"What kind of artist are you?"

This is the question that i frequently am asked when i talk about my work. I find it more than challenging to give my response. I‘m a painter that works from direct observation and photos…trying to capture what is before me with the most meaningful brush strokes. A confident brush stroke to me is much more exciting that an overthought one. More and more i’m drawn to very large canvas sizes …moving from representational work to abstraction. It’s been very seductive to get lost in the lusciousness of oil paint. Letting my hands move freely across the vast surfaces, watching the interactions of the beautiful colors. It’s an experiment each time I start a new piece…the uncertainty is what fuels the excitement.

Abstraction: What is True for You?

The Art Guild of Port Washington held “ Abstraction: What is True for You?” , a juried competition and exhibition. My painting “ Superficial Information” was awarded top prize . Keven Larkin , artist and President of B. J. Spoke Gallery was the judge for this show. Kevin is a very talented artist and teacher and his recognition of my work was a wonderful honor.

"Stan and his Clan" Stan Brodsky and his Students at the Bryant Library

Stan Brodsky is a hugely talented contemporary artist….but this show celebrates his journey as a generous teacher and mentor. A few members of this group have been together for 30 years. I feel fortunate to be included in this talented bunch . We meet once a month to share all things artful.

Casting Shadows Exhibition

I was so happy to have work accepted for the Casting Shadows exhibit at The Art Guild . Lana Ballot was the judge for this show and my piece “ Looking North” was awarded second place for its subtle use of beautiful color and its composition of light and darks.

Roslyn Village Gallery Exhibition

Thank you to gallery owner Marsha Tarlow for the opportunity to exhibit in her September show. This wonderful Long Island gallery is a gem for the community and Marsha is a huge supporter of local artists.

Going Green

April brings showers or a wonderful art exhibition at The Art Guild in Port Washington. This show was a celebration of all things green in honor of our dear friend Myra Fox...a talented artist and nature lover. I was very excited that my painting "Say it like you mean it" was awarded first prize. Not so much because it received the top award, but because an ABSTRACT took top honors. It was a kind of validation that moving in different directions as artists can lead to new growth. When someone asks what kind of painter I am, I find it difficult to answer. It's like being asked what is your favorite food.... do I like just one thing?  I'm enjoying this artful journey not knowing what is next. 

Embracing Risk

It was wonderful to exhibit at the Bryant Library in Roslyn for the months of February and March. I was part of a group show entitled " Embracing Risk".  Six contemporary women art makers came together to put their latest pieces on display.  We have been creating art together once a week and we wanted to share the creative energy that we feel together. The following statement is the one I wrote for the show and hence our title.

"Creating art is a deeply personal journey. As abstract art makers, we are not guided by visual references while creating. We are expressing something within ourselves that evolves with the first move on the canvas. The path is uncertain and many times leads us into unfamiliar territory. The challenge is to go where you have not been…to take the viewer with you.  We embrace the risk of abstraction…the vulnerability of exposure."

Our show was well received and we had a very large group for the opening reception. My work from this show led to more inquiries about my art and a sale. I was very happy to hear that viewers who said they did not connect with "abstract" art were taken in by mine. 

Blogger Judy Epstein, who covered the event for TheIslandNow.com noted: "The way Kazickas described her artistic process, it was like flinging herself into empty space and finding out — to her surprise and relief — that there was actually something there. A sort of psychic “mosh pit” of creativity."

My artist statement from this show:

"Everything always had to be in perfect order growing up… shoes lined up on the closet floor and clothes neatly folded and in their place.  It has taken me many years to understand and embrace disorder and even chaos. My paintings are pieces that evolve.. layers of paint and hours of uncertainty.  Putting paint down and wiping off are all part of the process. I am strongly influenced by Mother Nature’s unrivaled and unpredictable beauty…especially her vast display of light, color, texture and movement. Flying with my husband in his small plane over the East Coast has been a constant source of inspiration … with a very different perspective. It’s not necessary to see something in my work… I’m hoping for an emotional response to the beauty and sensuality that is oil paint."

You can read more about the event on TheIslandNow here. 

How it all Started

Following my talented daughter's lead, I started taking art classes. I have always loved art. My History of Art elective at the University of Michigan was one of the most thought provoking subjects in my black and white  pre med curriculum. I have been fortunate these last 12 years to learn from some very talented artists and teachers. Howard Rose is someone who has guided me from the very beginning... one of the reasons that I continue to explore and try new things each time I pick up a brush. Thank you Howard for helping me sharpen my visual IQ.  Painting is all about seeing....truly finding the extraordinary in front of us all. 

It's never too late to find your passion.... I'm a late bloomer and loving the path of exploration. Painting is my passion and when I paint there is no separation between myself and my work...