"Using Middle America as her muse, Kowch draws the history of a particular place -- invariably rural -- to the surface as it collides with a new reality in layers of metaphor and moodiness. The faces of her women may remind you of characters in a Tim Burton film."
--Steve Parks, Newsday

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year!



Happy New Year, everyone! As we ring in the new year, I wanted to take this time to thank you all for helping make 2011 an incredible year filled with many special moments. Your constant loyal friendship and support goes a long way, and I wish you and yours all the joys of the holidays. I am excited for the future and look forward to continue sharing my artistic journey with all of you. Thank you. May you all experience a joyful and prosperous 2012! Cheers to the beginning of another fabulous year ahead of us!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

New work featured in "American Art Collector" Issue #75 - Out Now!



I am delighted to be featured in the January 2012 issue of American Art Collector. The issue is out now wherever books and magazines are sold, so be sure to grab a copy and check out the ad and article discussing my latest happenings and work, including my recently released set of Limited Edition prints and information regarding my upcoming solo exhibition!

Please visit American Art Collector online, http://www.americanartcollector.com/
to browse and order the current issue, and visit RJD Fine Arts Gallery to view available prints.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

"Crow's Song"

48" x 36"
acrylic on canvas



Hello dear blogging world, it’s been a while, but I felt it’s time to take a quick break to revisit and reflect on where things have been and where things are now as the year winds down and we prepare to ring in the new. It’s always an exciting time, though it’s hard to believe we are already here again!

Amidst the shuffle, I’ve been longing to post more personal tidbits about all my recent work from this year. While being “too busy” would indeed be a valid excuse, excuses don’t exist in my world, so I’ll admit that it has been the result of putting off discussing myself – the mood has to strike, and even then, I still like to have the work speak for itself.

Many of you have checked out the current 2011 volume of Direct Art 18 of which I was the cover feature, and where many of the latest works from this year’s show are published along with my own personal writings behind each piece. For those of you who have yet to see it, you may still order a copy online, http://slowart.com/subscribe.htm, and stay tuned as I re-post most of it here on the blog.

One work that I have not yet touched on anywhere, and one that has gotten several mixed and interesting reactions is Crow’s Song, so I figured it would be a good place to start. Another more personal statement about my own life and the “journey” I feel that I’m on, this painting serves, in some ways, as a sequel to No Turning Back, once again reflecting the whole “triumph of courage over fear” dynamic, but executed in lieu of a MUCH different, happier, more enlightened and fulfilled "me" than at the time its predecessor was created. All my paintings are essentially “portraits” of my inner self, expressed through my characters, landscapes, and use of color. As someone who feels I’m always in a strange state of inner transformation, Crow’s Song is a tribute to recognizing and embracing that very aspect of the self, and celebrates one of the most beautiful and misunderstood of creatures that is of deep significance to me: the crow.




Inspired by a deep-rooted fascination with Native American culture, legends, and spirituality, and memories of the bird’s odd and steady presence in my life during a time when I searched desperately to “find myself”, crows have revealed themselves to accompany nothing but positive forces from beneath their dark disguise. Over the years, this astonishing bird has come to symbolize, for me, everything BUT the “darkness” they are typically associated with – the complete opposite, in fact. For me, they symbolize the beauty of new beginnings after the end of a dark struggle; spiritual awakening after a period of soul-searching, and having the courage to face the unknown and to recognize it’s all up to us to make what we want of life. As a result, I always feel a sense of comfort when I hear their distant call, as it causes me to take a moment to reflect on my life, the lessons I’ve learned, and the path I’m on. That’s the beauty of nature to me; by just taking the time to listen and observe, one can learn many things. It reminds me that everything works in its own way in its own time.


A crow’s intriguing presence and shape against the starkness of a rural landscape, for me, personifies all the transformative power, mystery, and beauty of the unknown, intuitive side of nature; a supernatural phenomena all its own that parallels the feeling of being in tune and at one with your soul and all that is around you. Crow’s Song speaks to that moment of clarity, when that inner power we all possess enables us to transform and emerge anew. Symbolized here through the figure enveloped in the protection of the flock’s embrace (the shape and color of her robe evoking that of a crow itself), it’s about moving forward with bravery, determination, and faith in one’s self and one’s own life purpose, and pays homage to that internal power that a crow’s presence always reminds me exists deep within. Crow’s Song is about hearing the wake-up call to come back to life and embrace and cultivate your own true spirit. Here’s to always looking and moving onward and upward.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Signed Limited Edition Giclee Prints now available!



Over the past few months, my gallery and I have been in the process of producing the first series of art reproductions for 6 of my paintings. It's been a very exciting process, and I'm happy to announce that they are now officially available in time for the holidays!

