Exhibits include a collection of illustrations by David Moroski.
Photo by Patricia Obrens
STERLING HEIGHTS — For artist David Moroski, the beauty of making linoleum cut prints comes from a simple, straightforward process.
“This is one of the oldest forms of printing,” he said. “We work with computer screens and mobile phones all the time. It’s nice to do something purely hands-on that has nothing to do with electronics.”
Moroski is Sterling Heights Featured Artist in October and November. A featured artist can exhibit his work on his second floor at the Sterling Heights Community Center.
Moroski, 59, from Harrison Township, said he had expressed interest in becoming a featured artist in 2020 just before the COVID-19 pandemic arrived. He said he was initially contacted by the city about two to three months later, but the pandemic put things on hold and the city asked if he was still interested. He was able to participate and he said, “I’m really glad.”
“Everyone was really cool. Everyone was so nice,” he said. “It was a great experience.”
Moroski says he has over 35 years of serious art experience. Much of his background involves making linoleum and silkscreen prints, but he also does some sculpture and textile work.
Moroski chose works related to animals and spirituality because work for a featured artist’s showcase must be family friendly. He says it comes from growing up in the 1970s: rock concerts, posters, album covers, and music lyrics.
“I was very influenced by the Dada and Surrealist movements,” he added. “My father brought home a book from the library, a huge 30-pound book[about those moves]. It made a big impression on me.”
Moroski says he spent most of his time in the 1990s doing commercial artwork, including logo design, product design for Sweet Lorraine’s restaurant, and illustrations for Ford Motor Co.
Moroski’s wife, BeaAnn Reid, is also an artist, and she specializes in fiber art. The couple have collaborated on carvings, clothing, and art quilts.
Reid said she met her husband at a Halloween party and added that they have a lot in common, including art.
“He liked that I knew how to combine fabrics,” she said. Together we made a giant quilt.”
According to Reed, the two still work together on several projects.
“When we collaborate, he’ll work out that idea,” she said. It’s graphically beautiful and impressive because it reduces it to a kind of primal element that conveys.”
She said she’s really excited that Moroski got the chance to be Sterling Heights’ featured artist.
“Most people in the area don’t even know he’s an artist, so that was great for him,” she said.
For more information on the Sterling Heights Featured Artist program, please visit www.sterling-heights.net or call (586) 446-2489.
