"The Distance Between Shores" OUT NOW!

Another book I recently illustrated is now out and available for purchase! Books may be purchased through Midnight Tea Poetry. A HUGE thanks to my client, Brian Tracy, for giving me the great privilege of teaming up with him again for this companion piece to Blackbird Ballads. The book made its debut at its release party on November 14, at Live at the Lounge in Hermosa Beach, CA, where it was celebrated with live poetry and music.

The poems you'll find in these pages are just beautiful, and I had such a great time using them as my muse for the pictures you'll find throughout. Order your copy today, and get a few more as gifts for the poetry-lovers in your life!


"Brian Tracy's exquisite poems evoke those "ghostlier demarcations" summoned by Wallace Stevens, another poet for whom the sea is muse. Because Tracy is a poet of powerful restraint and beautiful nuance. The Distance Between Shores is a book of delicately suspended, liminal spaces, spaces in which one hears whispers from the other world as well as 'the howl and hunger' of this one."

-Gail Wronsky, Director of Creative Writing Loyola Marymount University and author of Poems for Infidels and Dying for Beauty

"Brian Michael Tracy's elegant, meditative poems emerge from a landscape of mist and dream like lost beloveds. There's a quiet vigor and wisdom in this poet's work that comes from allowing the self to crawl inside silence and observe. The Distance Between Shores will astonish and fill you with the breath of life."

-Michelle Bitting, author of Good Friday Kiss and winner of the DeNovo First Book Award

"Spectrum 16" OUT NOW!

I'm excited to announce that Spectrum 16 is out now! I just got my copy in the mail today and it is full of AMAZING work by our best artists and illustrators from around the globe. The images in this annual are the work of absolute masters, and it still floors me to see my work published among them for a second time.

Get to your local Barnes & Noble or Borders, or order your copy on Amazon!

Feature about "Blackbird Ballads" and my work!

An article in the LA newspaper discussing the album, the people behind it, and my art!

Easy Reader: Three Brains are Better than One

Check it out!

Find me on "MyArtspace"

A whole new website re-design is underway, and in the meantime, I wanted to make you all aware that all my current work can be viewed on MyArtspace, a great art website, where my portfolio is kept current. The old website will still be up another couple weeks, and until the new one is up and running, MyArtspace is the new official spot to catch my updated portfolios. Spread the word! I was also selected to be in the "Featured Artist" spotlight on the site.

www.myartspace.com/andreakowch

Thanks! Announcements about the new site launch will be coming soon.

Hope you had a spook-tacular Halloween!

Hope everyone had a great Halloween! I had a great time this year putting on my annual display for the neighborhood kids. It's as fun for me as it is for them! The front porch is my stage for a night, and I have parents often pulling out their cameras to make it a lasting memory for the little ones. It's a fun weekend of preparation where I whip out crafting supplies and create props for the porch, windows, and my witchy attire. :)



When all is ready, the scene is set to the organ of Bach's Tocatta, and the trick-or-treaters start walking up the witch's way. . .


Fun spooky silhouettes I made for the window, containing the
silhouette of my "twin" sister as she makes another batch of her
special brew. . . ;)


A phantom from Venice came to visit and joined me for the party.

As usual, all the fun ended far too fast! Looking forward to another "boo"-tiful one next year!

ArtPrize 2009

What an event! I'm sure all of you know about the results of its magnitude from the papers and various articles online, and it was absolutely all that! Art is now put back on the map, big time, and that is something many of us have been waiting for. I met so many wonderful people, and received some excellent comments and feedback. The energy, interaction, and conversation -what ArtPrize was all about - drew in a crowd of over 37,000 viewers with over 330,000 votes placed. I was honored to have been one of the 1,262 pioneering artists who contributed to making this cultural experiment such a success, paving the way for a future ArtPrize to be held again.

I had a great time showing alongside artist Cory Vanderzwaag of Grand Rapids, who created a sweet installation piece titled Familiar Analysis involving a table setting he constructed with interactive media features. Our work was a perfect fit together! Check out more on his profile.


On the front window of the gallery. . .


"Apple of My Eye." 30" x 40." acrylic on canvas. sold


Cory Vanderzwaag's interactive installation piece.

A huge thanks again to Amy and Josh of The MuStache Gallery located in Grand Rapids' Heartside area, a budding arts district with galleries, shops, and a music scene. The opportunity to be a part of the event would not have been possible without them!


Amy and Josh of The MuStache Gallery in Grand Rapids.

Some of the many viewers who came by opening night.

A great time had by all. I made 4 trips out in the course of the two weeks, and still was not able to see everything. Visit my Flickr album to see more of what I was able to catch, as well as mlive.com/artprize, and the ArtPrize Blog, to read reviews and all news about the event. Shore Magazine recently featured it as their cover story. Read all about it here. Thank you ArtPrize founder Rick DeVos and all involved, for encouraging art appreciation among the general public and for recognizing and putting such a high price on the value of what we artists do.

"ArtPrize" Update for Voters/Attendees

A quick update on "ArtPrize" and the voting procedure. Voters may now pre-register online at www.artprize.org. You still will have to show ID in person at the event to be eligible, however, this will save you time when you get there. Below are the rules. Additional information regarding voter registration stations at the event, etc., can be found at www.artprize.org/vote. Hope to see everyone there! The first week of voting, September 23-30, is the one that determines the top ten, so please plan on visiting and voting during that week! The final round (second week, October 1-7) can be done online. Feel free to also spread the word wherever you hang out online as well, by posting my "ArtPrize" badge above. Thank you all for your support!

Voting rules
Anyone who registers in person at the ArtPrize event can vote. You cannot vote without registering at the event.

• Attendees will be required to present a valid government issued ID in person at a registration station
• ID can be drivers license, other state ID or passport
• Pre-register and save time activating your voter status at the event
• There will be voter registration stations throughout the city September 23-October 7

Week 1 voting - All artists

• Voting begins 6:00pm, September 23, 2009
• You can vote on more than one work
• You cannot vote more than once for the same work
• Live results can be viewed online
• Week 1 voting ends 11:59pm, September 30
• Top 10 finalists will be announced evening, October 1

Week 2 voting - Top 10, ONE vote

• Voting begins after announcement of the Top 10, October 1
• You have only ONE vote during Week 2
• You may only vote among the Top 10
• You may change your vote until voting ends
• Results are concealed during Week 2
• Week 2 voting ends 11:59pm, October 7
• Winners will be announced at a gala event October 8

ArtPrize - World's Largest Art Competition

I am happy to announce that I have been accepted to show in ArtPrize, the world's largest art prize, to be held in Michigan's own Grand Rapids this month. I am very excited! Thank you to Stache Gallery, who has chosen to represent me in this global competition as my hosting venue. I was also given the opportunity to display additional work alongside my ArtPrize entry, so come on out and see my little show within the show!

For those who have not read about it in the papers or online in one form or another, this radical competition, part art competition, part social experiment, and labeled by some as the "American Idol" of the art world, is one huge event you do not want to miss! The winner is determined by public vote. To vote, you must be present in person at the event in Grand Rapids, which runs from September 23 - October 10, 2009. Voters must also be registered with the event to be eligible to vote. Beginning September 14, 2009, voters may pre-register online at http://www.artprize.org/. Voting at the event will be entirely electronic (via cell-phone or internet) and results will be available for live viewing online during the duration of the event. There will be two rounds of voting over the course of the two weeks. The first round determines the top ten finalists, and the final round determines the prize winners. Please visit www.artprize.org/vote for all registration and voting information.

Out of nearly 2,000 applicants from over 20 different countries, approximately 1,200 artists have been chosen to show in this event, spanning a three-square-mile radius of the city. Painting, sculpture, installation, and performance art are just a few of the many mediums that will be showcased. Grand Rapids will be the art hub of the world for these two weeks. Go, Michigan!

So come on out, be a part of a unique cultural experience, and vote for yours truly! :) I'm only revealing a tiny portion of the painting I did for this event (seen above) - you will have to come out to see the real thing!

Please visit http://www.artprize.org/ for more information, and check out my official ArtPrize profile HERE.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ArtPrize

ArtPrize is a radically open competition. Open to any artist in the world who can find space. Open to anybody in the city who wants to create a venue. Open to a vote from anyone who attends.