Each of the six come archivally framed in two sizes (large and small), in a series of 20 and 25, respectively, and are signed and numbered by yours truly. Big thanks to the printers at Omega Co., NY for doing such a phenomenal job replicating every detail. The final results look amazing, and I'm so pleased they are now available to those of you who have inquired about prints in the past.

Click here to view the selected editions and their specific sizes, and contact art@rjdgallery.com with any inquiries.

For those who wish to view the framed giclees in person, they will be on display at RJD Fine Arts Gallery in Sag Harbor (90 Main Street) beginning November 8th, with an opening reception on November 19th, 6-8pm.

In other news, new work is on the easel, and I'm looking forward to sharing it here very soon!

Friday, September 16, 2011

"Sojourn" featured on Cover of "Direct Art" Vol. 18 - Out Now!



Get your copy! I am incredibly honored to have had my work selected for the Cover feature of this year's volume of Direct Art Magazine. A leading alternative fine art magazine published annually by SlowArt Productions, featured artists are selected through an international talent search, and offer their own commentaries directly to the public through its pages. It's a very cool publication born out of the concept of connecting artists with readers one-on-one (learn more here).

Pick up a copy at your local magazine or bookstore, or visit Direct Art online to order, and check out the mag's main feature where I share many of my latest insights and inspiration behind my newest works.

Southwest Art Magazine's "21 Under 31"



For those who may have not yet heard the news nor seen this month's September Issue of Southwest Art, be sure to check it out, on newsstands now! I am honored to be among the 21 selected artists featured in this year's annual emerging artist spotlight. I always read these issues back when I was a student. Surreal! Congrats to all my fellow honorees!

Visit Southwest Art Magazine online for a sneak peek to learn more, and your local bookstore where magazines are sold.

Southwest Art // 21 Under 31 Winners

Thursday, September 15, 2011

A Big "Thank You" to All



Another solo show has come and gone, and I wanted to give my overdue heartfelt thanks and appreciation to everyone who attended and were involved with my opening this past July. I loved meeting each and every one of you and couldn't have asked for a better show! It was magical. HUGE thanks once again to everyone at my gallery, RJD Fine Arts, Richard Demato and Harriet Sawyer for their amazing hospitality, support, and guidance, and my collectors and supporters. You all help keep me going in so many ways, words cannot describe. Thank YOU!

Last but not least, those near and dear to me: my parents, brother, close friends, and models/muses, Jennifer and Natalia -- for being the ones who ultimately understand and accept me and my long, broody disappearances into the studio. Thank you from the bottom of my soul.

Alas, after a short break back in July, things have been alive and well again in the studio these past several weeks, hence my absence from the virtual world, and I'm looking forward to sharing more cool news and the next series of paintings that are currently coming into progress! Autumn is in the air, and never ceases to inspire!

For those who missed it, photos from the exhibition can be viewed on Flickr: Andrea Kowch 2011 Solo Exhibition

Stay tuned, everybody :)

-AK

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

"The Feast" Wins 2011 Art Kudos International!


I'm extremely excited and pleased to announce that The Feast was selected as this year's top winner, Best of Show, in the 2011 Art Kudos International Juried Exhibition!

The online exhibition, unveiled on August 15th, will be on view at the Art Kudos website year-long. Please visit http://www.artkudos.com/ to take a look at this year's stunning array of works, juried by Holly Koons McCullough, former Director of Collections and Exhibitions at the Telfair Museum of Art in Savannah, GA. The show presents 157 artists from 23 countries. I am humbled and beyond honored!

Two additional works, Sojourn and Whirlwind, have also been selected for inclusion. Be sure to check out the whole show!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Newsday, Whitewall, & K+R Magazine



Some very cool NYC publications recently reviewed my Sag Harbor exhibition and showing in this year's ArtHamptons, so if you haven't seen them, please check out this past week's Newsday, Whitewall, and K+R Magazine. Big thanks to these publications for the great features, I'm honored!

If you don't receive these publications in your area, you can visit them and view the articles online:

Newsday // Art: Andrea Kowch show in Sag Harbor

Whitewall, Contemporary Art & Lifestyle Magazine // ArtHamptons 2011

Karin + Raoul // Exhibition: RJD Gallery presents Paintings by Andrea Kowch

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Solo Exhibition opening this weekend!



