Today we’d like to introduce you to Josie Koznarek.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Like most artists, I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. I grew up constantly drawing on paper, on walls, on myself, literally anywhere with a blank surface. I never thought art could be a sustainable career for me, which is why I initially went to college for music before switching to graphic design. It’s only within the last year that doors started opening for me, helping me realize “oh wait… maybe fine art is actually a sustainable career path, and maybe it’s the career path for me.” And here I am!
Please tell us about your art.
This is a hard question to answer, because my artwork covers so many different themes and topics. Art for me is all about exploration, discovery, self-improvement, and fun. It flows out of whatever facet of life is inspiring me at the moment. I recently finished an art series titled “Cool Girl” that was equally inspired by Pinterest, traditional animation cells, and Roy Lichtenstein. Right now, marine animals are really holding my attention, especially the ones that live below 500 meters in depth. I haven’t touched oil paint since I was 10 years old, so I just bought some tubes of paint and turpentine and have been going to town on some canvases I had at home. Learning and exploring the world around me through art gives me such joy and life, and I hope that those who enjoy my art enjoy the journeys I go on as much as I do!
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Make sure to dip your toes into the local scene. Chicago is one of the best cities to hit up small-time galleries and concerts. Oftentimes it will be some of your own friends that ask you to come to the open mic, the drag competition, or the local gallery they’re participating in. Keep your ear to the ground for those announcements and make room for the time it takes to go support them and the other people who make those events run! And by making an effort to go support the local scene, you’ll find the other passionate artists who are taking the same time out of their day as you are.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
The best way to keep up with me is through my Instagram @jkoznarek. Almost all my work gets posted there, and I usually announce whatever upcoming event I’ll be part of there as well. If you see a work of mine you like on Instagram, feel free to shoot me a direct message. All of the pieces I create are for sale if they haven’t been sold already!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jkoznarek.com
- Email: jkoznarek@gmail.com
- Instagram: @jkoznarek
- Twitter: @jkoznarek
Image Credit:
All images Copyright of Josie Koznarek.
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