We are living in a time of great change. New ideas, fresh inspiration will move us forward.There are enough art competitions where the winners are decided by a jury of experts. That's not the competition we are creating. We're looking for a giant conversation to happen between artists and the public. That is why we developed a radically open framework for this event, which gives power to everyone's opinion.When everyone's opinion counts, everyone is included in the conversation. ArtPrize exists to reboot the conversation between artists and audiences on a grand scale.

This is the prize breakdown of the largest art competition in the world:
1st place: $250,000
2nd: $100,000
3rd: $50,000
4th: $7,000
5th: $7,000
6th: $7,000
7th: $7,000
8th: $7,000
9th: $7,000
10th: $7,000

Children's book out now!

I am excited to announce that the children's book I recently illustrated is out, and available for purchase!

A great story created to teach children about the importance of caring for the environment, and how to leave less of a footprint on the earth, it is a sweet, fun, educational read for children and adults alike. I was completely taken aback with awe when the first copies arrived to me. Seeing all the work I did in published form - hardcover with a dust-jacket and all - was quite a surreal feeling, and a great one. A big thanks to my client Holly Knight, who was a joy to work with throughout all the comps, edits, and press checks.

Purchase your copy online here!

Book signing events are in the works, and I will update everyone when those dates become available.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Clubhouse Conundrum
by Heather Meloche, Julie Angeli, Kathleen Pranger
Illustrated by Andrea Kowch

Children's book, 32 pp

The IHM Sisters use a story about building a clubhouse to teach children about environmental responsibility and the spirituality of sustainability.

The Clubhouse Conundrum, a 32-page, four-color, hardbound book tells the story of Monica and Gabe who want a clubhouse but disagree about whether to tear down the old fort and start over or to renovate what’s already there. When Monica’s Aunt Sarah, a nun, hears their debate, she takes them on a tour of her Motherhouse and show them how she and her 480 sisters resolved a similar problem.

During their amazing tour through the sisters’ earth-friendly home, Monica and Gabe learn about the sacredness of all creation, discover a little about post-modern nuns and find an answer to their problem.

"Refuge"

40" x 30"
acrylic on canvas



One of the several paintings I have going at the moment. This is one I wish to leave up to the viewer - an ode to the hidden sanctuaries we run to to seek solace, wherever or whatever they are.

"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!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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!

"I Hate Lucy: The Trials and Tribulations of Love" Show

One Night Only! Come out and see the "I Hate Lucy: The Trials and Tribulations of Love" show this Valentine's Day weekend, where me, along with several other artists will have work exhibited. Check out the article on us in Real Detroit here. One of my new, never-before-seen works done specifically for this show will be in it, so come on out! Hope to see you there!

"I Hate Lucy: The Trials and Tribulations of Love"

An edgy event showcasing the wicked roller coaster of love. Featuring over twenty visual artists from across the country, sharing their sometimes jaded take on the wheel of love. Musical appearances by Detroit’s independent scene powerhouses: Silent Violet, Geist, Magnanomus, and Dj Susana Doncic. This one day exhibition will showcase 60 pieces of love-inspired art from talented artisans for reasonable prices, ranging from the skilled arts of sculpture, photography, and painting. Whether you're in love or sick of love, this show will kick off your Valentine's Day weekend.

Friday, February 13, 2009
8pm - 2am

Russell Industrial Center
1600 Clay St.
Detroit, MI
48211
(313) 872-4000
http://www.ricdetroit.org/

Tickets are $10 at the door

Photo selected to appear in Schmap Boston Guide

I was delighted to find that my photo was discovered and chosen to appear in the newly released Sixth Edition of the Schmap Boston Guide. I love photography, and sometimes do it as a hobby, so I found it pretty cool to see it published. This photo was taken this past summer on my excursion to Salem, MA.

In Memoriam: The Passing of an Idol

Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009)

This Friday the art world lost an icon at the age of 91. Never was there an artist whose life and work I've felt so connected to. I can't even begin to count the ways. One of the greatest American artists, Andrew Wyeth will always continue to be an inspiration and influence in my life.

"I do an awful lot of thinking and dreaming about things in the past and the future — the timelessness of the rocks and the hills — all the people who have existed there ."

"I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure in the landscape — the loneliness of it — the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it; the whole story doesn't show.

"I think anything like that — which is contemplative, silent, shows a person alone — people always feel is sad. Is it because we've lost the art of being alone?"

“I dream a lot. I do more painting when I'm not painting. It's in the subconscious.”

Here's to a great man, and extraordinary artist whose art has left an eternal mark in the American psyche. Rest in peace, Andrew. Your legacy lives on.

Official Anthology Promo Trailer

© Andrea Kowch. 2009. © Music by Depeche Mode. "Nothing's Impossible." Playing the Angel. Mute Records / Sire Records / Reprise Records. 2005.

© Photography by Alexandra Agapiou and Andrea Kowch. Models: Jennifer Pruess and Victoria Pruess.

My official promo for my upcoming anthology is finally here! Check it out! Be sure to watch the high definition version for best results (located on the lower right corner of the video), as well as check out my official YouTube channel.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, everyone! With 2008 coming to a close, I'd like to give thanks to everyone for your continued friendship, support, and interest in my work. You all keep me moving forward, and I look forward to continuing sharing my artistic journey with all of you. Thank you. May you all experience joy and happiness in 2009!

Tag! I'm it! Seven Random Facts. . .

Last week I was tagged by friend and fellow artist Marcyanna Parzych. My turn, so here goes!

Game rules:

1. You must link to the individual who tagged you and post the rules of TAG (which you are currently reading).
2. Post 7 random facts about yourself.
3. Tag 7 friends and link to them and
4. Let them know that they have been tagged by leaving a nice little message on their blog.

My Facts:

1. I'm a paintaholic.
2. I collect Native American jewelry. You'll hardly ever see me without wearing at least some of it.
3. I am an active, proud supporter of Native American causes.
4. I love coffee, even though I don't drink a lot of it.
5. I have one other sibling, my brother, whom I'm very close to.
6. I love music. Art and music - no two things can be more connected.
7. Dance/Choreography/Performing is my favorite pastime. Up until college, I danced competitively as well as performed my own shows. I love the stage!

Friends I am tagging:

1. Dave Chow
2. Lee DeVito
3. Lauren Moyer
4. Kaylen Conley
5. Don Kilpatrick
6. Chelsea Kirchoff
7. Maureen O'Brien

Sneak Peek. . . Coming Soon!

Sneak Peek! Tons of new things from me are coming your way in the coming weeks and months. You probably already noticed the new imagery that graces the header above, as well as the image you see here. If you're wondering, "Hey! Are those the girls from the paintings?" you are correct! Stay tuned for an anthology I'll have coming out later in 2009 filled with past and present work, my personal writings about it, and recent photoshoots of me and my team in action. This is the first time I decided to go all out, leaving the quick reference shots that take place in my studio behind, and actually having my models get into character and go out with me on location. A sure treat for the eyes it will be, folks. I'm in the process of putting together a trailer for it that will be available for viewing by late December, so stay tuned. In the meantime, think of this as a teaser.

Alongside this personal project, I'm illustrating a full-length children's picture book for the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Motherhouse in Monroe, MI, to be published this summer and due out Christmas 2009. Work has already commenced on it, and I'm excited to now be delving into the long-term project.

Along with that, pages are being filled with new sketches for paintings, canvases are being prepped, a group show is in the works, and new juried competitions will be entered. Lots to stay on top of, and I'll be keeping you all posted!

Giving Back. . .

During the course of this past month, I had the opportunity to give back to a person near and dear to me – Warren Mott High School art teacher, Mrs. Terri Dworkin.

Terri and I standing next to Warren Mott's new masterpiece.

Just part of the crowd that came to see what the buzz was all about.

Terri has been teaching art in public schools for a whopping 45 years, and is now retiring (or so we think!). Three years ago, she began forming what has now come to be the Warren Mott Art Gallery, a commemorative gallery featuring the work of prominent Warren Mott alumni dating back to the time of the school’s opening in the early 70s to the present, who have gone on to become working artists still practicing their craft today. Terri has worked tirelessly, researching and tracking down all past alumni to donate works of art. The response was immense, the gallery was born, and the high school now has devoted the entire wing to the art department as a result. Since the gallery was established in 2005, Terri held a grand opening and open houses that have garnered the press, and where members of the Warren community have been coming to gather with various alumni to embrace art and its vital role in the community as a whole. This is an art teacher who truly makes a mark.

