"Tour of the Universe" 2009

The night of July 24, 2009, was indeed a night to remember at Toronto's Molson Amphitheatre as Depeche Mode kicked off the North American leg of their 2009 world tour, "Tour of the Universe." It's no lie when they say a DM concert is a spiritual experience. Absolutely incredible. I was so fortunate to have experienced it from the main floor, and, as expected, the show was lined with stunning visuals, incredible energy coming from 16,000 fellow DM devotees, and the Mode themselves as spectacular as ever. In a nutshell, it couldn't have been more perfect.

The day's drive to Toronto was beautiful, with the 401 winding through some of the most gorgeous fields and lush farmland. If I was not on a tight schedule, I would have definitely spent some time exploring the landscape. The weather was something to behold as well, everchanging throughout the day from crisp sunshine, to dark, rolling clouds, to violent rain, to sun again. Crows were abundant, flying every which way over and alongside the highway as I drove, only to show up again as part of DM's stage visuals later that night. I was floored. More sweet surprises showed up when the band switched up their scheduled setlist, performing songs that I really hoped to hear live. It took an hour and a half to move three miles in the concert traffic, and, after the show, the parking lots became an after-party, as the hundreds of us waiting for traffic to move out, mingled and blasted Depeche Mode favorites out of cars. What better way to top the night off? The universe was definitely smiling those 24 hours. "Sounds of the Universe" indeed.

"Blackbird Ballads" Released

This past February, I was approached with the wonderful opportunity to have my work appear on a CD cover - something I've always dreamed of! Now I'm pleased to announce that Blackbird Ballads, the recent music collaboration between LA-based poet Brian Michael Tracy and musicians Andy Hill and Renee Safier is now released! I couldn't be more thrilled and honored to be a part of this project. A lyrical, wonderful album combining music and the spoken word, it was performed in its entirety at the release party in Redondo Beach last weekend, and is now available for purchase through Midnight Tea Poetry. The imagery and the album's subject matter could not have been a more perfect fit. A great way to unwind after a long day, get yourself a copy, kick back, and let your senses flow. . . .

"In the Path of the Wind"

40" x 30"
acrylic on canvas sold



One of my latest recently shown at the College for Creative Studies Spring Exhibition. The natural world is always the keeper of mysteries and phenomena that surround us and keep our world an ever-changing place. Just as the earth moves and undergoes change, we, as people, continue to move forward. In the Path of the Wind speaks of those times in our lives when we try to create order out of chaos, when the fear of the unknown dwells in our subconscious, refusing to be addressed until an inner transformation takes place.

Change is an inevitable part of life’s cycle, whether we wish to embrace it or not. The imagery in this painting serves as a metaphor for that moment when we come to a crossroads, unable to decide which path to walk. It is a time when destiny begins to shape itself with unstoppable force and events are set in motion. Logic soon departs, and intuition takes the reins, leading us where it deems best – just as the wind blows a seedling to where it is destined to take root and grow.

Fear, uncertainty, confusion, and chaos counterbalanced by a strange sense of peace were emotions I wanted present in this work, to illustrate how, despite the state of things during the "storm," situations eventually become clear in the end. The mind finally opens to accept what is, after finding the courage to let go of what was, and all is reborn.

"Spectrum 16" update!

Just a heads up from my earlier post. Expect to see No Turning Back in this year's "Spectrum 16" annual, coming out later this year!

Update!

A warm hello to everyone! It has been a while since my last post, but things have been cooking! I have been teaching, recently completed press checks for the upcoming children's book, which is now going to print (see my previous post), and working on other commissions. The past few busy months in addition to the past year, however, have caused me to currently take a break for a bit to regroup. Lots of new things are begun and in the making, however, so stay tuned!

Work to be featured in 2009's "Spectrum 16"

I just got word that I had work chosen once again to appear in Spectrum's Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art annual. To say I feel honored would be an understatement. I will keep everyone posted as to which works got in. To view the list of accepted artists for 2009, visit SPECTRUM here. Can't wait!

And...if you have not yet purchased your 2008 copy, be sure to see my previous post for information. It is filled with work by our modern day masters, and is a true visual feast!

Official MySpace

My official MySpace page is here:

http://www.myspace.com/andreakowchillustration

Add me as a friend!

"Continuance: The Persistence of Personal Vision"

Come check out my work in the CCS Illustration alumni group show currently running at the Northville Art House in Northville, MI. The show runs until March 29. The opening was wonderful, with many wonderful works on display by prominent CCS Illustration alumni. I have two pieces in it, so be sure to visit and see it all for yourself!

Visit the Northville Art House online here to get a peek at some of the work featured if you have not yet seen the show ("No Turning Back" is among the ones used for their online promo). It's all still on view for another week!

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March 6–29, 2009

"Continuance: The Persistence of Personal Vision"

College for Creative Studies Illustration Alumni Annual Show (upstairs gallery)

Be a pART of it! The Northville Art House is proud to present "Continuance...The Persistence of Personal Vision: The College for Creative Studies Illustration Alumni Annual Show." Please join us in celebrating the cutting edge of illustration art. Pushing the boundaries of how art is created, today’s illustrators work with everything from traditional media to sophisticated digital technology. They work in diverse fields – from graphic and web design to conceptual art for games, movies and toys. They turn old attitudes upside down and let their passion drive new visions. The Art House is privileged to bring together a panorama of creative works from these individuals – all graduates of Detroit’s own acclaimed College of Creative Studies - to the Northville and Metro Detroit community through this show.

The show will open with a reception Friday, March 6, from 6:00pm - 9:00pm during Northville's First Friday Art Walk. The show will continue through March 29 during the Art House Gallery hours (Thursdays - Sundays 1:00pm - 5:00pm, first Fridays only 1:00pm - 9:00pm.)

For additional information, call 248-344-0497. The Art House is located at 215 W. Cady Street and is a facility of the Northville Arts Commission. Admission to Art House shows is always free and open to the public.

"Chosen"

30" x 40"
acrylic on canvas



One of my latest works which made its debut in the "I Hate Lucy" Show, and is currently featured at the Northville Art House, this painting centers on the age old theme of love. All of us, young and old alike, have been touched by it and felt at one point or another the emotions associated with having lost it. Love as a concept in itself has always been among the most common themes in the creative arts, becoming the center of inspiration for artists, writers, poets, playwrights, and musicians for centuries.

I once came across a beautiful and powerful quote by William S. Burroughs which said "Love is a haunting melody that I have never mastered and I fear I never will." I wanted this painting to stand for love in all its purest forms, be it hopeful, sorrowful, or all the places in between. To some, it can serve as a symbol of the journey it takes us on, the happiness it brings, as well as the sadness; the lessons it teaches us and the imprint it forever leaves on our hearts. Love is a haunting melody. We don't choose to play it, but once its sound is heard, we can't help but surrender to its song. It doesn't have a happy ending - it just never ends. Nature moves in mysterious ways.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: "What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

Updates: The "I Hate Lucy" Show

Photos from the "I Hate Lucy: The Trials and Tribulations of Love" Show can be found here on Flickr. It was a great time catching up with fellow artists and friends, and kudos to Derek Ecker for pulling the whole thing together!