with a hammer. That’s where the term comes from. It kind of applied to my work.”

Optimism is at the core of Leer’s work, and said he wants others to feel a sense of human spirit and power energizing visitors. The abstract works have blinding whites and void-like darks. Leer said he wanted these forms to "dance between creation and destruction, growth and devastation."

Yet, even in times of stress or missed opportunities, Leer believes in the ability to correct ourselves and connect with others.

“We can move on with energy and focus,” Leer said. “We can overcome whatever it is we’re dealing with at this time. Whether that’s in society or in individuals.”

The Creston Arts Gallery is located in the Restored Depot, and is open to the public 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.