Terri working on her contribution to the mural.

Posing for the cameras with Terri's colleague, WMHS art teacher Elena Fernandez and Terri's student teacher, Mallory Champine; two great ladies who stayed late with me those Monday nights helping to pull it all together.

Along with this mural, many hours of preparation went underway for a final major celebration, which kicked off this past Wednesday, known as Art Bash 2008. People from all over came to view the recent gallery acquisitions, as well as celebrate Terri’s retirement. This mural will be a priceless asset to both Terri’s legacy as a teacher, as well as to the community, who will have it to enjoy for generations to come. It was a true honor for me to give back to both Terri and the local art community in such a way by directing this, and working with fellow artists, art students – and even some of the school’s administrators who searched their artistic side and contributed. The mural’s unveiling to the public at the celebration this past Wednesday was certainly a wonderful moment. I’m not alone in giving thanks and kudos to Terri for everything she’s done in helping shape me and countless others into the artists we all wanted to become. Her relentless passion, wisdom, and gift for teaching will always be something we’ll carry with us, and we all look forward to seeing what she’s going to do next. Listed below is the official release and the names of all who contributed:

The Artists
By Artists-2008

One of the most delightful new acquisitions of the Warren Mott Art Gallery is the artists. Conceived and coordinated by Andrea Kowch, BFA Illustration, College for Creative Studies 2008, the artists is an 80” X 80” mural on the wall that is adjacent to the entrance of Art Room, 131. The mural depicts 9 giants of the art world (Dali, Gauguin, Monet, Kahlo, Picasso, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, da Vinci, and Warhol), walking down a corridor. The mural is divided into 20 individual canvases. Each canvas has been completed by an artist affiliated with Warren Mott either as a former student or as a member of its faculty. Individually the canvases are unique and memorable, but as a whole, the collective efforts prove that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Each canvas was developed in the contributing artist’s medium of choice and then reassembled to create this gestalt.

The canvases are identified by the contributing artists from left to right, four across, in each of five rows, as follows:

1. Trish Stone, Physics teacher WMHS
2. Anne Marie Lange, 2007
3. Colleen Spanke, 2002
4. Cathy Neuhoff, Assistant Principal, WMHS, North House
5. Mallory Champine, Student Art Teacher, 2008
6. Arlene Bugeaud Mylenek, 1973
7. Lynne Spanke, 2003
8. Jim Eagan, 1975
9. Stephanie Sucaet, 1999
10. Billy o’Bryan, 1972
11. Adrianne Baranowski, 2002
12. Jeanine Brackenbury, 2002
13. Rich Mylenek, 1973;
14. Trisha Szalach Kniffen, 1973
15. Elena Fernandez, Art teacher WMHS
16. Colleen McBride, 2010
17. Tom Conrad, 2003
18. Karen Pipesh Porter, 1986
19. Salam Yousif, Ell tutor, WMHS
20. Terri Dworkin, Art Teacher WMHS
21. Andrea Kowch, Mural Director and Pole Decorator.

A multitude of photos documenting this huge project from start to finish (as seen below) with captions can be viewed on Flickr here. There's lots to see. Enjoy, and THANK YOU to all who helped, contributing their time, energy, and artistic genius to make this all happen. We did it!

WMHS Class of '03 grad, and my fellow College for Creative Studies alum, Tom Conrad having a blast helping us paint the pole.

Tom working on his piece for the mural.

Trisha (WMHS '73) and I prepping the canvases for the mural on the first night of the project.

**Update: The project and event ended up making front page of the Sunday Edition of The Macomb Daily Newspaper. The article can be read online here.

SPECTRUM 15 now available!

It's finally here, folks! I'm excited to announce that SPECTRUM 15 is now available for purchase! For those of you just stopping by, please see my previous posts with prior info on this here and here. It's going to feel unreal to finally get this in my hands, and see No Trespassing in it. Available at all major bookstores. Click here to order your copy!

Happy Halloween. . .

A quick little pen and ink drawing I did for my favorite day of the year. May you all have a wonderful All Hallow's Eve, filled with fun, stories, mystery, and magic :)

27th Detroit International Wine Auction

This summer I had the great opportunity of creating the artwork for the 27th Detroit International Wine Auction campaign. Sponsored by General Motors, the Wine Auction is a major fundraising event for the College for Creative Studies, with proceeds underwriting student scholarships and community outreach programs for high-risk Detroit youth. The two-day fundraiser begins on Friday, October 24 with the Vintner’s Dinner and Auction, presented by Cadillac, at The Capital Grille, Somerset Collection, and the event continues with the Gala Dinner and Auction on Saturday October 25th at the GM Wintergarden and GMnext.

Above is the invite for the event, which kicks off tonight, and below is the save-the-date card that preceded it, which used my Tuscany illustration. I had a great time working alongside designer Kate Scheible in seeing these go to completion and am excited to know it all will grace the big event this weekend.

A memorable evening at the "Caught In the Act" Exhibition Opening

Indeed it was a night to remember for me this past Friday at the opening of the "Caught in the Act" Exhibition, the 6th annual international juried show put on by the Northbrook Public Library located in Northbrook, an upscale northeast suburb of Chicago. The exhibit showcases work by over 90 different artists, and results in the purchase of an artwork for the library's permanent collection, in the quest to enhance the library’s profile as a place of visual culture.

I was the first place $2,000 Purchase Prize winner this year, and still cannot find words to describe how honored and humbled I am as a result. I need to pinch myself each time I think of Unexpected Company as now being part of a public permanent collection, for the multitudes to enjoy. I was honored to meet with the library's directors, the show's jurors, artists with work in the show, and some of the sponsors of this year's Purchase Prize, known as Friends of the Northbrook Public Library. What a night! Huge thanks to my mom for coming along and being by my side to celebrate with me, my brother who built the monstrosity of a crate to get the painting shipped there safely, my friends and models, Jen and Tori who couldn't make it out to the show (we can go visit the painting now, girls!), and of course, everyone involved with the Northbrook Public Library and the "Caught In the Act" Exhibition, for putting on such a great show, and supporting the careers of emerging artists like me with opportunities like this so that we can continue to do what we do. Thank you all!

You can learn more about the show, and browse the work of this year's contributing artists online at the official website here. Below are some additional photos from the show. To view more visit my Flickr album here.

Exhibition juror, Judith Joseph and Northbrook Public Library's Assistant Director, Eric Robbins, and I.

Time spent in a rural paradise. . .

Last week, friend and fellow painter Kaylen Conley and I spent a whole day catching up, painting en plein air and driving back roads seeking inspiration in Mother Nature. By now it's probably common sense that I frequent the countryside. But not until spending a day on and around Kaylen's farm was I able to thoroughly experience the beauty and solitude of life out in the country. Soft, rolling fields, the call of crows in the distance mingled with the quiet hush of insects in the tall, sweet-smelling grass, the warm sun on my back . . . everything that surrounded me was real, pure, and unmoved . . . and, as expected, it moved me, and confirmed all the thoughts and feelings I associate with it. The most touching moment for me was captured in the shot I took above, where we had to stop the car for the swarms of blackbirds engulfing every direction. It was as if I had stepped into Blackbirds Are Gathering. The weather on that warm autumn day was unmatched, and I was able to capture lots of new reference that will find its way into a couple of new paintings that I currently have in the works.

The above photo was where I sat and painted this quick pen and watercolor study:

And the scene also found its way into my latest sample of children's book work:

Upcoming Group Show

I'm pleased to announce that my painting, Unexpected Company has been selected to appear in the Northbrook Public Library's 6th Annual International Juried Exhibition! It was also exciting to find it among the pieces selected to be used for the show's poster and promotional materials as well. So if you're in the Chicago area the weekend of October 3, come out to the opening and check out the show!

Save the Date:

Northbrook Public Library
1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook, IL 60062

Caught In The Act
Art and the Written Word

A juried show featuring original pieces from artists across the globe, exhibited in a variety of media.