It's time! I'm so excited to return to New York this weekend to kick off my new solo show. Hope to see everyone at the opening this Saturday! I'm very much looking forward to sharing the evening with all of you. See you there :)

Opening Reception
Saturday, July 16
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Richard J. Demato Fine Arts Gallery
90 Main Street, Sag Harbor, NY, 11963
631.725.1161
rjdgallery.com

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Artist A Day



I am pleased to be featured on the website Artist A Day, a huge online global art community whose mission is to raise awareness of the fine art world at large and connect artists and their work with those who love art. Thanks to Artist A Day and all who commented and sent me emails, and took a moment to view my work!

Check it all out here: Artist A Day: Andrea Kowch

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

ArtHamptons 2011



Some of my latest work will be shown at the 2011 ArtHamptons International Fine Art Fair this weekend in Bridgehampton, NY. Please be sure to visit RJD Fine Arts Gallery in Booth #108!



See my ad (above) in this month's issue of American Art Collector (#69). The big, 3-day event will house art from over 70 US and international galleries, and special events will include the honoring of Russell Simmons and Danny Simmons, and abstract expressionist Mary Abbot with the 2011 Arts Patron of the Year Award and 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award, respectively.

Please visit the ArtHamptons official site for a list of exhibiting galleries, special events, show and ticket information, and more:

http://www.arthamptons.com/

ArtHamptons
July 8-10, 2011
July 7, Opening Preview
Sayre Park, 154 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton, NY

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

"Sojourn" featured on Cover of American Art Collector #69 - Out Now!



I am amazed to announce that Sojourn has been chosen to grace the cover of this month's July #69 issue of American Art Collector! Pick up a copy, available on newsstands wherever books and magazines are sold! It's a great issue that includes coverage of the upcoming 2011 ArtHamptons Fine Art Fair, which my work will be a part of, and also profiles Russell Simmons as this month's featured art collector. Be sure to check out the article previewing my new work and upcoming show!

Show work is now complete (will post soon!) and the opening is just around the corner. I can't wait, and want to give thanks to all the recent magazines and press for their support, and of course, my gallery, collectors, fans, family and friends. You all help make everything even more worthwhile.

More updates to come as I gear up for summer! Please visit American Art Collector online, http://www.americanartcollector.com/ to browse the current issue, and http://www.rjdgallery.com/ to view some of the new work! I am looking forward to meeting many of you in a few weeks!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Punk Soul Poet



Big thanks to the editors behind Punk Soul Poet for inviting me to be a part of their launch issue. A new, LA-based virtual art and literary mag, Punk Soul Poet is devoted to art, the written word, and the punk soul, with the mission of "strengthen[ing] the bond between the arts" in true "punk" spirit, naming "Patti Smith, Oscar Wilde, Spalding Gray, Frida Kahlo, Hunter S. Thompson, and Jim Carroll, among others" as role models.

I was honored and happy to have my work serve as the subject for poetry featured in this issue, and fell in love with the poets' various interpretations of the paintings. Congrats to the poets whose submissions were selected for the article: Ariel Jastromb, Jenna Schlosbon, Katie G, Laurie Foster Palmer, and Cassie Ann Ross. They were a joy to read!

Check it all out here -- Punk Soul Poet: Inspired by artist Andrea Kowch

Official Site -- http://www.punksoulpoet.com/

CCS: 50 Alumni Stories



I'm very proud and honored to have been featured in my alma mater's (CCS) recent publication, 50 CCS Alumni Stories: A Look Into Your Future -- a great little volume documenting an amazing group of recent and past grads. Hats off to my fellow alums; it's always so cool to be counted among such a rad group of artists and creatives.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

In the "Month of May". . .



May is about to wrap itself up (where does the time go??), and I'm in the final stretches of painting away feverishly in the meantime. I've been on an Arcade Fire binge these past couple weeks, and thought I'd take a few moments to give this blog here a little TLC and show some love and appreciation for one of many great bands whose music keeps me going in the studio.





Monday, May 9, 2011

Subscription Glitch

A note to all you wonderful folks that are subscribed to this blog's email updates: there was a glitch this morning (5/9) that re-sent old feeds from 2010. I don't know the cause of this, and apologize for any confusion. When in doubt, check back here on the blog itself for the latest updates! As we near July, all new show work will be revealed!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Art featured in .Cent Magazine (UK)



See my art featured in the current issue (#17) of .Cent Magazine (UK), the London-based bi-annual publication devoted to the modern world of art, culture, architecture, music, and fashion. Guest-edited by photographer and curator, Minnie Weisz, the issue "Seeing Stories, Telling Pictures" is OUT NOW and available for order online, both in Print and Digital formats, through the .Cent Shop! Big thanks to the .Cent team for inviting me to be a part of this issue. Get your copy and visit the site to see and learn more about the art and articles featured in this issue!

