Sense of space
CLARE HOWARD GateHouse News Service

sense of uncluttered openness typical of the Arts and Crafts style is reflected here in the brick fireplace and symmetrical bookcase. One of Paul Krainak's early abstract painting defines the space over the fireplace. Photos by David Zalaznik/GHNS

Paul Krainak is an abstract painter whose work and modernist perspective reinforce the philosophy of his Arts and Crafts style home.

Krainak, chairman of the art department at Bradley University, was jogging down Columbia Terrace this summer when a 1914 Arts and Crafts style home engaged him in this philosophical and aesthetic discourse.

The conversation expanded. He bought the house.

"I've always been drawn to Mission, Arts and Crafts and Prairie School," said the artist, who grew up in the Chicago area.

His collections of modern art, folk art, African art and pottery are thoughtfully placed in his home at 1410 Columbia Terrace. Since moving into the house in September, Krainak keeps "editing" his collections.

"This house has a strong personality. My collections fit this space, and they don't fight each other," he said. "A lot that I've bought over the years comes together in this house better than ever before."

A bank of beveled windows casts light on the dining room table.

Folk art as a historical language is not about authority or elitism, but about identity and sense of place.

"I like to fill my house with high art and low art forms. I love the historical languages of unity," he said.

Krainak and his partner, abstract painter Kelly Sipes, struggle with relatively limited wall space for hanging their larger work. Sipes has one of her smaller pieces in the front foyer.

The oak front door with nine symmetrical beveled glass panels opens directly opposite Sipes' piece which is an abstract manipulation with small bursts of crisp blue color in a space otherwise favored for its amber oak, earth-tone palette and linear form. The foyer is an intersection among upstairs, kitchen and living room. Krainak said the stair balusters on the left of the foyer look so much like a harp, the form suggests music.

"The design of this house is so clear and historically significant in the language of America. It is my second self, to some extent," Krainak said. "My other side is radically contemporary. Minimalist. Two competing influences that live together."

Clare Howard can be reached at choward@ pjstar.com.