October 3 - October 31, 2008
Opening Reception: October 3, 7:30 - 9:00 pm

Work now featured on BrushSpace

I have recently been invited to feature my work on BrushSpace, a new and fast-growing online community of illustrators, painters, and designers. Be sure to check it out at http://www.brushspace.com/ and browse through over 900 fabulous artists working in a multitude of different styles and media, and view their online galleries. I'm beyond thrilled to be currently ranking among the top 25 most followed. So, stop by the site, and enjoy. While you're there, by clicking on "Follow this Artist" all you need to do is enter in your email address, and from then on you'll be immediately notified of any new piece I upload to my gallery. So come on by, be one of my followers, and discover some more cool art along the way.

Feel free to browse and find me on the list, or go directly to my profile at www.brushspace.com/artist/Andrea-Kowch

"No Turning Back"

24" x 48"
acrylic on canvas

My latest. More personally influenced than some of my previous ones, part of the idea stems from the realization that experiences present themselves because they are there to teach us about ourselves. We've all had our share of experience, good and bad, and, odd as it may seem, it's the harder ones that eventually leave us with a feeling of gratefulness for them in the end, because of what they showed us, what they taught us, and the positive ways in which they ended up shaping us.

This painting is about new beginnings, when we come to terms with things past, and move on once and for all. While it may seem strange, maybe even negative at first glance, it is, in fact, positive. Farmers burn their fields each year to cleanse the earth of any lingering diseased crops and prepare the land for re-seeding. So, like the way in which fire paves way for nature's re-growth, the flames symbolize purification and renewal. Will the house catch fire? That's where a lot of the suspense lies in this piece. The figure is not in the house. The swallows who nested in the upstairs room are leaving, too. All the living things are free. The house is old, decaying, a thing of the past. So maybe it will burn to the ground. She doesn't care. She broke the strings that tied her down, making her free to move on. As perilous as it looks, she's never felt safer. She's moving on, and not turning back.

Exploring New England

Last week, I had the amazing experience of visiting the East Coast. Thanks to my younger brother who is beginning college in Boston, I was able to finally make my dream of visiting New England a reality. Those of you wonderful folks who read this blog are, by now, probably well aware of my deep-rooted interest in early American history. So, imagine me finally being able to visit places like Boston and Salem, Massachusetts! Unreal and totally invigorating! And dare I mention inspiring? After doing illustrations for stories like The Crucible, The House of the Seven Gables, and Sleepy Hollow, you bet I was absolutely thrilled to be in the presence of the real things.

But, aside from trying to take in all I could in my quick day-trips to places like Salem and other surrounding areas, the place that will forever leave its mark on me is the Olson House in Cushing, Maine – the site and inspiration that gave birth to over 30 years of work by Andrew Wyeth. We all know his most famous work Christina’s World, the most beautiful, haunting painting to ever grace the face of American art. I remember the first time I saw Wyeth’s work. It was Braids, one of the Helga paintings, which I came across in a book back in high school. All I remember was sitting and staring at the image, wide-eyed with awe. A few years later when I was a senior, my teacher had hung a large poster of Christina’s World on the wall. It was the first time I had seen it, and I felt something I couldn’t explain. It still does the same thing to me today. And, after many hours of reading and researching the poignant and touching story of Christina Olson and her brother Alvaro (direct descendants of the Hawthornes from Salem), it’s no wonder why the Olson paintings are so powerful. When I was there, it all felt like a dream. Totally surreal. It still feels that way recalling it. It's hard to even find a place to begin describing it. Janice Kasper, Curator of Historic Properties for the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, ME, explained it best in her introduction for Wyeth's retrospective of the Olson paintings at the Farnsworth back in 2000:

Over the past nine years, I have seen the effect "Christina's World" has had on the public through my association of managing the Olson house for the Farnsworth Art Museum. My very first experience involved a person who flew to Boston from North Carolina, rented a car and drove to Cushing to see the house after hearing that it had recently opened to the public, and drove back to Boston the same day. Since then, I have encountered many others who drove from out of state to see the Olson House and, after visiting the site, returned to their home towns the same day. Many remember seeing a print of the painting "in their school, or their home, or the doctor's office" and that strong image from childhood has remained vivid in their adult minds. Some are intrigued with the mystery of the woman in pink crawling up the hillside, while others being disabled themselves, or having relatives with disabilities, identify with the disabled Christina Olson. For some, the farmhouse on the hill is reminiscent of their parents' or grandparents' home in Iowa, Maine, or almost anywhere in the United States. The painting and the farm evoke pleasant memories of family times together, times of hardships, a time that was closely lived with the natural world. Through "Christina's World," people are intensely drawn to the old saltwater farm in Cushing, and like the painting itself, their reasons for being there are strongly felt but unexplainable. At the house, I have often witnessed people who are so overcome with emotion that they are brought to tears. Another common occurence is to have people linger the entire day at the site, not wanting to let go of the experience.

The Olson House brought me to Maine, and as a result, Maine won me over, too. The Wyeth Center at the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, ME is a must-see for Wyeth fans, housing breathtaking originals by N.C., Andrew, and Jamie.

I have LOTS of pictures that I want to share with you all, so I uploaded them to Flickr (with captions) to make it easy for everyone to see. There you'll find my excursion to Salem, MA, where I spent a warm evening at the House of the Seven Gables and the birth house of Nathaniel Hawthorne, surrounded by a breathtaking harbor and lush gardens (unfortunately no photos were allowed inside the houses, but let me assure you, it is unreal! Filled with 300-year-old secret stairways, hauntings, and all!), and my misty Maine morning at the Olson House in Cushing, ME. New England is everything I expected and more.

To visit my online photo albums, click HERE.

Gagaguwon Pow-wow '08

During the last weekend of July, I had the pleasure of once again attending the annual Gagaguwon Pow-wow, held in Oscoda, Michigan by the banks of the beautiful AuSable River. Hosted by the Preservation of Native American Culture (PONAC) each year, it's an event I always make a point to attend, being an avid collector of native jewelry and a staunch supporter of American Indian artists. It was great to see the new traders that were here this year, and even more great to see some familiar faces that I had the opportunity to meet again. So, I spent my weekend absorbed in all the beautiful handmade goods, stuffed my face with signature Indian frybread, listened to moving prayers of thanks, watched dancers in their breathtaking regalia, and walked away with, not one, but a few new pieces of jewelry. As a result, I'm not allowed to treat myself to anything for a few good months, but oh well!! I probably can speak for a lot of collectors in saying that if you find something that you just know is for you, it's a good idea to grab it, because once it's gone, it's gone, and there'll never be another like it.

I started collecting only about two years ago, but it's growing slowly and surely, thanks to the artists and other wearers who help me along in what to look for in terms of craftsmanship and authenticity. I learn something new with each piece, and that's a major part of the beauty and thrill of it. Southwest Art magazine's current issue is the 2008 annual which devotes itself entirely to contemporary Native American art, and it's the best one I've seen yet. Check it out here. You can also visit PONAC's official website here, as well. Hats off to this organization for all they do! Migwich (thank you)!

"Jeppie"

24" x 30"
acrylic on canvas

A portrait I just completed for an upcoming competition of a great woman and dear friend of mine, Jeppie Scott-Cook. Jeppie is one of those people who I'm blessed to know, let alone call a friend. It's hard to find a place to start in beginning to describe this lady and the role she plays in the lives of people who know her. A person full of wisdom, and deeply rooted in her faith, there's never a day where Jeppie isn't wearing a smile or blessing people who cross her path.

Jeppie and I met a few years ago, and since then, I've been able to listen to her stories and hear her advice on all aspects of life. A single parent in her youth, who raised four children on her own while attending modeling school, Jeppie worked with dreams of making it big in the modeling industry. After completing, she got a call to fly to New York and begin her career, so she packed her bags and was ready to go - only to take one look at her kids and give it all up to stay and raise them. I think this one story alone is enough to give you a bigger picture of Jeppie's character. Being one whose personally gone through some rough patches in past times, I find her fun-loving attitude and strong spirituality to always be deeply healing, because aside from being plain fun to be around, Jeppie's real, she's been there, and like she reminds me, no matter what things come our way, life is a blessing, and it's only a matter of time before the bad will leave, and the good will come pouring in. Truer words couldn't be spoken, and it's a point I think we can all live by.

