Piotr Kwit was, for many years, a church organist, first in the village of Kamienica, than in Zalesie. He was a solitary person and loved nature and birds above all, which he took great pleasure in feeding throughout his life. He was also interested in classical music. The surrounding world constituted an inspiration for his paintings and sculptures. From 1958 onwards, he painted on board, hardboard, canvas, plywood and cardboard. He often painted in gouache.

In his paintings, the artist presents landscapes of the Gorce and Beskid Wyspowy hills and of his home village of Zalesie. He also painted birds, flowers and religious scenes. He got interested in sculpture in the 1960s. His wooden sculptures feature birds, saints, historical personalities and composers. He was also involved in textile design and he designed the chasubles at the parish church of Kamienica. He also sculpted a crèche for the church in Zalesie, which continues to be displayed every year between Christmas and February 2. He also made simple musical instruments for himself.

Piotr Kwit was a member of the Association of Folk Artists. After 1972, he took part in contests of folk sculpture of the Polish Carpathians, which were organized by the Regional Museum of Nowy Sącz. He also participated in the Biennale of Contemporary Folk Art of Nowy Sącz District/Region and in the National Contest of Painting dedicated to Teofil Ociepka. Even though he did not like to be separated from his works, part of his work has been purchased by several Polish museum and private collectors.

Art was the essence of Piotr Kwit’s life. He painted and sculpted from a heartfelt need, pronouncing in his work his admiration for the beauty of the world. His paintings and sculptures feature an extraordinary frankness and a unique interpretation of the surrounding world.

Piotr Kwit (photo: Piotr Droździk)