 Honza was born in Prague, Czech Republic in 1952 of parents that were professors of philosophy at the prestigious Charles University.At an early age, Honza was interested in many things including painting, music, and woodworking.
His shift to painting was inspired by his love for Baroque and 19th century landscapes he viewed as a child in the churches and museums of Prague. He was also influenced by Goya and Francis Bacon.
Self taught as an artist he briefly studied art history at a university in Prague. His own unique style evolved over the years while working by day as a business owner and woodworker. His paintings are derived from classical compositions that evoke an ethereal, dreamlike experience.
The fall of communism in Czechoslovakia and a serious car accident brought unique challenges to his livelihood and as a result he closed his business in 2000. After struggling to paint full-time and becoming disillusioned with the political upheaval in his country he moved to the United States. Only after his arrival did he begin to paint again after stopping from 1984 through 2002.
According to Honza, “what I found in US I could never dream of! I met here such unbelievable conditions for whatever I supposed to do-from studio spaces to affordable sound and movie technologies, I have a car again, I am not hungry, cold, and I can go to Copley Symphony Hall to see top symphony orchestras….” |