So, with that said, this painting serves as a tribute to one of the most beautiful people I know. Jeppie's love for the outdoors, the cross and scarf she always wears, and her exotic blue eyes are all the unique features I wanted present in this portrait. I also decided to hold back on some of the usual detail I put in my landscapes, choosing, instead, to keep it mostly solid and graphic so that the focus does not shift too far from the figure.

"Unexpected Company"

36" x 60"
acrylic on canvas













Here's the painting I completed some weeks ago that almost did me in (previous post). My largest to date, measuring 3 ft. x 5 ft., it was the roughest deadline I ever experienced, and I had the bruises to prove it! But, it was a challenge I've been waiting to take on for some time, and couldn't be happier with the outcome, despite all the bumps along the way. From changing the composition numerous times over, to beginning the actual painting on a smaller canvas only to trash it last minute and go bigger, etc., etc. It was quite a ride! I was touching it up, photographing it (a nightmare in itself for its size) and taking care of all the other countless tweaks before getting everything to the post office with only an hour left before the end of the postmark deadline. Boy did I feel invincible by the end of that day! Then it was finishing up a freelance job and off to New York City early the next morning for ICON5 (see more about ICON in my previous post). Those two weeks were the craziest I've had in a while, but, as usual, completely worth it.

The show this painting is done for is themed Caught In The Act, so looking at the subject matter, it's pretty suitable. Oddly enough, though, the idea for this painting was brewing in my head for a long time before I received notice of the show's theme. Perfect timing, I guess. My goal with this piece was simply to take what I did in The Guests to a whole new level. I was craving a complex scene, full of action and objects - as well as more figures in relation to animals. What's different with this one, however, is that even though the human figures in my works are usually the main focus, I chose to let the animals steal the scene this time, leaving the figures to take on more of a secondary role.

So, continuing along my usual lines of creating a narrative that is cohesive yet open-ended, believable yet bizarre, I wanted Unexpected Company to illustrate the concept of a meal gone strangely awry. Two sisters sit to dine only to have a congregation of creatures arrive uninvited, clawing to get their fair share, caught in the act by the viewer, who, in turn, gets caught in his/her own act of watching by the figure on the right, as well as an angry crow who doesn't want them to come any closer to his feast. Thus, I wanted this painting to really involve the viewer, engaging them in the act of "catching" all the subjects in action, while, likewise, being caught in the act of watching by the subjects in the painting, who take notice and respond. So, the need to create a composition that comes full circle in such a way that the viewer and painting come together, played a huge role in my decision to go life-size. Any smaller would not have achieved the impact I wanted. This one needs to be seen one-on-one in order to feel the energy.

Below are a few detail images. I'll post more information regarding the show as soon as I receive it.

ICON5 in the Big Apple

I had the great opportunity to spend the week of 4th of July with my CCS Illustration family in New York City where we worked the 2008 Illustration Conference (ICON). It was great visiting the Big Apple again, and a super experience to meet and work alongside so many great people. We worked and attended seminars by day, explored the city by night, and had an absolute blast! To find out more about ICON and what's it's all about, visit the official website here.

For all the DM fans out there . . .

Well, I've been painting around the clock this last week and a half, barely leaving my little studio for the last couple days. I got a few big projects going on, all due this upcoming Monday, so I'm at the easel 24/7 and pretty much out of touch with reality and the outside world at the moment. Among some of the things I'm working on is a new personal piece for a juried show, measuring 3 ft. by 5 ft. and I have to admit, it's taking a toll on me both mentally and physically. Aside from it being one with a more complex composition than some of my others, to try and pull it off in little more than a week's time on a canvas so large I can barely manuever it in my workspace, is pretty much doing me in. But the clock's ticking, and the brush isn't gonna stop until it's finished.

So, no new work to post at the moment, but I thought I'd take a minute and post these new, super cool music videos by one of my all time favorite bands - Depeche Mode. I'd say I'm pretty die-hard when it comes to their music, and my studio's rocking with their tunes this week. I LOVE synth/electronic music. Groups like DM, Enigma, and Delerium are among the ones that always top my list- I love all the different atmospheres the genre can create, especially when you mix in a little rock and an amazing voice. Dave Gahan, the voice of DM has a voice that's second to none. Whenever I hear it, I can't get enough of it. I was psyched to find out he also has a new solo album out. It really has some killer tracks; and while he still carries over a lot of DM flavor, it's different and cool in it's own way. I'll be running out to get it before the week's out! The two DM videos are from their recent stuff, and the two below are from Gahan's latest album, Hourglass. And, [putting my girly little crush on him aside ;)], these videos are pretty awesome! Precious is especially cool. It totally encompasses the feel of the music. DM Forever.

So if you're a fan, enjoy. I'll be posting the new stuff I'm working on by early next week.

CCS Exhibition: Fun, Friends, and ART!

The College for Creative Studies' 2008 Exhibition Opening took place Friday, and a great time was had by all! The Opening Reception and Sale is always a big event here in Detroit, with more art on display than most can get through in one night. I had the honor and privilege of meeting my wonderful collectors, and want to give a HUGE "Thank You" to all who came out and supported us this year!

Friend and fellow illustrator, Heather Miller and I enjoying the show.

The guys that help make it all happen . . .Don Kilpatrick and Dave Chow, illustrators at the top of their game, and two people whom I'm lucky to call my lifelong mentors and friends. These guys are the backbone and driving force of the CCS Illustration department, always putting in countless hours and energy day and night into teaching, aside from running their own busy lives as professionals. You guys absolutely ROCK!

Fellow illustrators Diana Skylacos, Nick Scarlet, Scott Daly, and I at the show.

Friend and fellow illustrator Sherrie Savage and I taking a minute from all the fun. Hats off to all of us involved for a great show!

CMYK article featured on ArtBistro

There's a recent article on ArtBistro.com about the current CMYK #40 issue that's out, with my Blackbirds Are Gathering painting featured in it. You can read the article and see it all here!

Big Update. . .

Wow, has it ever been a busy last few weeks! One more action-packed week ahead of me as I prepare for the College for Creative Studies' big Spring Exhibition (opening this Friday!), and then I'll be looking forward to some much needed relaxation - for a little while (then I'll be back at the easel like a madwoman!) Nonetheless, I'm loving every minute of it :-) Below are a few projects I've recently completed:

This is another bookcover I did. This time for John Steinbeck's To a God Unknown, a favorite of mine. A story rich in symbolism and mood, there was a lot of imagery to work with:

Ancient pagan beliefs, the great Greek epics, and the Bible all inform this extraordinary novel, which occupied Steinbeck for more than five difficult years. While fulfilling his dead father's dream of creating a prosperous farm in California, Joseph Wayne comes to believe that a magnificent tree on the farm embodies his father's spirit. His brothers and their families share in Joseph's prosperity, and the farm flourishes—until one brother, frightened by Joseph's pagan belief, kills the tree, allowing disease and famine to descend on the farm. Set in familiar Steinbeck country, To a God Unknown is a mystical tale, exploring one man's attempt to control the forces of nature and, ultimately, to understand the ways of God and the forces of the unconscious within. (Summary taken from Penguin Classics)

I wanted to touch on the novel's main point in a subtle way, but at the same time still allow room for some of the basic plot to come through. Book covers should always, in my opinion, just touch on the basic plotline, and leave the choice up to the viewer as to whether or not they want to find out more by reading the book. The job of the image is to be strong enough to arrest attention, and get someone to take the book off the shelf for a closer look. It makes or breaks it, because despite the saying, "you can't judge a book by its cover," quite the opposite is true when it comes to first impressions.

I find that a lot of the time, less is more, so some of my original ideas for this began as just a landscape with a strong focus on the tree. But, it felt a bit weak, and a little too obvious, so this is the result. With the central character being a man who's life revolves around his land - to the point where he sacrifices everything for it - I wanted to present him in such a way that reveals the unity he shared with his environment. Hence my decision to raise the composition of the high fields, so that he almost appears engulfed by them, ultimately becoming part of the landscape. Composing an image is one of my most favorite steps in the picture-making process. There's always so many ways to push an image in order to capture and send the right message. For me, it's always a matter of how much further I can push it each time.

