Born in Wojnicz, Poland in 1953, Kristof Wrobel's journey to artistic success and recognition has been both a personal and cultural odyssey heavily influenced by the politics and environment of his youth. He has been painting ever since childhood, using above all the water-color technique which he used for painting church frescos. He also enjoys painting landscapes. Truly a renaissance man his work has been critically and photographically juxtaposed with that of Rembrandt and Rodin.

Wrobel first came to public attention in his native country as an artisan/craftsman much sought after as a restorer of church architecture. His formal training was at the highly regarded Sedziszow School of Fine Arts and Design and at the College of Arts and Metalwork in Warsaw. He quickly gained both acknowledgment and commissions as a restorer of old buildings, including the famous Wawel and Cloth Hall in Krakow.

Eager to improve his skills, try something new, and travel to different places he returned to Wojnicz and opened his first studio - a building rented from an old woman eager to support his artistic endeavors. Upon Karol Wojtyla's elevation to Papacy (John Paul II) Wrobel was inspired to render a portrait of this national and now world figure. As he placed the painting outside to dry, a wealthy resident passing by saw it and immediately offered to purchase it. A few days later he returned to purchase another piece.

Such initial sales eventually led to his desire to expand his working space. However, frustrated by purchasing a historic building known as the Forge by a hostile government official jealous of his success, Wrobel reluctantly decided to leave Poland. In 1981 he immigrated to the United States to practice his artistic pursuits under the tutelage of the renowned art historian and scholar Professor Raymond Brenien. Inspired by his old world experiences and background, he continued to complete commissioned works in a variety of media for churches, cathedrals and civic and municipal centers.

In much the same way as one of his creative role models, Rembrandt, he developed a fascination with Judaic folklore and Old Testament stories and has had his work exhibited at the Jewish Museum in New York City.

Wrobel - deeply affected by the tragic events of 9/11 - within a matter of days created a wood sculpture memorial as a tribute to those who lost their lives on that day. This work, too, has received critical acclaim in a number of Westchester publications.

Mr. Wrobel continues to create in a variety of media as well as engaging in a challenging number of restoration activities in the New York metropolitan area. His artwork can be found in many private collections, museums and the Vatican.