A graduate of New York School of Interior Design, Ganek incorporates her eye for patterns into all her pieces creating a colorful, intricate narrative.

"Through selective workshops and training I expressed myself primarily in traditional watercolor. I entered many juried shows, winning numerous awards giving me signature status in both American Watercolor Society and National Watercolor Society. Today my work has evolved into an abstract expression, on large canvases directed by my senses and emotions rather than objects. It's the unexpected accidents that occur during the early stages that are the most intense and exciting, not knowing what direction the painting will take. It’s that mystery that keeps me going back into the studio. My compositions are asymmetrical with bold color and line as major components. I begin painting spontaneously, letting my intuition guide me to the next step, developing and refining until the work is finished. I make marks with a variety of crayons, graphite and charcoal to initialize the surface before adding color. Collage elements, found papers or papers created by me are often added."

Robert Rauschenberg’s collages are a tremendous inspiration to Ganek as well as Matisse’s color and the use of black as an element. Picasso’s abstract objects have also influenced how Ganek simplifies shapes in her work.

"Weaving shapes and textures from nature and everyday life, combined with imagination and childhood memories of Greece manifests my visual story. I explore a variety of mediums until they become second hand, always looking for new challenges and materials to discover. I worked as a silversmith as well as a Hand-made paper fabricator. I use the papers to create books and sculptural pieces. I also became fascinated by the art of pop-up books and taught myself the art of paper engineering. I try not to put limits on myself as an artist because I believe that freedom nurtures creativity. I give myself permission to break all the rules while I’m painting and I constantly remind myself to enjoy the process. I think of my paintings as visual expressions and interpretations of the way I see and experience the world around me, changing constantly as I change and develop emotionally and spiritually. I hope my work sparks a connection with the viewer that intrigues and mystifies them enough so they will return and want to keep looking."

Dorothy Ganek