"No One's Watching"
11" x 14" Acrylic on canvas

















A piece originally done for Thumbtack Press, this is a painting that I just wanted to let loose and have a little fun with. So, no real deep meaning here (unless, of course, you want there to be!) besides the fact that I love crows, and wanted to paint them in an interesting situation - playing cards. Crows are known for their intelligence, so it could happen, right? ;) And as for the scarecrow trying to peek inside the window. . . well, if it has no head, then who's keeping an eye on these mischievious tricksters???

A Taste of Wine & Travel

"Travel Italy: Florence, Tuscany, Venice" Poster Series

Packaging Design

Some travel posters and packaging mock-ups I created for Italy and Anakota and Leelanau Cellars wines. The great idea to do these was brought about by my friend and mentor Dave Chow, and it was a really great experience to think and apply what I do on a whole new level. Besides books, this is another avenue I'm definitely considering for my illustration work. The posters are done in acrylic on board, with typography later designed into them. Tuscany was recently used as the illustration for the Detroit International Wine Auction's promotional postcard, a major annual fundraising event which benefits the College for Creative Studies' student scholarships. I'm also beyond thrilled to be currently working with CCS in creating all the support materials for the Detroit International Wine Auction, which kicks off in October.

As for the mock wine campaign shown above, the imagery on the labels are taken from my original paintings created specifically for the wines, and then I experimented with a few different papers, designed the labels, and added some hand-painted touches to the bottles themselves - voila! This is the result.

SPECTRUM Update

Just updating everyone on SPECTRUM as promised (see previous post). No Trespassing was the one chosen, and the book will be due out later this year! I'll let you all know when I receive my copy!

New Website

I just wanted to let everyone officially know that my new site is up and running at http://www.andreakowchillustration.com/
Check it out!

Shawn Colvin's Album Covers

Shawn Colvin is, and always will be, one of my favorite music artists. Not only do I love the emotional depth and earthy mood of her tunes, but the fact that her album covers always feature incredible artwork makes me an even bigger fan. The amazing work of Julie Speed graced the cover of her hit album A Few Small Repairs, and was the inspiration behind the famous "Sunny Came Home" song. Colvin, herself, has said that the art serves as a starting point for her sometimes, and I love how she incorporates the artwork as a theme in her promo photos and music videos. Her latest album These Four Walls, features an artist that I never knew about until I looked her up today. . .WHOA!!! The artist's name is Maggie Taylor, and her work is some of the coolest digital collage work I have EVER seen. She uses historical photos and found objects, scans them and then, in Photoshop, creates these illusionary wonders. According to her website, she's going to be having a new book out soon. Really inspiring stuff:

CMYK Issue #40 Hits Newsstands!

The CMYK #40 Spring Issue containing the winners of the "Call for Aspiring Creatives" competition is finally out, folks! I just received my copy in the mail this week! Remember when I said it would really hit me, once I'd see it printed? (for those who missed my previous post explaining all this click here.) Well, I literally screamed when I opened to the page with my piece on it. Again, I am deeply honored to be showcased among the country's top up-and-coming illustration and design creatives; there's a wealth of inspiration and talent in these pages, and it's mind-blowing to be a part of it all. Make sure you go and pick up your copy, available where magazines are sold. You can also order one from their super cool website, http://www.cmykmag.com/.

"The Song of Hiawatha"

Finally got around to photographing some of my latest work. Here's the finished illustration for Longfellow's Song of Hiawatha that I spoke of earlier (see my previous post). I have to admit that the execution of this one was more challenging than usual - giving me a profound appreciation for landscape painters! Colorwise, it can get tricky if the scenery is complex, but I'm satisfied with the results. I've been wanting to do something like this for some time, so it was cool to finally undertake it.

Designed to be used as either a wrap-around book cover or full spread, I focused mainly on evoking the beauty of nature in conjunction with the quiet, noble power of the warrior in his solitude. Though the poem speaks much of Hiawatha's role as a fierce warrior, it sings of his qualities as a wise, honorable, and peaceful leader, above all; one who lived for his people, and one who always listened and communicated with the earth and living creatures around him.

"Art & Critique" Featured Article

Online art critic and founder of Art & Critique, Elijah Shifrin, is currently writing reviews of my work on his website, ArtandCritique.com. You can read his first review, "Andrea Kowch: Magical Realism & Real Problems" in full-length here. I wish to thank artist Alvin Richard for nominating me and giving me the opportunity to be chosen. Thank you, Alvin! While you're at the site, be sure to browse all the other cool artists previously featured.

Quick update: All three reviews are complete and can now be seen on the Art & Critique website:
* "Andrea Kowch: Magical Realism & Real Problems"
* "Andrea Kowch: Book Covers - The Crucible; Sleepy Hollow"
* "Andrea Kowch: Landscapes and Outdoor Scenes - A Descent Into Memory"

HBO Films "John Adams"

It always seems when I don't have the time to actually sit down and fully enjoy televison, there's something amazing on. I've been glued to HBO Films' miniseries, John Adams. Not only due to the fact that I love the period of Colonial America, but the way the movie is presented is simply phenomenal. The film, which is supposed to be the most historically accurate film on the subject to date, is real eye candy in terms of production. In the "Making Of" segment, it was mind-blowing to find out that nearly all of the scenes were matte painted; the attention to historical detail; the set designs; costumes. . .WOW. The visuals and music during the opening credits is mesmerizing, and, not to forget, the film's content in itself, is presented beautifully. It's the most entertaining history lesson you can get. Learning so much as I watch this, I can't help but wonder (and the filmmakers brought this up, too) what sort of country would the U.S. have become if we didn't have men like John Adams, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson alive together at the same time as they were? The era truly marked what I view as the American Renaissance. God Bless America. I can't wait to see the last few episodes.

John Adams Theme Song (HBO Intro)

John Adams: Making Of (HBO)

Work to be Featured in SPECTRUM 15

I am more than honored to announce that my work was selected to appear in the upcoming SPECTRUM 15 book! Thanks to my good friend and fellow illustrator, Lee DeVito, who informed me about it before word was sent out, I would have not yet known about it. For me, this is the highest honor I have ever received, to be showcased alongside such greats as James C. Christensen, Anita Kunz, Brad Holland, and Gary Kelley to name only a few - HUGE top people in today's illustration industry.

Be sure to check out the complete list of accepted artists here. I am so humbled by this achievement, and will keep everyone posted as to which piece of mine got accepted.

New ideas in the works. . .

Currently in the process of creating some new works, I spent a good few days just sort of thinking. It's great when I'm able to take a few days off just to step back and evaluate everything; to read and research all kinds of things in order to keep the creative juices steadily flowing.

So, moving on with more book pieces, expect to be seeing some paintings that will illustrate the work of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, John Steinbeck, and possibly Edgar Allen Poe.

I've decided to begin with Longfellow's The Song of Hiawatha. A lengthy, beautiful epic poem based on the myths and legends of the Ojibwas of the Great Lakes. I was always aware of the story from a young age, always camping up in northern Michigan with family, visiting such places as Tahquamenon Falls, Pictured Rocks, Hiawatha National Forest, and every place in between. But I read it in its entirety for the first time a few days ago, closed the book, and said to myself, "I have to create something for this." Every page filled my head with imagery, and, after looking through what seemed like hundreds of my own pictures from various hikes and camping trips, I came up with this:

















The scene is taken from the chapter/passage where Hiawatha builds his birch canoe by the Tahquamenaw (Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan's U.P.) to sail to Bawating (present-day Sault Ste. Marie):

From the ground the quills he gathered,
All the little shining arrows,
Stained them red and blue and yellow,
With the juice of roots and berries;
Into his canoe he wrought them,
Round its waist a shining girdle,
Round its bows a gleaming necklace,
On its breast two stars resplendent.
Thus the Birch Canoe was builded
In the valley, by the river,
In the bosom of the forest;
And the forest's life was in it,
All its mystery and its magic,
All the lightness of the birch-tree,
All the toughness of the cedar,
All the larch's supple sinews;
And it floated on the river
Like a yellow leaf in Autumn,
Like a yellow water-lily.

Each element in the image has significance at different parts of the story; from the geese, to the trees, to the soaring eagle, etc. But, to change things up a bit, this one will be larger, to be designed as either a wrap-around cover, or an interior spread.

