Discover the contemporary work of Patrice Gruchala

Born in 1966 in Haubourdin, a town in the north of France, I am the third child of 8 siblings. I had a happy childhood and a full life. During my professional career, I worked in several professions: auto mechanics, construction (all trades), retail sales, etc. Investing fully in my professional career and for my family, I did not develop my art during this period. Even though the desire to give free rein to my imagination was very present, I always put it aside. Covid and successive confinements have forced us all to work differently. Self-taught, I started painting during the first confinement. For me, this period was good. Indeed, rather than moping about my fate, I realized that I had time and that I could do with it what I wanted. So I started to let myself be guided by my emotions and my feelings. My passion for painting in all its forms became concrete. When I left confinement, I felt a visceral need to escape. So I decided to leave for Santiago de Compostela, leaving my home as the pilgrims did in the past. The 3,391 km that I covered on foot from May 16, 2021 to August 23, 2021 allowed me to do some real introspection. During this period, I alternately experienced moments of doubt, joy and/or sadness. All these emotions accompanied me during my journey, from my departure from Ostricourt in the north of France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Since my return, I am happy to paint again.

Each of my works is unique. The pursuit of success is not what matters most to me. In my eyes, what is most important is having fun creating and sharing my creations.

A painting has its originality; own, its specific technique. It can be the revelation of my ultimate emotions, while sometimes being the raw representation of my vision of things and the world around me.

I am constantly at work; researching different techniques, materials, products, in order to let my creativity flow. express yourself.