DAF Group Feature: Vol. 53



Check out DailyArtFixx.com where Rural Sister is featured in this week's Monday Mixx!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

"Sojourn"

72" x 60"
acrylic on canvas



Things are cooking in the studio, hence my lack of posts as of late, and Sojourn is another large-scale, all-consuming work I recently wrapped up. After taking a quick few days to come down from the mega adrenaline high, a new painting is already up on the easel, and others are still thoughts yet to be officially pinned down on paper, all of which I'll be looking forward to sharing with all of you in the coming weeks.



For now, a few of my thoughts behind this one. The concept for it ultimately came about by way of taking the leap to do something with butterflies, a thought I'd faintly entertained in the past, but pushed to the back of my mind because I wasn't quite sure in what way I would initially handle the subject matter. Then one day it completely hit me, the whole image; one of those rare instances that foregoes all the extensive planning and playing via roughs and sketches to get it right. Amazingly, a lot of my ideas have been free-flowing lately, and there's no better feeling than that light bulb going off and getting so excited you're literally scrambling to write it all down. Here, I wanted the structure of an old farmhouse to figure prominently in the scene, a large looming shape where I could indulge my craving to explore the details of all those old farmhouses I so loved discovering on backroad haunts, that are now leveled and no more.




In a way, it's an homage to a past where things were so much purer, simpler. But like butterflies, who are in a constant state of transformation and migration, such is life, where things come and go and it's up to us to choose what's worth keeping and preserving. Butterflies have always served as symbols of hope and beauty throughout the ages, creatures that, despite their delicate fragility, still must brave long and brutal migrations. Even so, their short rests along the way are one of nature's most beautiful and fascinating events to behold. The contrast between them, the women, and the house was something that struck and appealed to me in my mind's eye; almost like a fusion of past, present, and future.




To reflect the depth and complexity of the scene, I also wanted to explore textures more deeply than ever, and when I settled on the outfits, I made sure they carried an airiness that would translate and mesh with the delicacy of the nets and butterflies themselves.



I created the outfits out of several pieces of clothing, combinations of vintage pieces, regular pieces, and curtains [yes, curtains :)]. My models (dear friends) are always amazing to work with, especially in instances like this, where they're pinned up all sorts of ways in these strange get-ups. Makes for lots of laughs and keeps me going while running back and forth manning lights, camera, action, outfits falling apart, etc. It being a large painting, I really wanted to take advantage of the fact that I could get into all the details, and boy did I with this one. It just felt right, and to really experience everything it has to be viewed in real life. I must have re-shot the work a million times to try to capture all the subtleties here, but, a bit of the true colors and details still got lost nonetheless. Hopefully most of you will be able to come see it face-to-face at my show this July! It's hard to believe Spring is already upon us despite the relentless snowfall and cold winds still going strong here in Michigan! :)


Thursday, March 10, 2011

Cool review by "The Jealous Curator"



I came across a neat review of my work on The Jealous Curator blog, a wonderful and witty site that discusses some brilliant work by a slew of amazing contemporary artists. I'm stoked to have been included. See what the curator thinks: http://www.thejealouscurator.com/blog/2011/02/28/im-jealous-of-andrea-kowch/ and be sure to check out all the other cool art and artists discussed there, too!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

"The Feast"

60" x 84"
acrylic on canvas



The largest one I have done to date, it was quite a ride from start to finish, in a good way, for it allowed me to really put myself to the test and push my boundaries. It took nearly three months of intense painting, everyday, and had me either lying or sitting on the floor, getting on and off a stool, and running to one end of the studio and back to gauge it from a distance countless times a day, literally causing me to emerge from the experience 10 lbs. lighter (not complaining!). If you've been following this blog, you're probably familiar with my desire to do large-scale works more often, so, naturally, when I got this opportunity I was totally psyched.



The figures in this piece are 100% life-size. If you sit in front of it, you'll look like you're part of the scene. Place a hand over one in the painting and they'll match. Everything in it is scaled accordingly; that's what's made it so consuming and exciting for me, so much so that by the tenth week when it neared completion, I almost forgot I even existed.




The initial idea was to create a sort of table scene, and I wanted to create a narrative with mood where various windows and doors behind each figure contain something unique, symbolizing different thoughts and states of mind, themes and motifs commonly present in my work. I also wanted to further explore and indulge in my love for painting textures and patterns, something that, albeit time-consuming, is actually a very meditative process.





Expect to see more large-scale paintings from me in the future, and new paintings are currently in progress, so stay tuned! Huge thanks to my clients and gallery for giving me the chance to take on something like this. In addition, commissions are being accepted, so if interested, please contact RJD Fine Arts Gallery with any inquiries, and check out The Feast on Flickr for a larger view.