Here's some of my favorite personal photos, that will be worked into the backdrop for this piece. They were taken from my visit to Agawa Canyon this past summer, a place only accessible by train -- 9-hours round trip from Sault Ste. Marie, located in the beautiful Canadian Shield:

Sailing across Lake Huron to Mackinac Island, a place I love visiting time and again:

Arch Rock - another awe-inspiring site, sacred in Great Lakes Indian legend, and one I always stop to gaze at when biking around the island's coast:

I also came across some old travel photos of me as a kid, and thought I'd post them just for kicks. . .it's funny to see how I was fascinated by the same things since day one.

Great Video. . .

Sacred Spirit - The Counterclockwise Circle Dance
(Ly O Lay Ale Loya)

A beautiful video. I was so excited to find the actual music video for this song from the first Sacred Spirit album. They are one of my favorite groups, and I just absolutely love this song from their Grammy-nominated series. I've had these CDs for a really long time, and NEVER get tired of listening to them. The fusion of modern electronic beats merged with traditional Native American chants is completely transcending, almost similar to Enigma - my all-time fave. And the video, I think, sends a beautiful and powerful message. I was also surprised to find that the actress in this video (Irene Bedard) was the original voice and model for Disney's Pocahontas. Pretty cool. So take a break, sit back, and make sure you turn this one up. I guarantee you'll be moved and will want to hear it again and again.

If you like what you hear, go pick up a copy. For each CD sold, a donation is made to the Native American Rights Fund.

Work to be Published in CMYK MAGAZINE

I am honored to announce that my work will be featured in CMYK Magazine's 40th Issue, to hit newsstands this April. The above piece, Blackbirds Are Gathering was selected through the magazine's "Call for Aspiring Creatives," one of the most high-profile emerging creative portfolio contests in the nation. It's moments like these when you can take a moment to step back and breathe; to look upon all your hard work and remember why you pursue your greatest passion in the first place . . . because it's something you live to do, and it's something you're meant to do. I simply can't imagine doing anything else with my life that would bring me so much joy and satisfaction.

For us creatives, even the tears (what creative pursuits come without them?) that try to sometimes get in the way of us reaching our dreams are worthwhile moments of growth that only prepare us for better things down the road. I know it'll really hit me when I see it printed. And I cannot fail to give my thanks to all those involved in my life -- family, friends, mentors, and peers -- who help make a moment like this that much better, and that much more special. You all know who you are!

For those of you not familiar with the magazine, you can check out their website here.

Book Cover Illustrations. . .

Arthur Miller's The Crucible

I'm currently working on a series of book cover illustrations as part of my senior thesis, focusing on classic American texts. The Crucible by Arthur Miller is one of my favorite plays, and I couldn't think of a better one to kick off the body of work. As many of you probably already know, the story's plot centers around the Salem Witchcraft Trials of 1692, so, in this illustration, I wanted to make sure that the proper mood and mystery of old New England and Salem Village was evoked.

Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving. Another one of my absolute favorite stories, and one that is full of rich imagery to paint. I've also been waiting to give myself a reason to paint something with a pumpkin in it, so I really had fun with this one!

Updates! Updates!

Hi, all. Finally getting around to some much-needed updating here. Tons of things are going on, and the year is off to a super start so far. Lots of work is being done, and I'm having a blast! Hope all the rest of you are doing good, too! I'll be playing a little catch-up here first, and will begin posting regularly once again. So stay tuned!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, everyone! May you all experience joy and happiness in 2008!

The Artiste Reinvents Himself Again

It's been a while since I've spent a typical Friday night out at the movies, and when it comes to movies with Johnny Depp in the lead, well, I'm usually one of the ones in line for the midnight release. This is because I know I'm always going to be surprised to see what Depp is going to do next. Sweeney Todd was something else. Putting all the gore and cringing aside, I think the movie was masterfully done. The creative results that arise from the Depp/Burton duo are always bound to be something, and it is proved once again with this film. The scenes, costumes, and cinematography were super, and I especially loved the film's monochromatic color key. And Johnny Depp a singer? Don't know much about singing but it sounded good to me.

I never cease to be amazed by the cool roles Depp chooses, and the level of creativity he brings to each of them. He's a true artist, and I applaud his originality and the fact that when watching him, you're seeing someone who truly loves what they're doing. Such people are inspirational to me as an artist. Check out the movie if you're not too squeamish. For the artistic sake of it, it's really worth it.

"No Trespassing"
30" x 24" Acrylic on canvas

This is another painting I recently completed, which deals with the issue of urban sprawl. What prompted me to do it was an article I read on how several rural communities are beginning to band together to fight for land preservation laws. The figure in this work serves as a symbol for those who are in the midst of this battle to keep land free from development. To symbolize this effectively, I settled on the notion of a scarecrow, who, like this being, stands its ground for the sake of protecting the natural treasures around it.

Details

A Walk Among the Stars. . . The "Cinematic Couture" Exhibition at the Somerset Collection

This past September/October was time spent on an exciting project sponsored by the Somerset Collection, that put on public exhibit over 40 Hollywood costumes worn by such actors as Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Nicole Kidman, and many more. The costumes were on loan from Cosprop, the London-based company that is one of the leading costumiers for the film industry, specializing in period clothing. The exhibit was gorgeous, and it was an honor to work alongside my friends and peers, sketching these fantastic costumes onsite as the public toured the show over the course of a few weeks. The costumes were works of art in themselves, and it was amazing to actually see them in real life, up close and personal.

With the closing of the show this past October, we were asked to come up with a final piece of work involving the costumes. I ended up choosing the costume worn by Lara Flynn Boyle in the movie, Land of the Blind. I never saw the movie, nor have ever really watched her much as an actress, but this costume was to die for. My goal with this painting was to strictly focus on evoking the elegance of the gown, contrasting its soft, flowing quality with the hard, solid structural elements. I explored fusing some flat, graphic qualities with it as well. Just something to further evoke an ethereal, magical mood. You can visit Cosprop's website at http://www.cosprop.com/ to learn more about them and what they do. You'll be amazed!

(Also see some pics from the exhibition below!)

Detail
The painting is 30" x 24," acrylic on canvas

Detail no.2

The costumes. . . .

The long, trailing robe was worn by Kate Winslet in Finding Neverland.

The dress, worn by Emma Thompson in Sense & Sensibility, and the swashbuckler get-up worn by Orlando Bloom in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

Emmy Rossum's gorgeous pink gown from Phantom of the Opera.

Minnie Driver's role as Carlotta, in The Phantom of the Opera.

Amanda, Cara, and I at the opening held for the drawings done from the exhibition.

Nicole Kidman's dress from Portrait of a Lady, and Gwyneth Paltrow's dress from Emma. Also Johnny Depp's tux from Finding Neverland. . . .Ok, so I swooned a little upon seeing his :)

Heath Ledger and Sienna Miller's outfits from Casanova.

"Losing Eden"
24" x 20" Acrylic on canvas


















This recent piece was actually completed some weeks ago. I finally got around to shooting it digitally, so here it is. This painting is another in my series about ecology/environmental issues, and serves as a metaphor for what humans leave behind in pursuit of expansion. It symbolizes the repressed reality of what is, and the desire to just leave behind what's already destroyed and simply move on. Global warming is moving at an astonishingly scary rate, and yet I hear those who think having record high temperatures is "nice." Many still don't realize that we are beginning to lose the paradise that surrounds us each and every day - our eden - our earth. All hope rests in our hands, and it's up to us to make that hope a reality.

Detail

Detail no.2

Digital Montage












This is a digital montage I did in Photoshop using one of my recent paintings, "Blackbirds Are Gathering" (which you can view below in a previous post). To expand on my nature theme, I wanted to create something that fused texure with organic shapes, so I settled on some wood grain surfaces which I masked over the image, and then finished it off by digitally rendering the branches and leaves. I also searched far and wide for a poem about nature that would help illustrate the idea, and ended up settling on Oscar Wilde's "We Are Made One With What We Touch and See."

Native American Heritage Month


















With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it's no wonder that November has been chosen as the month to celebrate American Indians. I don't have native blood in me, but I never cease to be fascinated by their culture. Just this past summer, I was up in Oscoda, MI, when a local told me and a few others I was with, about the annual Gagaguwon Powwow that was taking place that day. Naturally, we went to check it out, and all I can say is that it was truly an amazing experience. It was so interesting to witness the culture firsthand, and listening to their speeches was a humbling experience.

