Joseph Van Kerkhove and Kristin Kowalski explore contrasts and symmetry in the duo exhibition Accomplices. Van Kerkhove is a traditional printmaker who uses unconventional methods, while Kowalski provides floral elements and color in ceramic sculpture. Highlighting the complementary styles and differing techniques of the two Ohio artists, the exhibition encourages the viewer to become an accomplice in the artwork, exploring depth, perception and connections between nature and personal experiences.
Van Kerkhove is an assistant professor of art and the director of the Dianne Kidd Art Gallery at Tiffin University in Tiffin, Ohio. He exhibits and curates regionally. Kowalski is an art instructor at the Maumee Valley Country Day School in Toledo, Ohio. She exhibits and presents throughout the United States and was recognized as the 2019 Outstanding Art Educator of the Year by the Ohio Art Educators Association.
Parking and admission are free of charge. Appointments are required. To schedule a visit the Dublin Arts Council gallery visit: https://visitdublinartscouncil.as.me
Images:
Untitled (062)
20” x 34”
Woodcut
2020
by Joseph Van Kerkhove
Burst
14″x11″x10″
Ceramic
2019
by Kristin Kowalski
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Artist Statement
Joseph M. Van Kerkhove
In my art making I am discovering a visual language that includes objects, surface and color. A common object like the screw is something that is often disregarded. I use its traditional formal quality along with its endless conceptual interpretations to contrast process with idea. I juxtapose objects and imagery, and introduce color to make the work more quizzical, evocative and contemplative.
The introduction of color in my work allows me to communicate with the viewer emotionally. I do not make work with one particular conceptual interpretation in mind, but rather I feel that the combination of objects and imagery to allow the viewer to draw a personal conclusion. The use of layers enables me to control what is revealed, obscured or subdued. This process aids in the interpretation of the physical and visual relationships.\
The material is not as important as the process in which I use it. Mixed media gives me a clear advantage over working with only one medium; it allows me to juxtapose color against color, line against line, form against form and material against material.
My work has developed to where it is because I am in constant flux. I give myself situations where I may discover something new or provoking. These situations may not always prove successful, so I take knowledge from them and use it to benefit later works. This keeps the work fresh and gives me the freedom to incorporate marks and processes in order to yield a specific line, form or surface. All of the information gathered helps the development of my own visual language.
View Joseph M. Van Kerkhove’s CV
View Joseph M. Van Kerkhove’s artwork in this exhibition
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Artist Statement
Kristin A. Kowalski
My artwork and emotions are best expressed in clay. Clay is a fundamental material that allows me to articulate a relationship between surface and form. These qualities of clay allow me to use its malleability to create three-dimensional sculptures that show process and my personal involvement with the piece. In the creation of art, I use the marks of the hand and textural elements to create harmony within the forms. These forms become my canvases for added surface processes.
My work has been inspired by personal growth and development. I want to create a feeling of intimacy between the interactions of the abstracted forms. Those experiences lead to a floral or blossom element that represents the peak of the experience. I want my work to be very sensual, playful and slightly dark, I try to create these feeling with the combination of form, color and surface texture. The floral elements in my work have been inspired from my garden. I love the process and transformation that occurs in nature. I feel this growth and cultivation echoes life’s experiences and that I relate to. I want my viewer to relate to my work in an emotional way; through either the relationships of the forms, the representation of colors, or the just the formal elements and aesthetics of the pieces.
View Kristin A Kowalski’s CV
View Kristin A Kowalski’s artwork in this exhibition
Enjoy a virtual gallery visit with these main gallery, sun porch and north gallery exhibition videos.