As a supporter of various causes that surround Native American life today, it's heart-wrenching to see the things those living on the reservations experience in their day-to-day lives. Most of them don't have access to the opportunities many others take for granted, like getting an education. Thanks to various non-profit organizations, such things are slowly becoming more possible, but there is still a long way to go. My respect for the endurance and strong spirit that runs through these people is deep. So, this month I hope all people can take a moment and pay tribute to the first Americans.

We Love You, Kiwi














This week has been, by far, one of the hardest weeks for me. Our little Kiwi - a.k.a "Chi-Chi," to those of us who knew him - passed away this Tuesday after battling a tumor for the past few months. He was the sweetest, smartest, most affectionate little thing I'll ever know, and will forever be one of the most special things that has ever happened to me.

Kiwi came to us a little over five years ago, in August of '02. That month, my grandmother passed away unexpectedly a week short of her 64th birthday. She always loved Punky, my cockatiel, who was the only pet at the time. On her birthday, I was outside when I looked up at the roof and saw Kiwi sitting with his little face peering down at me. I lifted my hand up to him, said "Up, boy" and he just hopped on without a care! Luckily I had a small, unused cage lying around, and got him comfortable enough to go in. He had been my little sunshine ever since. We never knew how old Kiwi really was, but by the way he knew how to do things, talk, and the way he'd always watch over my other two birds like a little daddy, always brought me to the conclusion that he was already a mature, wise little guy when I found him.

Kiwi, my little man, you were a tough fighter to the very end. Playing, chatting, and cussing (he knew every word in the book!) everyday. You were our little comedian and everyone's friend. You were my best friend. How you would yell (and swear) at me if I was ever down in the dumps, lifting me up and making me laugh. How you listened, nodded your little head, and answered me everytime we talked. I couldn't pamper you enough, because you deserved every bit of it. I know you loved your time with us, because during all the hours you spent having free reign of the house, you never looked for a way to leave (and you always posed smiling for the camera!). You have always been my little angel, and now you really are. There will never be another like you. You'll always be mine, little muffin. Grandma gave you to me, and now she'll keep you safe. Fly and be free with her, and come visit me again soon. We all miss you, and will love you forever!

"Blackbirds Are Gathering"
24" x 36" Acrylic on canvas












This latest piece is a further exploration of my interest in symbolism, and how to fuse various forms of subject matter to create a cohesive image that ultimately tells a story. My initial idea behind this one expands upon the issue of change - whether it's positive or negative. That is up to the viewer. Some can gain a feeling of freedom, or a feeling of fear, or even sadness. For me, it signals the changes that are taking place in our environment, which, as a result, ultimately brings about change in our lives. For some reason, I have always had a particular love for rural American countrysides since I was a kid. Seeing so many farms going up for sale only to be purchased and turned into parking lots is devastating to me. I used the autumn landscape as a metaphor for nature, and how, as large and powerful as it is, it's beginning to experience a decline. The hill stands tall and wide, but it's no longer green and abundant. I used autumn as a way to form a connection with that concept, since it is that time of year when growth in nature starts coming to an end.

I suppose the human figure can represent whatever the viewer wants it to be. It could stand for those of us who try to hold on to what we have despite what reality we face, or it could represent a certain degree of obliviousness to reality. It could even represent those who remain hopeful despite everyone else giving up and moving on. Whatever you want it to be. One of my major goals is to leave my images open-ended, in order to allow others to form their own interpretations and come to their own conclusions. The title is a literal English translation of an American Indian word for October, that I came across (possibly from the Crow language?? Wish I knew for sure, but I don't. . . Baaxiile liwátxaauk was the phrase). At any rate, I don't think that any other name could be more suitable.

Final value study.

The final sketch for the painting.

Preliminary ideas

Work Currently Showing in Chicago. . .

"The Five Senses: Art and the Written Word" Exhibition














Here are some pics from the opening of the show, "The Five Senses: Art and the Written Word," an international juried exhibition sponsored by the Northbrook Public Library, which is located in the Chicago-metro area. My piece, "The Guests" was selected for the exhibition, giving me the opportunity to visit Chicago. The show opened on Friday, September 29, and paved the way for what I consider one of my most memorable trips. After getting a nice hefty speeding ticket, to getting stuck in Chicago's rush hour on an empty gas tank, to pulling off and nearly getting lost in a rough area of the city, we made it to Northbrook with only 20 minutes to spare before the opening. I thought we'd never make it in time (and we almost didn't!), but thanks to some good humor and hilarious mishaps along the way, we did. The show contained a wide variety of subject matter and approaches to the theme of the "five senses," and made for a great and interesting show. The show runs through October 29, so if you happen to be in the area stop by and check it out. You can visit the online version of the show at their official website HERE.

My brother, Roman, and I at the show.

Me next to my painting.

Jen, one of my good friends who joined Roman and me on this trip, and who frequently poses as the subject for many of my paintings.

The wonderful city of Chicago . . .














We spent the next day in Chicago, strolling up and down Michigan Avenue, and taking in some of the cool art installations in Millenium Park, like The Cloudgate, more informally known as "The Bean," as well as the famous Crown Fountain.

The Bean














I would have to say that The Cloudgate is one of the coolest things I have ever seen. It's made of stainless steel plates forged seamlessly together, which creates the mirror-like surface that it has. Awesome.

I think it's high time that I sit down and get caught up on posting here. Lots to show and share as new pieces are being created. I'm also backtracking a bit, and uploading some of the preliminary steps I take to complete a work. So, below, you'll find some process work that was done for my past pieces. Keep checking back throughout the week to see some new things!

"Louise"
20" x 30" Acrylic on board

I did this portrait of my great-aunt in the quest to focus on evoking a mood, and telling a story through portraiture, as well as just for the sheer pleasure of going back to my photorealism roots. Portraiture has always been one of my first loves, and I always jump at the chance to do it when the opportunity arises. Hope you enjoy.

"The Guests" - Allegory of the Five Senses SOLD
40" x 30" Acrylic on canvas

Completed this past June, this painting is an addition to my current series of works that symbolically fuse various ideas and subject matter, and is one of my many pieces that serve as a representation of my interest in symbolism. With this particular painting, my aim was to take different subject matter and juxtapose it all in a way that ultimately created a metaphor for the five senses. The task of picking and choosing various elements to put in a painting, and then the challenge of taking those elements and using them in a way that creates a cohesive and believable situation, is an imperative part of my message-making process.

This painting is a further exploration of my goal to create images that speak of various issues without being too overt, because I believe that art has to allow room for viewer interpretation. Many of the visual stories I create are left open-ended, because I wish to encourage interaction from the viewer. Thus, while my works are created with an initial idea behind them, I make sure I execute them in such a way that leaves room for viewers to form their own stories and conclusions. The Guests, I feel, is a good example of the things I consider when working on a piece – though it is, in essence, my own interpretation of the five senses, to another it may be a story about something else, despite the fact that the main idea will always be present.

The final color study for "The Guests."

The final value study.

The finalized version of my initial sketch.

"Beyond the Invisible" - Enigma Triptych
24" x 68" Acrylic on masonite

Detail (single piece, 24" x 18")

Detail no.2 (single piece, 24" x 32")

Detail no.3 (single piece, 24" x 18")

Well, I'm finally sitting down to update this blog, which I've been neglecting for quite a while. Above you will find some new work that I've recently completed, along with some preliminary studies that helped finalize the process. Hope you enjoy, and, as usual, I welcome any feedback that you may have. Thanks!

"Superstition" - 24" x 30" - Oil on canvas

Detail

Detail no.2

"Within" - 36" x 24" - Acrylic on canvas

This is a painting I just completed as part of a body of work. From time to time I may post images of these new, longer-term works, as well as works-in-progress. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail. I always welcome comments and feedback :)

I am happy to announce that this piece ended up being accepted into the 2007 Art Kudos International Art Competition and Exhibition. Selections were made from nearly 1500 works of art submitted by 499 artists representing 33 countries. A total of 110 works of art were chosen for the exhibition. You can click here to view it online.

Detail

Detail no.2

Detail no.3